As mainly a console gamer over the years, I’ve become quite used to playing with a controller that has vibration. I feel that this is one thing the Deck is missing out on.

So I’m wondering if it’s possible to somehow connect up a small vibration motor (externally) that can be connected to the Deck, and have it recognised as a controller?

Possibly more effort than it’s worth but would be interesting to see if anyone has any ideas.

  • dan1101@lemm.ee
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    11 months ago

    Seems very doable, would just need a custom driver for the built-in controls that implements vibration.

    • OmegaMouse@feddit.ukOP
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      11 months ago

      How difficult would it be create a driver like that? Would someone with virtually no coding experience have any chance?

      • dan1101@lemm.ee
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        11 months ago

        As a programmer that has little to no idea how to program a driver, I think it’s basically zero chance. It would take a LOT of research and learning. Define the problem, choose an appropriate language, choose and install the programming tools, learn how to program a device driver, learn about controller hardware, learn about Linux, learn the programming language, learn about Steam Deck, write code and test probably hundreds or thousands of times. If I were to wildly speculate I’d say it would be several months starting with basically zero knowledge but having time, will, and aptitude.

          • dan1101@lemm.ee
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            11 months ago

            I don’t know LOL. My experience is mostly with Windows, I assume things are different with Linux.

        • OmegaMouse@feddit.ukOP
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          11 months ago

          Ah, I would definitely struggle then! I guess my most realistic options would either be to take apart the Deck and replacing the existing motor with a stronger one, or hope that someone smarter than me has a similar idea and can code a driver

        • OmegaMouse@feddit.ukOP
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          11 months ago

          Thanks for this info. I think a hardware mod and/or software coding for this would be beyond my understanding.

          Something externally plug and play would be amazing, but I doubt such a product exists.

        • OmegaMouse@feddit.ukOP
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          11 months ago

          Great info! I did wonder if something like that would be possible. Will look into this, thanks