steam controller

Meet The Steam Controller

Rumors of a new game controller from Valve are 100% accurate, but we were all expecting them to be. The Steam Controller was officially unveiled this morning in all its shiny black majesty. I’m told Valve already tried selling a Steam Controller ten years ago, but it had haptic touchpads instead of thumbsticks. No wonder I’ve never heard of it.

But this one doesn’t make the same mistakes. It doesn’t reinvent any wheels; you get everything that’s now expected from a game controller in the 2020s: two thumbsticks, a crosspad on the left, four ABXY buttons on the right, four shoulder buttons up top. and some extraneous bonus buttons on the wings that most people will probably never use.

This has apparently been in the works long enough that it’s being revealed JUST ONE WEEK before it goes on sale. Major websites already have their reviews up. IGN gives it a 9 and says “If you’re just looking for a fantastic controller for playing PC games and navigating the desktop in between them, the Steam Controller handles those duties with aplomb.” Other reviews are equally glowing. No one seems to outright hate it.

The real question is, why get a Steam Controller if any console controller will pair to the PC or a Steam Deck just as well? I use my PS4 controller (my PS4 in storage ain’t gonna be needing it), and its touchpad is a perfect replacement for the Deck’s right touchpad, eliminating its one unique feature. I guess it’s really up to you. If you trust the reviews, and you have a hundred dollars to lose, put your order in.

The price of the Steam Controller varies greatly depending on where you live. In America it will cost $99. In Canada, $149. Other countries list the price as €99, £85, $149 AUD and 449 PLN. Conversion rates usually all mean the same price based on the current value of that country’s currency..but not this time, we’re told. This time, some of these countries really ARE paying more, and the basic explanation is “the world is loopy right now.”

Mark your calendars for Star Wars Day, May the 4th, because that’s when the Steam Controller will be with you.

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Avatar of Justin J
Justin J

Active Member

1,070 messages 20 likes

Rumors of a new game controller from Valve are 100% accurate, but we were all expecting them to be. The Steam Controller was officially unveiled this morning in all its […]
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I've always had a soft spot for Valve's innovations, so I'm intrigued by the new Steam Controller. They're usually pretty good at pushing the boundaries of how we interact with games. The original Steam Controller had some unique features that divided opinions, so I’m curious to see how this new iteration will improve on that.

I hope they focus on ergonomics this time around—you can't underestimate how much comfort can enhance the gaming experience! What are you all hoping to see in the new design?

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Avatar of Eddie Balrog
Eddie Balrog

Future Evo Champion

799 messages 19 likes

Feels like a product made to avoid mistakes rather than try something new. The older version sounded experimental, and maybe that did not work for most people. This one goes the opposite way. Everything is familiar, which helps, but also makes it less exciting. The extra buttons do not sound very useful if most players ignore them. Price is another issue. Many already own a working controller, so switching needs a strong reason. Right now, that reason is not clear. Reviews are positive, but they do not always show the full picture. Real users will give better feedback after some time. For now, it looks decent, but not necessary.

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Avatar of Lara
Lara

Member

755 messages 9 likes

Not much here that feels new or exciting. It does the basics, and that is fine, but expectations from Valve are usually higher. Many players already have controllers that connect easily to PC, so this has strong competition. The design being simple is both a strength and a weakness. Easy to use, but easy to ignore. The price makes it harder to take a chance on it. Regional pricing makes it worse for some buyers. That part feels unfair. Overall, it is not a bad product, just not something that stands out.

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Avatar of |Dexter|
|Dexter|

Member

770 messages 32 likes

I actually like the direction here. Not every product needs to be different to be good. Sometimes people just want something reliable that works well. If Valve can deliver a controller that feels solid and connects easily, that is already enough for many players. I also like that it supports desktop navigation, because I use my PC from a distance sometimes. That small detail can make a big difference for me. The price is not cheap, but if the quality is high, I can accept it. I am more concerned about durability. I have had controllers before that started to drift after some months. If Valve can avoid that issue, then I think this could be a strong option for PC gamers.

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Avatar of Drake
Drake

Well-Known Member

969 messages 35 likes

The price difference between countries is what bothers me the most. I understand that currency changes, but the article says some places really pay more, and that does not feel right. Gaming hardware is already expensive, and this makes it harder for players in some regions. About the controller itself, I think it looks fine but not special. I like simple designs, but I also want a reason to upgrade. Right now, I do not see it. Maybe if I did not own any controller, I would consider it. But since I already have one, I will pass for now.

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Avatar of Vaccine Vaccine Vaccine
Vaccine Vaccine Vaccine

New Member

59 messages 1 like

I think this will sell well, even if it is not very different. Many PC players like to keep everything in one system, and this controller fits that idea. If it works smoothly with Steam, that alone can attract people. I also like that it does not try to change how we play. Sometimes new ideas sound good but feel bad in real use. Keeping a standard layout is a safe choice. I am still thinking about the price, though. It is close to premium controllers from other brands, so expectations will be high. If it meets those expectations, then I think people will be satisfied.

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Avatar of Change
Change

Member

779 messages 4 likes

Feels simple and safe, which is both good and bad. A familiar layout means anyone can use it right away, but it also removes any strong reason to upgrade. Extra buttons do not add much if most players ignore them. The pricing difference between regions is also a concern. Paying more for the same product can turn people away. Overall, it seems fine, but there needs to be a clearer advantage over existing controllers.

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Avatar of StardustEcho
StardustEcho

Active Member

771 messages 28 likes

Valve is clearly taking a safer route here. The first attempt sounded too different, and this one corrects that. Positive reviews are a good sign, but they often focus on first impressions. Long-term use will show the real quality. Battery life and stick durability are important for daily gaming. The price is acceptable if performance matches it, but waiting for user feedback seems like the better move.

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