Steam Controller
News, coverage and analysis tracking Steam Controller across the outlets.
Latest coverage
We now have teardown pics of the Steam Frame controller and it looks like it could be pretty repairable
Teardown 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 date
A 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 program
Valve 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 2026
May 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 vendors
This 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 Day
This 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 Reviews
This 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 shock
The 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 shoppers
Valve 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.
SDL adds expanded support for the new Steam Controller without Steam
The Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) library will soon receive expanded support for Valve's new Steam Controller, allowing it to function without the Steam client running. This update enhances support for various controller features, including touchpads and grip sensors, benefiting games that utilize SDL for input.
The Steam Controller is unmatched at letting you play mouse and keyboard games from the couch, but as a gamepad it loses out
The Steam Controller offers unparalleled versatility for playing PC games from the couch, particularly those designed for mouse and keyboard input, thanks to its innovative trackpads. While it excels in comfort and PC navigation, it falls short as a traditional gamepad compared to similarly priced alternatives and has some drawbacks in its software integration and button actuation.
Yes, Valve's new Steam Controller screams if you drop it from a great enough height
Valve's new Steam Controller features a Wilhelm scream Easter egg that triggers if the device is dropped from a sufficient height. This feature appears to activate when the controller is in Steam's Big Picture mode. The company is also working to restock the popular controller after its initial supply sold out quickly.
Steam Controller’s Easter egg makes it scream when dropped, which is different from your scream when you can’t buy one
Valve's new Steam Controller features a hidden Easter egg that plays the Wilhelm Scream using its haptic motors when dropped while Steam is in Big Picture mode. The controller, which went on sale May 4, 2026, has experienced significant stock issues, leading Valve to implement a reservation queue system to manage demand and limit resellers.
Valve fix Steam Controller double inputs with the Puck - Steam Deck gets configurable Track Pad Locking
Valve has released a new Steam Client Beta for PC and Steam Deck that addresses an issue causing double inputs on the Steam Controller when charging on the Puck. The update also introduces configurable trackpad locking behavior for the Steam Deck, allowing users to disable it when using the joysticks.
Valve Opens Steam Controller Reservations To Counter Scalpers
Valve has implemented a reservation system for the Steam Controller to combat scalping and limit reseller activity. Reservations are limited to one per account, requiring accounts to be in good standing and have made a prior purchase on Steam. The company is also working to replenish controller stock across various regions.
Hardware Reviews
This article features reviews of PC gaming hardware, including the Steam Controller and the Gigabyte GO27Q24G monitor. The Steam Controller is noted for its functionality, while the Gigabyte monitor is praised for its design and gaming capabilities.
Valve forming an orderly queue for the Steam Controller makes it clear we need the same for the Steam Machine, Frame, and perhaps a lot more in-demand tech too
Valve's implementation of a reservation queue for the Steam Controller highlights the need for similar systems for other in-demand tech like the Steam Machine. The article contrasts this with the frustrating purchasing experiences for the Steam Deck and PlayStation 5, advocating for reservation systems to combat resellers and improve customer satisfaction.
Steam Controller – köa för köp kl. 19 i kväll
Valve has announced a new reservation queue for the Steam Controller, which sold out within 30 minutes of its initial release. To combat scalpers, only one controller can be reserved per Steam account. Availability for regions outside of North America is expected in the coming weeks.