Steam Controller
News, coverage and analysis tracking Steam Controller across the outlets.
A second OG Steam Controller prototype has been found at GoodwillA second prototype of Valve's original Steam Controller has been discovered at a Goodwill store in Seattle, seven years after a similar find. The 'Chell' prototype, believed to be from 2013-2014, features a different button layout and lacks thumbsticks compared to the final retail version. The controller was found by the father of a 14-year-old Valve fan and reportedly functions as a generic controller.
Steam Machine reservations are already being resold on Ebay for up to $2900Valve's Steam Machine is experiencing scalping, with reservations being resold on eBay for up to $2900, significantly higher than the device's official price. This follows a similar trend seen with the Steam Controller, though the higher cost of the Steam Machine makes these resold prices less accessible to consumers. Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, faces uncertainty regarding demand due to existing competition.
7 out of the 10 TMR controllers I've tested are discounted right now, and you only have a few hours left to make…Amazon Prime Day is offering discounts on many video game controllers, with 7 out of 10 tested models seeing reduced prices. These deals are set to expire at midnight tonight. The article also briefly mentions the Steam Controller as an exception due to its newness.
Steam Machine’s Preorder Process Is A Response To Longstanding DisastersValve has announced a new preorder process for the Steam Machine, aiming to avoid issues encountered during the Steam Controller launch. Reservations will be open for several days, with a randomized selection for purchasing to ensure fairness and reduce frustration caused by bots and fast internet connections.
It's easy to find a great gamepad that's cheaper than the Steam Controller - here are my top picks under $100 based on hands-on testing with each oneThis article recommends several PC game controllers that are cheaper than the Steam Controller, all priced under $100. The author highlights features like back buttons and advanced thumbstick technology, suggesting these alternatives offer comparable or better value for most players. Prime Day deals are also mentioned as an opportunity for further savings.- Control IssuesA new web application has been developed that allows users to control the Valve Steam Controller's drift using its rumble motors. This tool effectively turns the gamepad into a remote-controlled device.
Valve seems to have a Steam Controller backlog on its hands, so you'll want to grab the Steam Machine bundle to…Valve has acknowledged a significant backlog for its Steam Controller, with new reservation estimates ranging from September 2026 to 2027. The company is implementing a reservation queue system to manage demand, which has exceeded expectations since the controller's launch. The Steam Machine will be available separately, and other PC controllers can be used with the device.
Steam Controller reservation hopefuls hit by fresh disappointment with Valve's latest hardware updateValve has announced significant delays for Steam Controller reservations, pushing estimated order windows to September 2026, December 2026, or sometime in 2027 due to demand exceeding expectations. The company stated that they have no plans to stop production but want to manage customer expectations regarding delivery times for the popular PC hardware.
Valve roll out a more detailed timeline for Steam Controller orders, giving you a clearer picture of when you'll hear about your reservationValve has implemented a new system to provide customers with estimated delivery windows for Steam Controller orders, addressing high demand. Customers will receive emails with one of three timelines: by September 2026, by December 2026, or in 2027, with further details to follow for the latter group. New orders are currently estimated for 2027.
We now have teardown pics of the Steam Frame controller and it looks like it could be pretty repairableTeardown images of Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR controller reveal a design that appears to prioritize repairability, featuring multiple small PCBs and accessible screws. This contrasts with the more complex internal design of the Valve Index controller. Valve is reportedly targeting a summer launch for the headset, with imports already arriving in the US.
A new Steam Frame setup video leak hints at imminent release dateA leaked setup video for Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR headset has surfaced, showing the device's initial configuration process. While the video was reportedly run on a Valve Index, it clearly references the Steam Frame. Valve has previously confirmed a summer release for the standalone VR headset, which can also connect to a PC for higher fidelity gaming.
The Steam Machine and Steam Frame are shipping this summer, Valve confirm as the pair join the Verified programValve has confirmed that the Steam Machine and Steam Frame will begin shipping this summer, following their inclusion in the Verified program. Similar to the Steam Deck, these devices will have games tested for optimal performance and controller configuration out of the box. Valve designer Lawrence Yang acknowledged that ongoing RAM shortages have impacted production but stated the entire industry is facing similar challenges.
The best gaming tech we've reviewed in May 2026May 2026 saw a variety of gaming hardware reviewed, with a focus on PC and retro gadgets, alongside some audio options for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Omni headset received a perfect five-star score, topping the best gaming headset guides. Other notable mentions include the Logitech G512 X keyboard and the GameSir G7 Pro 8K gamepad.- The Steam Controller's main competition isn't from Microsoft or Sony: It's from third-party vendorsThis article analyzes the third-party game controller market, arguing that vendors like Victrix, Gamesir, and EasySMX offer superior alternatives to standard controllers from Microsoft and Sony. Despite the quality and features of these third-party options, they are often overlooked in favor of first-party controllers, partly due to platform compatibility issues and historical perceptions of lower quality.
After testing it out, here are the Steam Controller alternatives I'd recommend this Memorial DayThis article discusses alternatives to Valve's Steam Controller, highlighting options for users who prefer microswitch face buttons, faster polling rates, or more customization. Controllers from Nacon, GameSir, Razer, Victrix, PowerA, and Manba are recommended based on specific features and price points, with a focus on PC gaming hardware.- Hardware ReviewsThis article presents reviews for several hardware components, including the BeQuiet Dark Rock Pro 6 CPU Cooler reviewed by Guru3D, and the Lian Li HydroShift II OLED Curved 360P reviewed by TechPowerUp. It also briefly mentions the Valve Steam Controller.
You need to know the Steam Controller's charging puck is always live, so if you accidentally touch it with something conductive, you're in for a shockThe charging puck for Valve's Steam Controller remains live when plugged in, posing a shock hazard if conductive materials accidentally touch its pins. A user discovered this when their smartwatch strap caused a short circuit. While not unique to Valve, the article suggests clearer warnings should be provided by manufacturers.
Redditor warns they 'almost started a fire' when metallic watch strap made contact with Steam…A user on Reddit reported that their metallic smartwatch strap caused a short circuit and began sizzling when it made contact with the Steam Controller's charging puck, nearly starting a fire. While Valve's manual warns about metallic objects attracting to the magnetic charging puck, the incident raises questions about the design's safety, with comparisons made to the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller's charging dock.
The Elite Series 2 set the bar for years of controller design, but the leaked Elite Series 3 just looks like more of the…Leaked images of the purported Xbox Elite Series 3 controller suggest a design that may not significantly innovate beyond the Elite Series 2, potentially struggling to compete with advanced third-party controllers. The article analyzes expected features like Hall sensor thumbsticks, microswitch buttons, and new scrollable wheels, comparing them to current market offerings and highlighting the need for advanced tech to justify its premium price point.
'Average Valve W': After some Steam Controller packages were sent to the wrong country, Valve is reportedly giving 'any standard-edition title' to affected shoppersValve is reportedly compensating customers whose Steam Controller packages were mistakenly sent to the wrong country, such as the UK. Affected shoppers are being offered a free standard-edition game of their choice as a gesture of goodwill. This customer service approach has been met with positive reactions from the gaming community.