No Controller Detected After Drop

Hi there,

It sounds like the drop may have caused some internal connection issues with your Steam Deck, particularly with the controller components. The fact that the touchscreen is still working suggests that the device is functional, but the physical controls might have been dislodged or damaged during the fall. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:

1. Check for Loose Connections:

• Power Down the Device:

Before doing anything, make sure your Steam Deck is completely powered off to avoid any electrical issues.

• Reopen the Back Cover:

Carefully unscrew the back panel again and gently inspect the connections, especially around the controller area. Look for any loose cables, connectors, or obvious signs of damage.

• Secure the Ribbon Cables:

The physical controls on the Steam Deck are connected via ribbon cables. These can sometimes become loose or disconnected after a drop. Ensure that all ribbon cables are securely attached to the motherboard and other components. You may need to carefully unplug and replug them to ensure a firm connection.

Inspect for Physical Damage:

While inside, check for any cracked or broken components, especially around the controller areas. Even if connections appear secure, a cracked component could cause issues with responsiveness.

2. Test the Device:

• After ensuring that everything is properly connected, reassemble the device and power it on.
• Test the physical controls again. If they are still unresponsive, there may be a more serious internal issue that isn’t easily visible.

3. Perform a Soft Reset:

• Sometimes, a soft reset can help reinitialize the hardware components.
• To do this, hold down the Power button for about 12 seconds until the Steam Deck turns off completely.
• Power it back on and check if the controls have started working.

4. Software Check:

• If the hardware appears intact, but the controls are still unresponsive, it’s worth checking if the issue is software-related.
• Connect a mouse and use the touchscreen to navigate to Settings > System > System Update to ensure your Steam Deck is running the latest firmware.
• Also, check under Settings > Controller Settings to see if the device is recognizing the built-in controller.

5. Professional Repair:

If you’ve tried all the above and the physical controls are still not working, it’s possible that the impact from the drop has caused internal damage that requires professional repair.

Contact Steam Support or an authorized repair service to get your device inspected and repaired. Be sure to mention the drop when you contact them, as this will help in diagnosing the issue.

Best of luck, and I hope your Steam Deck is back to full functionality soon!