Steam Controller
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Steam Controller.
Latest coverage
I tried playing Fortnite with the Steam Controller, and now all I want to do is watch The Mandalorian and Grogu
The author tested Fortnite with a Steam Controller, finding the experience less than ideal due to issues with button mapping and gyro functionality. While the game featured a tie-in to The Mandalorian and Grogu, which sparked renewed interest in the Star Wars series, the controller's performance in the shooter did not impress.
Steam Beta brings even more Steam Controller tweaks and a firmware fix for Linux
Valve has released a new Steam Beta client with several updates for the Steam Controller, including firmware fixes and new input options. The update addresses issues with firmware updates on Linux, rumble haptics, and trackpad dead zones. A Steam Deck Beta client update also includes some of these changes.
The Steam Controller no longer needs Steam to get the most from it
The Steam Controller now offers its full range of features in games not running on Steam, thanks to the integration of its new capabilities into the Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) software library. This update allows applications using SDL to access the controller's touchpads, capacitive stick touch, and grip sense handling without requiring Steam to be running in the background. While developers will need to implement support, this enhancement expands the controller's usability beyond Steam-launched titles, particularly for emulators and open-source games.
The Steam Controller doesn't just scream for its life, it will also sing its little haptic heart out
A new application called SteamHapticsSinger allows users to make the Steam Controller produce MIDI music through its haptic feedback system. This builds upon the controller's existing haptic capabilities, which were previously known for an easter egg that made it 'scream'. The software is available on GitHub and is compatible with both the Steam Controller and the Steam Deck.
Not only will the new Steam Controller scream at you but it can play tunes as well
A new update for Steam Haptics Singer, a project that allows the Steam Controller to play music through its haptic feedback, has been released. Version 1.11 adds support for the original Steam Controller and allows MIDI files to control the gain directly. The tool, which also works with the Steam Deck, can be used on Linux by running an executable with a MIDI file.
Hear the Steam Controller sing whole songs with haptics, including the Wii Store soundtrack, Still Alive, and even…
A new software called SteamHapticsSinger allows the Steam Controller to play full songs using its haptic feedback, including the Wii Shop soundtrack and "Still Alive." This updated version, originally created 10 years ago, has been fixed and upgraded for newer Steam devices and may also work with the Steam Deck.
Politicians accuse Rockstar of obstructing legal process, eBay rebuffs GameStop, and video game hardware screams now - Patch Notes #52
This week's Patch Notes covers several key industry events, including politicians accusing Rockstar Games of obstructing legal processes related to union-busting allegations for Grand Theft Auto 6. eBay rejected a takeover bid from GameStop, while Nintendo cited geopolitical and technological factors for its Switch 2 price increases. Additionally, Subnautica 2 achieved over a million sales in its first hour, and Valve's new Steam Controller features an audible alert when dropped.
Steam Beta fixes continuous rumble breaking the new Steam Controller Gyro
The latest Steam Beta client includes fixes for the Steam Controller, specifically addressing an issue where continuous rumble could break gyro input. A firmware update for the controller is available through the beta client, which also brings general improvements and fixes for Remote Play and the In-Game Overlay.
I was already convinced I'd buy the Steam Controller when available — but this secret feature just solidified…
Users have discovered a hidden easter egg in the Steam Controller: it emits a Wilhelm scream when dropped. While not a game-changing feature, it adds a unique and humorous element to the critically acclaimed PC accessory. The exact implementation method, possibly involving a speaker or haptic motors, remains unclear.
Your Steam Controller screams when you drop it
Valve's Steam Controller emits a Wilhelm scream sound effect when dropped, provided the device is in Steam Big Picture mode. This hidden feature was discovered by a Reddit user and confirmed by PCGamesN staff. The article also notes Valve's new reservation system for the controller due to high demand.
PSA: The Steam Controller Wilhelm Screams at you if you drop it
The Steam Controller features an easter egg where it plays the Wilhelm Scream sound effect when dropped, likely as a humorous reaction to being thrown or dropped. This feature is enabled when the gyro is active in the controller's desktop profile settings. The article also mentions the potential for Valve to allow custom sound effects in future software updates.
The Steam Controller is actually a scream controller, because Valve couldn't resist making it cry out in memey pain when you drop it
The Steam Controller has a hidden easter egg where it emits the 'Wilhelm scream' sound effect if dropped from a certain height. This feature, discovered on Reddit, appears to have a cooldown and specific height requirement to trigger. Valve previously included noisy hardware features in the first Steam Controller through modded haptic motors.
If you drop (or throw) your new Steam Controller it will scream at you
Valve has included a hidden Easter egg in the new Steam Controller that causes it to emit a Wilhelm scream when dropped. This feature, discovered by a Reddit user and confirmed by the author, does not require Steam to be running and occurs intermittently. The controller also has a 'Ping' function to help identify multiple units.
The Steam Controller Features A Very Familar-Sounding Easter Egg
The Steam Controller has been found to feature a hidden Easter egg where it plays the Wilhelm Scream sound effect when dropped from a height of approximately three feet. This discovery was confirmed by GameSpot, highlighting the playful nature of Valve's engineers. The article advises users to test this feature in a safe, cushioned environment.
ARGs and Easter Eggs
Valve has included a Wilhelm scream Easter egg in the new Steam Controller. This discovery was reported by PC Gamer, highlighting the developer's penchant for hidden details.
Valve snuck a Wilhelm scream easter egg into the new Steam Controller
Valve has included a Wilhelm scream easter egg in the new Steam Controller. When dropped, the gamepad will occasionally emit the iconic sound effect, a feature that appears to be triggered by haptics and gyros. This secret feature was discovered by a Reddit user and confirmed by PC Gamer staff.
MMO Business Roundup: Forza Horizon 6 megabans, Epic’s AI tools, and Steam Machine rumors
This industry news roundup covers several topics including Microsoft and Playground Games issuing lengthy hardware bans for Forza Horizon 6 leakers, Epic Games assuring that its AI development tools are for efficiency and not human replacement, and a legal battle over ownership of the popular Roblox game Forsaken. Additionally, rumors about Valve's Steam Machine console suggest it will be sold in multiple hardware bundles, potentially including a Steam Controller or VR headset.
The Steam Machine has a new reference in Steam's database, and it means we could be seeing it arrive very soon
Valve's Steam Machine appears to be nearing release, with four package references recently discovered in Steam's database within a reservation system code. This suggests multiple models are prepared for launch and that a release date and pricing announcement, along with pre-orders, could be imminent. Similar database entries preceded the launch of the Steam Controller, which also faced scalping issues leading to a reservation system.
Control Issues
The Steam Controller is presented as a potential solution for PC gamers facing input challenges. However, the article also suggests it serves as a cautionary indicator for broader issues within PC gaming hardware.
Valve will open reservations on May 8 for the second wave of Steam Controllers
Valve will begin taking reservations for a second wave of Steam Controllers on May 8. The company hopes to mitigate issues with bots and resellers that affected the initial release.