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Yesterday Valve introduced the new Steam Controller, and it already looks way better than the old one. Valve tried this idea before. The first Steam Controller came out in 2015, along with other experiments like the Steam Machine, the Steam Link, and the early ideas that later led to Steam Frame. It had two big trackpads and a layout that felt strange to many players. Some people enjoyed it, but many thought it was hard to learn. Valve stopped making it in 2019, and it slowly faded from shelves while the rest of that early hardware lineup faded too.
The new version feels like a fresh start. It looks simple, clean, and much easier to use. Valve shared one clear goal during the reveal:
“We want this controller to feel natural the moment you pick it up.”
The design shows that idea in a big way.
What Makes This Controller Cool
Magnetic Thumbsticks
- Helps stop drift
- Feels smooth
- Lasts longer
This feature fixes a common problem with many controllers.
Trackpads That Feel Nice
- Two small haptic trackpads
- Click like a laptop
- Great for menus and small movements
They are easier to use than the large pads on the old model.
Motion Aiming
- Tilt the controller to aim
- Feels smooth
- Helps with accuracy
This gives you better control in fast games.
Grip Buttons
- Four buttons on the back
- Lets you press actions without moving your thumbs
- Faster reactions in tough fights
These buttons feel very handy once you get used to them.
Touch Sensing
- The controller knows when your fingers touch the grips
- Quick response
- Helps with faster input
It makes the controller feel more natural in your hands.
Inside The Controller
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Controls and Input | A, B, X, Y buttonsD-padL and R analog triggersL and R bumpersView and Menu buttonsSteam and QAM buttons4 assignable grip buttons |
| Thumbsticks | 2 full size magnetic thumbsticks (TMR) with capacitive touch |
| Trackpads | 2 trackpads, 34.5 mm squareHaptic feedbackPressure sensitive with adjustable click strength |
| Haptics | 4 haptic motors total2 LRA motors in trackpads for HD feedback2 high output LRA motors in grips for HD game haptics including rumble |
| Gyro | 6 axis IMU |
| Grip Sense | 2 capacitive touch areas along the back of the controller handles |
| Connectivity | Steam Controller Puck:2.4 GHz wirelessAbout 8 ms full end to end, 4 ms polling rateConnects up to 4 controllersPlugs into PC with USB CBluetooth:Bluetooth 4.2 minimum, 5.0 or higher recommendedUSB:USB C tethered play |
| Power | Charging:Charges through Steam Controller Puck or USB CBattery:8.39 Wh Li ion batteryAbout 35 hours of gameplay* |
| Size | Steam Controller: 111 mm x 159 mm x 57 mmSteam Controller Puck: 50 mm x 28 mm x 9 mm |
| Weight | Steam Controller: 292 gSteam Controller Puck: 16 g |
| Notes | Battery life is shorter when used with Steam FrameValve says some specs may change before release |
Valve plans to release the controller in early 2026. The price is still a mystery, but many expect it to match other premium controllers.
Why It Works For Different Games
Shooters
- Smooth aiming
- Small precision fixes
- Fast actions from grip buttons
Strategy and Chill Games
- Easy menu control
- Sharp pointer movement
- Good for building and planning games
Retro Games
- Clean remapping
- Simple layout
- Smooth controls
VR
- Works with new VR gear
- No need to use a different controller
The new Steam Controller looks like a strong second chance for Valve. It keeps the smart ideas from the first version and removes the confusing parts. It is simple, comfy, and made for all kinds of games. This time, it feels like a controller that many players will actually want to use.
“Easy to use, easy to trust. That is the goal.”
Would you try the new Steam Controller when it comes out, or will you stick with your current controller?
