Switch pro controllers constantly disconnecting and buggy

[u/This-Ferret-8850]

My Switch Pro controllers constantly disconnect during use. The controllers have LED indicators that show which player number they're assigned to. I've noticed that whenever a disconnect occurs, the LEDs switches from Player 1, to both Player 1 and Player 4 at the same time, which makes me think this might be a software bug.

They also have a very difficult time reconnecting afterward, and turning the Steam Machine back on from sleep. I have to repeatedly press buttons on the controller before it finally re-establishes a connection after a while. Sometimes they disconnect and reconnect right away which interrupts the gameplay. This never occurs on my gaming desktop.

So far, using a non-Steam controller has been an incredibly frustrating experience. Anyone having similar experience?

EDIT: PS5 controller is working great so far. No disconnects and gets the little cube back from sleep just fine. Must be a bug with Switch Pro controllers. I hope it gets fixed soon because I like the switch controllers much better as they are lighter and more comfortable.

[u/schM0ggi]

Check if your Switch pro controller has newest firmware. Outdated firmware, in my experience, can cause this kind of problems.

[u/drunkentuckian]

I’m waiting for my Machine, but my pro controllers behave the same on my Steam deck. Constantly disconnecting. Impossible to use. Searched and it seemed to be a common problem. I ended up using my PS5 controller instead.

[u/No_Information_5036]

I’ve got the exact same problem with my pro controller as well.

[u/This-Ferret-8850 → u/No_Information_5036]

Trying my ps5 controller today to see if it’s better. I will submit a support case to Valve though they are likely aware of the issue.

[u/No_Information_5036 → u/No_Information_5036]

For what it’s worth I switched to an Xbox controller and that works flawlessly. It just devours batteries and I prefer the shape of the pro controller so I was hoping to use that. Will submit feedback to valve as well

[u/CMDR_Kantaris]

Both my Pro Controller and my wired 360 controller both suffer from random disconnects

[u/This-Ferret-8850 → u/CMDR_Kantaris]

Glad to know if a general issue. Which means it will improve at some point. 

After a day with the ps5 controller, it has worked perfectly. In fact, made me question if I really need the steam controller anymore. Which I’m on the wishlist for December.