Once you bypass the error, you may find that buttons are mis-mapped. PES 2016's internal controller settings are rigid. Here is the standard mapping for Xbox-style controllers:
If your triggers or sticks are reversed, go to Settings.exe (the separate launcher in the PES 2016 folder, not the Steam launcher) and remap them manually. Do not rely on Steam's generic "Gamepad" template—use the "Keyboard (WASD) + Mouse" template and assign joystick axes manually.
Sometimes the game creates a corrupt configuration file that locks it into a "keyboard only" state.
In rare cases, a corrupted registry key from previous controller installations causes the error. This fix addresses the system link that Windows uses to identify controllers.
Warning: Edit the registry only if you are confident.
Step 1: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\MediaProperties\PrivateProperties\Joystick\OEM
Step 3: Look for folders with strange names (e.g., VID_045E&PID_028E). Delete any that refer to controllers you no longer use.
Step 4: Restart your PC.
Step 5: Reconnect only the controller you intend to use for PES 2016 and apply Fix #1.
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.
The "could not be located" error is rarely a hardware fault. It is almost always a software handshaking issue between the aging PES engine and Steam's modern controller API. Disabling Steam Input (Method 1) is the most consistent fix for modern Steam setups.
This is a known issue with Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 (PES 2016) on Steam. The error usually appears when the game cannot detect the Steam Overlay or the specific controller configuration files required to run it.
Here is a step-by-step guide to resolving the "Controller could not be located" error.
If you have a non-Steam or cracked version (though not recommended):
If you have a steering wheel, fight stick, or multiple gamepads plugged in, PES 2016 often tries to assign Player 1 to the wrong device.
Once you bypass the error, you may find that buttons are mis-mapped. PES 2016's internal controller settings are rigid. Here is the standard mapping for Xbox-style controllers:
If your triggers or sticks are reversed, go to Settings.exe (the separate launcher in the PES 2016 folder, not the Steam launcher) and remap them manually. Do not rely on Steam's generic "Gamepad" template—use the "Keyboard (WASD) + Mouse" template and assign joystick axes manually.
Sometimes the game creates a corrupt configuration file that locks it into a "keyboard only" state.
In rare cases, a corrupted registry key from previous controller installations causes the error. This fix addresses the system link that Windows uses to identify controllers. pes 2016 steam controller could not be located link
Warning: Edit the registry only if you are confident.
Step 1: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\MediaProperties\PrivateProperties\Joystick\OEM
Step 3: Look for folders with strange names (e.g., VID_045E&PID_028E). Delete any that refer to controllers you no longer use.
Step 4: Restart your PC.
Step 5: Reconnect only the controller you intend to use for PES 2016 and apply Fix #1.
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. Once you bypass the error, you may find
Here are the three most effective methods to resolve this, ranked from easiest to most advanced.
The "could not be located" error is rarely a hardware fault. It is almost always a software handshaking issue between the aging PES engine and Steam's modern controller API. Disabling Steam Input (Method 1) is the most consistent fix for modern Steam setups.
This is a known issue with Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 (PES 2016) on Steam. The error usually appears when the game cannot detect the Steam Overlay or the specific controller configuration files required to run it. If your triggers or sticks are reversed, go to Settings
Here is a step-by-step guide to resolving the "Controller could not be located" error.
If you have a non-Steam or cracked version (though not recommended):
If you have a steering wheel, fight stick, or multiple gamepads plugged in, PES 2016 often tries to assign Player 1 to the wrong device.