How to fix Steam Deck mouse bug in CSGO, Apex Legends
The Steam Deck is great, but a long list of first-person shooters including Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Apex Legends, and more have a frustrating bug that causes the mouse to point straight up or down. Thankfully, there’s an easy fix.
Valve’s latest piece of gaming hardware is presented as a mobile gaming device, allowing people to play anything from Stardew Valley to Elden Ring on the go. But at its core, the Steam Deck is a PC that just happens to boot directly into a modified version of Steam Big Picture. This is a winning formula in many ways, but it does result in trouble for certain situations.
One of those troubles arises when using the Steam Deck as a desktop PC. If the Steam Deck is controlled with a mouse and keyboard connected by Bluetooth or USB, the mouse doesn’t work properly. When playing CSGO, Apex Legends, or other similar games on Steam Deck, a bug involving the mouse forces the player’s perspective to be locked straight up or down.
So how can players fix this? Thankfully, it’s a very simple solution even though it’s not particularly obvious.
How to fix Steam Deck mouse bug in games like CSGO, Apex Legends, and Battlefield
Players can fix the Steam Deck mouse bug in CSGO, Apex Legends, and Battlefield by launching the game in desktop mode.
The
Steam Deck
is an actual PC despite masquerading as a pure gaming device. This includes the ability to get out of the Steam OS and go directly into its Linux desktop. This can be done by pressing the Steam button, scrolling down to “Power,” and selecting “Switch to Desktop.” From there, users can open the Steam app and open the game as though they were on their regular PC. This fixes the mouse bug.
Here’s the step-by-step solution.
- Close any open games
- Press Steam button
- Navigate to “Power” and select “Switch to Desktop”
- Open Steam through desktop
- Open Steam Library, select and open the preferred game
This is somewhat annoying but is completely effective, allowing players to enjoy first-person shooters on the Steam Deck similar to a desktop PC. Players can play with a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard on the Steam Deck’s screen, or they can use a USB-C hub to connect wired devices and a monitor.
There’s a chance that the Steam Deck mouse bug will be patched out, allowing players to enjoy CSGO and Apex Legends without the extra steps. For now though, desktop mode is the saving grace for Steam Deck owners.
Steven Rondina
About Steven Rondina
Steven Rondina is a true lifelong gamer. His earliest memories are of playing video games, and he has continued playing them throughout his life with no plans to stop any time soon. Steven’s favorite franchises in gaming include Pokemon, Dark Souls, and Counter-Strike. He has previously published with Bleacher Report and other gaming outlets.
View full profile
Read Also
Counter-Strike
XSE Pro League 2026 in China: Teams, format and prize pool
Owen Harsono
Counter-Strike is back after the IEM Cologne Major, as the XSE Pro League 2026 is the first notable event since then. 16 teams book flights to China to compete in the million-dollar event. Here’s everything you need to know about the XSE Pro League 2026 event. Top-tier Counter-Strike returns to the passionate grounds of China, as the event will take place in the city of Guangzhou. Teams will play in ...
Esports Betting
Will Valve add Cache in the CS2 Premier Season 5 Active Duty map pool?
Wasif Ahmed
Following the highly anticipated return of Cache to Counter-Strike 2 earlier this season, the competitive community has almost started believing that the legendary industrial map would soon make its way into the Active Duty map pool for Premier Season 5. This expectation followed a pattern set by Train, which Valve brought back late last year before quickly pushing it into the main professional tournament rotation. However, in a recent Twitter ...
Counter-Strike
IEM Cologne Grand Final: Team Falcons vs FURIA best betting predictions
Owen Harsono
Coming into the IEM Cologne Major, nobody would have expected a grand final series between Team Falcons and FURIA, but here we are. Will NiKo finally win his first Major, or will FalleN win another one before retiring at the end of the year? Here are our IEM Cologne Major Grand Final predictions. Tournament: IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage: Grand Final Game: Counter-Strike 2 Format: Best-of-five Betting tip: Team Falcons ...
Counter-Strike
Team Spirit vs Team Falcons IEM Cologne Major: betting predictions and picks
Owen Harsono
We’re in for a treat, as Team Spirit will take on Team Falcons for a spot in the IEM Cologne Major grand final. Will NiKo finally get another shot at winning a Major, or will donk and company prevent him from accomplishing his lifelong goal? Here are our IEM Cologne Major Team Spirit vs Team Falcons predictions. Tournament: IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage: Semi-Final Game: Counter-Strike 2 Format: Best-of-three Betting ...
Counter-Strike
Vitality vs Falcons betting predictions and best picks: IEM Cologne Major 2026
Owen Harsono
We’re treated to a possible grand final matchup here in the quarterfinal of the IEM Cologne Major, with Team Vitality taking on Team Falcons in an elimination match. These are two of the highest-profile teams in the game right now, but only one of them can continue their chase for the trophy. Here are our IEM Cologne Major Team Vitality vs Team Falcons predictions. Tournament: IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage: ...
Counter-Strike
IEM Cologne Major 2026 playoffs preview: matchups & predictions
Owen Harsono
The top eight teams at the IEM Cologne 2026 Major are set. Most of the favorites easily secured their spots, but we also have promising underdogs sneaking into the bracket. To keep you up to speed, here’s everything you need to know about the IEM Cologne Major playoffs. We started with 32 teams and are now only down to eight. After a grueling Stage 3, teams have been seeded into ...
Counter-Strike
IEM Cologne Major 2026 CS2 Playoffs Pick’Em Predictions
Owen Harsono
It’s that time of the year again, as the next Counter-Strike 2 Major is right around the corner. The IEM Cologne 2026 Major is set to start on June 2, meaning you still have some time to lock in your Pick’Em predictions. The Pick’Em Challenge is one of the most exciting parts of the CS2 Majors, as it allows you to test your knowledge and predict which teams make it ...
