PES 2016 stores controller configurations in an editable text file. You can manually force the game to use your controller by editing Settings.dat.
Steps:
Finding your Vendor/Product ID: Open Device Manager > Human Interface Devices > Right-click your gamepad > Properties > Details > Hardware IDs. You'll see a string like VID_045E&PID_028E.
Introduction: A Frustrating Throwback
For fans of football simulation games, Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 (PES 2016) remains a high-water mark for gameplay realism. However, PC gamers who try to revisit this classic often run into a notorious technical wall. You launch the game via Steam, anticipation building, only to be greeted by a cryptic error message: "Controller could not be located. Connect the Steam Controller to play PES 2016."
This is confusing for two reasons. First, you might not even own a Steam Controller. Second, your standard Xbox, PlayStation, or generic gamepad works perfectly in every other Steam game. Why is PES 2016 demanding a device that was discontinued in 2019?
This article provides a definitive guide to understanding why this error occurs and, more importantly, how to bypass it. We will cover the root cause, five proven solutions, and how to future-proof your setup for other legacy titles.
If both Steam-native fixes fail, your last resort is x360ce (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator). This tool creates a fake DLL link between your generic controller and the game.
Step 1: Download x360ce (64-bit version) from the official GitHub.
Step 2: Extract the x360ce.exe into your PES 2016 installation folder (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Pro Evolution Soccer 2016\).
Step 3: Run x360ce as administrator. It will automatically detect your controller.
Step 4: Let it create the xinput1_3.dll file. This file acts as the missing link.
Step 5: In x360ce settings, ensure "Enable Controller" is checked and your inputs are mapped.
Step 6: Save the configuration.
Step 7: Launch PES 2016 directly from the .exe file (not via Steam Play button) or via Steam with Steam Input disabled.
Important Note: Some antivirus software flags x360ce as a threat – it is a false positive. It simply redirects controller input.
If Solution 1 fails (common with cracked or non-Steam versions of the game), you can use a third-party emulator called x360ce (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator).
Steps:
Note: Many antivirus programs flag x360ce as a false positive. It is safe, but you may need to add an exception.
If the error specifically mentions a "link" or if clicking "Play" does nothing before giving the error, your Steam shortcut might be broken.
1. Check Anti-Virus Exclusions
PES 2016 is an older game. Some modern antivirus software deletes the .exe file because it contains outdated DRM (SecuROM/Denuvo) which flags as "suspicious."
2. Force Borderless Windowed Mode
Sometimes the controller link fails because the game crashes instantly upon switching to fullscreen.
Here are the five most effective methods to bypass the "Steam Controller could not be located" error, ranked from simplest to most technical.
This error usually occurs because PES 2016 is an older game that relies on DirectX 9 controller inputs, while modern Steam and Windows updates prioritize XInput (Xbox-style controllers). The game essentially fails to "see" the controller handshake.
Here are the three most effective methods to resolve this, ranked from easiest to most advanced.
Warning: Do not click random links from YouTube descriptions or forum posts promising “PES 2016 controller fix download.” Many contain malware. Below are safe, official links.
| Resource | Link (conceptual) | Purpose |
|----------|------------------|---------|
| Steam Support (Controller) | help.steampowered.com → Search “Controller not detected” | Official Steam troubleshooting |
| x360ce Official | x360ce.com | Emulator for older games |
| PES 2016 Steam Community Hub | steamcommunity.com/app/375960 | User guides & discussions |
| PES 2016 PC Settings | Inside game folder → settings.exe | Direct controller configuration |
Pes 2016 Steam Controller Could Not Be Located Link Official
PES 2016 stores controller configurations in an editable text file. You can manually force the game to use your controller by editing Settings.dat.
Steps:
Finding your Vendor/Product ID: Open Device Manager > Human Interface Devices > Right-click your gamepad > Properties > Details > Hardware IDs. You'll see a string like VID_045E&PID_028E.
Introduction: A Frustrating Throwback
For fans of football simulation games, Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 (PES 2016) remains a high-water mark for gameplay realism. However, PC gamers who try to revisit this classic often run into a notorious technical wall. You launch the game via Steam, anticipation building, only to be greeted by a cryptic error message: "Controller could not be located. Connect the Steam Controller to play PES 2016."
This is confusing for two reasons. First, you might not even own a Steam Controller. Second, your standard Xbox, PlayStation, or generic gamepad works perfectly in every other Steam game. Why is PES 2016 demanding a device that was discontinued in 2019?
This article provides a definitive guide to understanding why this error occurs and, more importantly, how to bypass it. We will cover the root cause, five proven solutions, and how to future-proof your setup for other legacy titles.
If both Steam-native fixes fail, your last resort is x360ce (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator). This tool creates a fake DLL link between your generic controller and the game.
Step 1: Download x360ce (64-bit version) from the official GitHub.
Step 2: Extract the x360ce.exe into your PES 2016 installation folder (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Pro Evolution Soccer 2016\).
Step 3: Run x360ce as administrator. It will automatically detect your controller.
Step 4: Let it create the xinput1_3.dll file. This file acts as the missing link.
Step 5: In x360ce settings, ensure "Enable Controller" is checked and your inputs are mapped.
Step 6: Save the configuration.
Step 7: Launch PES 2016 directly from the .exe file (not via Steam Play button) or via Steam with Steam Input disabled.
Important Note: Some antivirus software flags x360ce as a threat – it is a false positive. It simply redirects controller input.
If Solution 1 fails (common with cracked or non-Steam versions of the game), you can use a third-party emulator called x360ce (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator).
Steps:
Note: Many antivirus programs flag x360ce as a false positive. It is safe, but you may need to add an exception.
If the error specifically mentions a "link" or if clicking "Play" does nothing before giving the error, your Steam shortcut might be broken.
1. Check Anti-Virus Exclusions
PES 2016 is an older game. Some modern antivirus software deletes the .exe file because it contains outdated DRM (SecuROM/Denuvo) which flags as "suspicious."
2. Force Borderless Windowed Mode
Sometimes the controller link fails because the game crashes instantly upon switching to fullscreen.
Here are the five most effective methods to bypass the "Steam Controller could not be located" error, ranked from simplest to most technical.
This error usually occurs because PES 2016 is an older game that relies on DirectX 9 controller inputs, while modern Steam and Windows updates prioritize XInput (Xbox-style controllers). The game essentially fails to "see" the controller handshake.
Here are the three most effective methods to resolve this, ranked from easiest to most advanced.
Warning: Do not click random links from YouTube descriptions or forum posts promising “PES 2016 controller fix download.” Many contain malware. Below are safe, official links.
| Resource | Link (conceptual) | Purpose |
|----------|------------------|---------|
| Steam Support (Controller) | help.steampowered.com → Search “Controller not detected” | Official Steam troubleshooting |
| x360ce Official | x360ce.com | Emulator for older games |
| PES 2016 Steam Community Hub | steamcommunity.com/app/375960 | User guides & discussions |
| PES 2016 PC Settings | Inside game folder → settings.exe | Direct controller configuration |
