Steam Controller
News, coverage and analysis tracking Steam Controller across the outlets.
Latest coverage
'We've never met a cult we didn't want to be a part of, so we're getting in on the ground floor': Dbrand announces skins for the new Steam Controller in the most Dbrand way
Accessory company Dbrand has announced a range of 44 skins for the newly released Steam Controller, which is available for $99. The company stated they are joining the 'cult classic' product's ground floor. Dbrand's skins are scratch-proof, easy to remove, and range in price from $12 to $25. The article also briefly mentions Valve's re-commitment to a 2026 release window for the Steam Machine.
Our Steam Controller second opinion: what works, what doesn't, and what Valve should add for the next one
This second opinion piece offers a detailed look at Valve's Steam Controller, with reviewers James and Julian sharing their experiences. While acknowledging some minor technical hiccups and wishing for better non-Steam launcher integration, both find the controller comfortable, functional, and a strong contender for PC gaming, even suggesting it could be Valve's most impactful hardware release.
The Steam Controller doesn't appear to be a hit for competitive play, so here are the alternatives I'd…
The Steam Controller is not ideal for competitive play due to its polling rate and button design, prompting a look at alternatives. Controllers like the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited and GameSir G7 Pro offer microswitch buttons, while the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K and Victrix Pro BFG provide faster polling rates and customization options for serious gamers.
As the Steam Controller breaks cover, Valve say they're hard at work on the Steam Deck 2 and keeping current Decks in stock
Valve has confirmed that development is underway for the Steam Deck 2, with learnings from current hardware projects like the Steam Controller informing its design. The company is also actively working to address stock shortages for the current Steam Deck models by diversifying manufacturers and navigating global component availability issues.
"We're just as impacted as everyone else": Valve explain Steam Machine delays and why the Steam Controller is coming out sooner
Valve engineers Steve Cardinali and Lawrence Yang discussed delays for the Steam Machine, attributing them to industry-wide component shortages and rising costs. The Steam Controller, less affected by these issues, is set for release on May 4th as it is ready, dispelling rumors of intentional delays.
Steam Controller release date revealed as Steam Machine price increases
Valve has announced the release date for the Steam Controller as May 4th, priced at £85, and confirmed that the Steam Machine's release has been impacted by memory shortages, shifting its window to the first half of 2026. Hardware engineer Steve Cardinali explained that the controller's release was prioritized over the Steam Machine due to development unaffected by shortages. Pricing for the Steam Machine and Steam Frame remains unconfirmed, though they are expected to be more expensive than initially planned.
YouTube is testing an AI search mode that 'feels more like a conversation'
YouTube is testing a new AI-powered search feature called "Ask YouTube" for Premium subscribers in the US. This experimental mode allows users to ask complex questions and receive comprehensive results combining video and text, with the ability to ask follow-up questions. The feature aims to provide a more conversational search experience, though early tests indicate potential for inaccuracies, similar to other AI search implementations.
When Is The Steam Deck 2 Coming Out? Not Until Valve Is Satisfied That It's Better Than The Original
Valve is actively developing a successor to the Steam Deck, but a release date will not be announced until the company is confident it offers a significant upgrade over the original. Valve programmer Pierre-Loup Griffais stated that the company is focused on meaningful performance and feature improvements rather than incremental gains. The original Steam Deck launched in 2022, followed by an OLED model in late 2023.
Steam Controller Review: Feels good, man
Shacknews has reviewed Valve's Steam Controller, evaluating whether the $99 peripheral justifies its price tag. The review focuses on the tactile feel and overall user experience of the controller on PC.
Steam Controller Reviews
Reviews for Valve's new Steam Controller have been released following its announcement. Publications like Ars Technica have published their findings on the innovative input device, which aims to provide a gamepad-like experience on PC.
Valve on the $99 Steam Controller: 'I do know price has gone up from where we originally wanted it to be'
Valve designer Lawrence Yang acknowledged that the Steam Controller's final price of $99 is higher than originally intended due to external factors. Despite the increased cost, Yang believes the controller's unique PC functionality will still drive sales, and regional pricing variations are expected due to import duties.
Valve's Steam Controller Gets an Official Price & Release Date!
Valve has announced that the Steam Controller will be released on May 4, 2026, for $99 USD. The controller is compatible with any device running Steam or the Steam Link app, including PC, Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame. Key features include magnetic thumbsticks, haptic motors, and customizable trackpads.
Valve says it can sell the Steam Controller while the Steam Machine is in AI limbo because "this doesn't have…
Valve will release the Steam Controller on May 4 for $99.00, ahead of the Steam Machine due to production hurdles like the ongoing RAM crisis. Hardware engineer Steve Cardinali stated the controller is simpler to manufacture and ready for launch, with Valve aiming to meet anticipated demand without pre-orders.
Valve will be providing Steam Controller replacement parts via iFixit after launch
Valve is partnering with iFixit to provide replacement parts for the Steam Controller after its launch, similar to the approach taken with the Steam Deck. Valve engineers Steve Cardinali and Lawrence Yang highlighted the controller's straightforward design for repairability, emphasizing that users will be able to easily swap out components like the battery or customize buttons. While parts won't be available at launch, they will be made accessible through iFixit shortly after.
Steam Controller launches May 4 for $99
Valve announced that the Steam Controller will be available for purchase on May 4th for $99. The controller is designed to be a versatile input device for PC gaming on Steam.
Valve's Steam Controller goes on sale next week, May 4. It's pricier than you might have hoped, but more…
Valve announced that the Steam Controller will be available for purchase on May 4th, with prices varying by region, starting at $99 USD. The controller features dual trackpads, haptic feedback, and gyro controls, aiming for a comfortable couch gaming experience. Despite a slightly higher price point than some expected, it offers a unique design with customizable rear buttons and a 35-hour battery life.
Steam Controller review: even without a Steam Machine mate, this is a smartly crafted gamepad that puts PCs first
The second-generation Steam Controller is a versatile and functional gamepad designed primarily for PC use, offering improvements over its predecessor with the addition of a D-pad and a second thumbstick. It features advanced inputs like dual trackpads with improved haptics and Hall Effect-style stick drift protection, making it highly customizable. While it may lack the premium feel of some high-end controllers and has compatibility limitations with non-Steam launchers, its unique PC-centric features and innovative magnetic charging make it a compelling option for PC gamers.
Valve have confirmed the Steam Controller price and release date, though the Steam Machine is still in RAM price purgatory
Valve has confirmed that the Steam Controller will be released on May 4th for $99 / £85 / €99, despite ongoing RAM shortages delaying the Steam Machine and Steam Frame. The company has amassed sufficient stock for a strong launch, aiming to avoid the rapid sell-outs experienced with the original Steam Deck. The controller is designed for PC use on Windows systems and offers multifunctional trackpad controls.
Steam Controller-läckor – släpps nästa vecka, kostar 99 dollar sägs det
Leaks suggest Valve is preparing to launch a second-generation Steam Controller next week for $99 USD, which is more expensive than current PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series controllers. While unconfirmed, multiple leaks and a recently uploaded unboxing video on Steam lend credibility to the rumors. Valve has previously stated that its new hardware, including the Steam Controller, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame VR headset, is slated for release this year.
New Steam Controller Launches at $99 | TAG
Valve is reportedly launching a new Steam Controller for $99, featuring a redesigned input system that includes traditional analog sticks alongside trackpads. This move aims to make PC gaming more accessible while offering advanced customization options, learning from the perceived failures of the original 2015 model. The article speculates on the pricing strategy and whether there is sufficient demand for such a specialized PC gaming peripheral.
