Connect Different-Brand Controllers for Co-op on PC (September 2026)

Yes, you can absolutely connect two different-brand controllers for local co-op on PC. Whether you want to pair an Xbox controller with a PlayStation DualSense, or mix a Switch Pro Controller with an 8BitDo gamepad, Windows supports multiple controller types at the same time. I’ve been running mixed-brand setups for couch co-op sessions for years, and it works surprisingly well once you know the steps.

This guide covers exactly how to connect two different-brand controllers for local co-op on PC using both wired USB and wireless Bluetooth methods. You’ll also learn how to configure Steam Input for mixed controllers and troubleshoot common issues when things don’t go as planned.

How Mixed-Brand Controller Connections Work on PC

Windows handles different controllers through two main input APIs: XInput and DirectInput. XInput is the standard used by Xbox controllers and most modern gamepads, while DirectInput covers older and third-party controllers. Modern versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 handle both APIs simultaneously, which is why you can connect controllers from different manufacturers without conflicts.

When you plug in or pair a controller, Windows assigns it a player number automatically. The first controller gets Player 1, the second gets Player 2, and so on. Windows supports up to four controllers connected at the same time via USB or Bluetooth combined.

Steam Input adds another layer of compatibility by normalizing different controller types into a unified input system. This is especially helpful when mixing brands, as Steam can translate PlayStation inputs into Xbox inputs (or vice versa) so games recognize both controllers correctly.

Step 1: Connect Controllers via USB (Wired Method)

USB is the simplest and most reliable way to connect two different-brand controllers. There’s no pairing process, no Bluetooth interference, and zero latency issues. Here’s how to set it up:

For Xbox Controllers:

• Plug the USB-C cable (or micro-USB for older models) into your PC
• Windows will automatically install the driver
• The Xbox button will light up when connected

For PlayStation Controllers:

• Connect the DualShock 4 or DualSense via USB-C cable
• Windows recognizes it as a generic gamepad
• The controller light bar turns on when connected

For Switch Pro Controller:

• Use a USB-C cable to connect directly to your PC
• Windows sees it as a Pro Controller
• Steam Input handles the button mapping

For Third-Party Controllers (8BitDo, PowerA, etc.):

• Connect via the included USB cable
• Most work as XInput devices automatically
• If not detected, switch the controller to XInput mode (usually a button combo)

Once both controllers are connected via USB, they should appear in Windows immediately. No additional software is required for basic functionality. This is the method I recommend for anyone new to mixed-brand controller setups since it avoids the potential complications of wireless connections.

Step 2: Connect Controllers via Bluetooth (Wireless Method)

Bluetooth gives you the freedom to play without cables, though pairing different brands requires a few extra steps. Here’s how to connect each controller type wirelessly on Windows 11 and Windows 10:

Pairing an Xbox Controller:

1. Press and hold the Xbox button to turn on the controller
2. Press and hold the Pair button on top until the Xbox button flashes rapidly
3. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Add device > Bluetooth
4. Select “Xbox Wireless Controller” from the list

Pairing a PlayStation Controller:

1. Press and hold the Share/Create and PS buttons simultaneously until the light bar flashes
2. In Windows Bluetooth settings, click Add device > Bluetooth
3. Select “Wireless Controller” (DualShock 4) or “DualSense Wireless Controller”

Pairing a Switch Pro Controller:

1. Press and hold the small Pairing button on top of the controller until the lights flash
2. In Windows Bluetooth settings, add a new Bluetooth device
3. Select “Pro Controller” from the available devices

You can pair up to seven Bluetooth devices to your PC, though practical limits are usually around four controllers for gaming. If you experience connection drops with multiple wireless controllers, consider using one wired and one Bluetooth connection to reduce bandwidth strain.

Setting Up Mixed Controllers in Steam

Steam Input is the best tool for making different-brand controllers work together seamlessly. It translates inputs from various controller types into a unified format that games understand. Here’s how to configure it:

1. Open Steam and go to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings
2. Check the boxes for the controller types you’re using (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro)
3. Enable “Guide Button Focuses Steam” if you want the home button to open Steam Overlay
4. Click each detected controller to configure its individual layout

For games that don’t natively support mixed controllers, Steam Input handles the conversion automatically. An Xbox controller will send standard Xbox inputs, while a PlayStation controller gets its inputs translated to match. This means both players see the correct button prompts in-game, even when using different brands.

If a game doesn’t recognize one of your controllers, right-click the game in your Steam library, select Properties > Controller, and set the override to “Enable Steam Input” for that specific game. This forces Steam to manage all controller inputs rather than letting the game handle them directly.

How to Verify Both Controllers Are Working

Before launching a game, confirm that Windows detects both controllers. Here’s how:

1. Right-click the Start button and select “Settings”
2. Navigate to Bluetooth and devices > Devices
3. Both controllers should appear in the device list
4. Open the Game Controllers settings by searching “joy.cpl” in the Start menu
5. Both controllers should appear in the Game Controllers window
6. Select each controller and click Properties to test button inputs

In the Properties window, you’ll see a visual representation of the controller. Press buttons and move the sticks to verify that inputs are registering correctly. If both controllers respond in this test, they’re ready for local co-op gaming.

Troubleshooting Mixed-Brand Controller Issues

Running into problems with your mixed-brand setup? Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

Second controller not detected:

• Try a different USB port or cable
• Disconnect and reconnect the controller
• Update the controller firmware through Xbox Accessories app (for Xbox) or the manufacturer’s software
• Restart your PC with both controllers connected

Controllers conflicting with each other:

• If both controllers control Player 1, the game may not support multiple controllers natively
• Enable Steam Input for the specific game to force proper player assignment
• Some older games need a third-party tool like ReWASD to properly separate controller inputs

Bluetooth connection drops during gameplay:

• Make sure your PC’s Bluetooth adapter supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher
• Reduce distance between controllers and PC
• Remove other Bluetooth devices that might interfere (headphones, speakers)
• Consider using a USB Bluetooth adapter for better signal strength

Wrong button prompts showing in-game:

• Enable Steam Input configuration for the game
• Some games show Xbox prompts by default regardless of controller type
• Check in-game settings for an option to switch button prompt display

Best Local Co-op Games That Support Mixed Controllers

Not all games handle multiple controllers equally well. Here are some excellent local co-op games that work great with mixed-brand controller setups on PC:

Top picks for mixed controllers:

• It Takes Two – Designed for two players, works flawlessly with any controller combination
• Overcooked 2 – Supports up to four controllers with native mixed-brand support
• Stardew Valley – Local co-op with flexible controller support
• Cuphead – Two-player co-op works with any gamepad combination
• Portal 2 – Split-screen co-op supports mixed input devices
• Lego games (any) – All Lego titles handle multiple controllers well
• Rocket League – Split-screen with full controller freedom
• Diablo III – Up to four players with native multi-controller support

Most modern co-op games on Steam work with mixed controllers out of the box. Older titles or games from smaller studios sometimes need Steam Input enabled to function properly with different brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Connecting two different-brand controllers for local co-op on PC is not only possible — it’s easy. Whether you’re combining an Xbox controller with a PlayStation DualSense, or mixing in a Switch Pro Controller, Windows handles multiple controller types without any special software. USB connections give you the simplest plug-and-play experience, while Bluetooth offers wireless freedom for couch gaming. Steam Input takes things further by normalizing all controller types so games work correctly with mixed brands. Now grab a friend, connect your controllers, and start playing some couch co-op.