Steam Deck
News, coverage and analysis tracking Steam Deck across the outlets.
'Millimeters matter:' Making the Steam Controller 'just work' on day oneValve designers Lawrence Yang and Jeremy Slocum discuss the design philosophy behind the Steam Controller, emphasizing the importance of user experience and a seamless 'time to game' factor. They explain how lessons learned from the original Steam Controller and the success of the Steam Deck informed improvements to button inputs, charging, and overall usability, aiming for a familiar experience for PC gamers.
Valve have confirmed the Steam Controller price and release date, though the Steam Machine is still in RAM price purgatoryValve 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.
I've been using Valve's new Steam Controller and for living room gaming there's nothing else like itThe Steam Controller offers a unique approach to PC gaming from the couch, utilizing trackpads and gyro controls to mimic mouse input. While it excels at navigating desktops and playing certain genres like strategy or RPGs, it's not a competitive-focused gamepad. Its functionality is tied to Steam, and while it provides extensive customization, cheaper alternatives exist for those seeking a standard controller experience.
Steam Controller review: even without a Steam Machine mate, this is a smartly crafted gamepad that puts PCs firstThe 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.
Steam Controller teardown: simple to open, easy to fixA teardown of the Steam Controller reveals its simple design, making it easy to open and repair. Most components are accessible with basic tools, and Valve plans to make spare parts available through iFixit in the future. While thumbsticks are soldered to the mainboard, other parts like triggers and batteries can be replaced with minimal effort, highlighting Valve's commitment to repairability.
Steam Controller Costs $99, According to Early Positive ReviewAn early review of Valve's Steam Controller revealed its price to be $99, making it more expensive than the PlayStation 5's DualSense. The controller features dual trackpads, a six-axis gyro, and rear grip buttons, receiving praise for its intuitive design despite some limitations like the inability to customize thumbsticks or swap faceplates.
Steam Controller Returns With $99 Price Tag in New LeakA leak suggests Valve is planning a comeback for the Steam Controller with a $99 price point, potentially leveraging lessons learned from the successful Steam Deck. The new controller aims to offer advanced features at a competitive price compared to premium options like the Xbox Elite Series 2 and PlayStation DualSense Edge.
Steam Controller review - another essential gaming PC hardware addition from ValveValve's Steam Controller is reviewed as an essential addition for PC gamers, offering solid gamepad performance combined with versatile trackpads for general PC browsing and mouse-like control. Despite a premium price and some minor build quality concerns, its unique features, extensive customization options via Steam, and impressive battery life make it a highly recommended upgrade for casual everyday play and living room PC use.
Valve Wants To Know If You Disagree With Steam Deck Verified RatingsValve has introduced new tools for developers and players to better assess Steam Deck Verified ratings. These tools aim to collect performance data and allow users to dispute a game's certification, addressing discrepancies between official ratings and actual performance on the portable device.
Valve’s New Hardware Finance Job Hints at Steam Deck Empire ExpansionValve has posted a job opening for a Hardware Finance & Accounting Professional, suggesting a significant expansion of its hardware ambitions beyond the successful Steam Deck. This move indicates a long-term strategy for scaling hardware production, potentially leading to new product lines like a successor to the Steam Deck or other devices. The hire signals Valve's intent to solidify its position as a major hardware player in the evolving gaming market.
Steam OS Controller Update Wins Hearts With Personal ‘Have Fun!’ TouchValve's Steam OS controller update process has garnered positive attention for its personal touch, featuring a simple "Have fun!" message. This small detail in the software update process is highlighted as smart user experience design, differentiating Valve from other hardware manufacturers by acknowledging the user's primary goal: gaming. This approach extends to their broader hardware ecosystem, including the Steam Deck, and contributes to positive community perception and brand sentiment.- Leak suggests solid pricing for Steam Machine, but even that might be too high to save itA leak suggests Valve is targeting a $650 to $750 price range for the Steam Machine, influenced by fluctuating RAM prices and the AI market. This pricing places it competitively against the PlayStation 5 Slim but potentially above other consoles and custom PCs, raising concerns about its market viability. The article speculates that Valve should instead focus on iterating the Steam Deck.
Lenovo Legion Go S Z1 Extreme Price Jumps to $1,579 AgainLenovo has again increased the price of the Legion Go S with the Z1 Extreme model to $1,579, a price point that is significantly higher than competitors like the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally. The article argues that this premium pricing strategy is unsustainable in the competitive handheld market, where value and performance per dollar are crucial for consumers.
Lenovo Legion Go S sees a massive price jumpThe Lenovo Legion Go S, a PC gaming handheld, has experienced a significant price increase, nearly doubling its launch price due to widespread shortages and demand from AI data centers. The Z1 Extreme model is now listed at $1,579.99, and the lower-end Z2 model has risen to $989.99. This price surge raises questions about Lenovo's plans for future handheld releases.- Morning Postmortems/RetrospectivesValve's Steam Deck has significantly impacted PC game development, enabling developers to consider new design approaches. A retrospective video celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Metal Slug franchise.
Garage Find Sparks Steam Link Nostalgia Among Retro Gaming FansA Reddit user's discovery of a Steam Link during a garage cleanup has sparked nostalgia and discussions about Valve's 2015 game streaming hardware. While the dedicated Steam Link device was discontinued, its technology lives on in the Steam Link app and influenced the development of the Steam Deck. The find highlights the evolution of game streaming technology and the enduring appeal of retro gaming hardware.
ONEXPLAYER just started teasing a Legion Go 2 rival with a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset, but the handheld maker should read…ONEXPLAYER has begun teasing its new X2 Mini handheld gaming device, which appears to be a competitor to the Lenovo Legion Go. The device is rumored to feature a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset, a detachable controller design, and an 8.8-inch 144Hz OLED display. The article also touches on the high cost of current gaming handhelds and the desire for more affordable options.
Valve’s 2026 Steam Controller Spotted in Major Customs ShipmentCustoms records indicate Valve has shipped a new '2026 Steam Controller', suggesting a renewed focus on hardware beyond the successful Steam Deck. This potential successor to the original Steam Controller arrives in a market with evolved standards like hall effect sticks and adaptive triggers. The move signals Valve's commitment to building a comprehensive gaming hardware ecosystem.
Apple's MacBook Neo is reportedly close to selling out which has got me thinking about why we can't have more simple and affordable gaming PCs like the Steam DeckThe strong sales of Apple's MacBook Neo highlight a market demand for simple and affordable computing devices, prompting a discussion about the lack of similar options in the PC gaming space. The article contrasts the success of the Steam Deck with the high price point of many other PC handhelds and suggests a need for more budget-friendly gaming consoles and PCs.
The Steam Machine may still be a long way off, so these are the accessories I'd use to make a Steam Deck workaroundThis article explores accessories that can enhance the Steam Deck experience, offering a workaround for the delayed Steam Machine. It highlights docks, controllers, keyboards, and mice that can transform the handheld into a more versatile gaming setup for big-screen play.