Possible to use gamepad to switch my PC from desktop to steam big picture on my tv?

Streamlining Your PC Gaming Experience: Using a Gamepad to Switch to Steam Big Picture Mode on Your TV

Many gamers seek a seamless transition between their desktop environment and a dedicated gaming setup on the TV. If you’re using an Xbox Series X controller connected via USB to your PC, you might wonder whether it’s possible to simplify the process of switching to Steam’s Big Picture Mode—ideally, with a single button press.

Current Workflow Challenges

Traditionally, transitioning from your desktop to a TV-based gaming environment involves several manual steps:

• Switching the audio output from desktop speakers to the TV.
• Adjusting display settings or disconnecting/reconnecting displays.
• Turning off certain utilities such as Night Light to enhance visual clarity.
• Launching Steam’s Big Picture Mode through the client interface.

These steps can interrupt your gaming flow and detract from the immersive experience you desire.

The Goal: One-Button Transition

Your aim is to automate this process so that pressing the Xbox Guide button on your controller initiates all necessary actions—switching audio, adjusting display settings, and launching Steam in Big Picture Mode—without navigating through menus.

Is It Possible?

While there isn’t an out-of-the-box solution that accomplishes this exact workflow seamlessly, modern Windows customization tools and scripting can help you achieve a near-automated experience.

Potential Solutions

1. Using Steam Link and Remote Play: Although more suited for remote streaming, this method can sometimes simplify the transition but may not directly address local display and audio switching.

2. Windows Shortcut and Scripting: Creating scripts (using PowerShell or AutoHotkey) that automate:

3. Changing audio output via system commands.
4. Launching Steam in Big Picture Mode.

5. Adjusting display settings.

6. Gamepad Input Remapping Tools: Tools like AntiMicro or Joy2Key can map controller buttons to keyboard shortcuts or scripts, enabling the Guide button to trigger these scripts.

7. Combining with System Hotkeys: Assign hotkeys for switching audio and launching Big Picture Mode, then assign your controller button to these hotkeys via remapping tools.

8. Enhanced Solutions with Custom Firmware or Middleware: Advanced users may explore creating custom middleware, which intercepts controller input to trigger a series of actions.

Practical Approach

A common strategy involves setting up an AutoHotkey script that, when triggered, performs the necessary steps:

• Switches audio output to the TV