- cross-posted to:
- steamdeck@sopuli.xyz
- cross-posted to:
- steamdeck@sopuli.xyz
Edit: official blog post here
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One feature that would have really gilded the lily for me would be a headphone jack. Not one that works at a typical “bluetooth latency”, but an instant wireless protocol like the WiiU was able to achieve.
Nice that they finally added thumbsticks. I had the original controller and hated it because they lacked that. It turned out most games did need them after all, and that weird haptic shit was a load of rubbish.
Question is, how much functionality does it keep if I pair this with a Nvidia Shield as I mostly play PC games though Sunshine/Moonlight. Using a wired Xbox 360 controller for that at the minute.
At least for now, you’ll need to run moonlight through Steam. It uses Steam for input profiles, so initially it doesn’t seem like it will do much without steam running.
The original steam controller did have linux support without steam, but we don’t know yet how/when that will carry over to the new one. I also expect valve to eventually set it to work like the steam deck’s desktop controls, where it has default desktop inputs and you can hold start to swap to a generac xbox style controller inputs. However they haven’t announced that yet and I haven’t heard it mentioned in any reviews.
I think mine does that anyway. Launches right into big picture mode at least.
I did try to get it to work with the PS5 controller, but I think having a wired Xbox 360 controller in the actual PC caused issues with old games. And I mean Tomb Raider Legend era of old. Probably better with newer titles.
As someone who spent $150-$200 on the Xbox Elite controller just to get the rear paddles, $100 for this with the rear buttons and the track pads seems like no problem at all. Imo it’s incredibly fairly priced as compared to the competition, considering the features and emphasis on repairability.
Loved my elite series 2 until the covering started peeling off the back plate. Replaced the back plate but something is off and it now loses power/connection when not plugged in. Spent $30 on the replacement back shell. Then I spent $30 on an 8bitdo that works well enough. I never used the back paddles on the elite, they were too easy to accidentally trigger, so I din’t miss them.
I love the back paddles on the elite. I find them perfectly sensitive and satisfying to press, and I find the back buttons on the SteamDeck to be too difficult to press. But yeah, durability is a notorious issue on those.
If you are playing games where trackpads are useful, there’s not really another option, so it’s automatically a good value. I know my steam deck experience would have been a whole lot worse without those, and I would probably never consider a gaming handheld without them. But for the gaming I do with an xbox controller, I currently just use it for some video games at my computer (where I have access to a mouse anyways), and maybe split screen with family. I think my Gamesir Cyclone 2 controller (at half the price) is an unambiguously better deal for that, in the premium controller space. If I were using it mostly for couch gaming, that might put the Steam controller in a better position, or if I were mostly playing games that support whatever haptic trigger things Sony has, that controller might be in a better position.
One of the other more unique features is the tracking in the Steam Frame. It would be cool if they could standardize that sort of thing so it would work with other headsets. I wonder if they’ve considered that.
I’ve had my steam deck LCD and then OLED from the start. I absolutely love those 4 paddles on the underside and the gyro customization you can do. Setting those paddles up to do things like reload or throw grenades or whatever is just so much nicer than taking your thumb off a thumb stick or reaching up at R1 and L1. Right now I’m mostly just playing Enter The Gungeon and I set my back paddles up to release, flip tables, and dodge roll. I’d hate not having those paddles, so this will certainly be my next controller purchase. Bonus points to it that LinusTT was a bit of a bitch boy about the controller.
Sounds like you’re a sucker who falls for scams
Sounds like you don’t know what a scam is. A scam is when something is promised but not delivered, not when you think something is overpriced.
Sounds like you need to brush up on the definition of a scam.
Overcharging for something that’s clearly identified isn’t a scam, and your idea of what qualifies as “overcharging” isn’t universal.
You sound like you’re butthurt about others having disposable income and choosing one product over a cheaper option. I’ve had my elite controller for 5+ years. There are cheaper options out there but the elite is the most comfortable controller for my hands.
Bro just get an 8bitdo for 4x less… Back paddles and great quality
£58 seems reasonable. They seem to have the got the digits typos though, shows at £85 for me.
I was going to say the US dollar has seriously slipped if £58 is equivalent to $99. Though I could see it happening.
Correction: MAY 4th.
Oops yeah, thanks for the catch. Fixed now.
You’re welcome.
Ah, Star wars day. Gaben; you’re a fucking nerd, and I love you for it.
Is it just me or is this hella ugly?
It is. But that’s the compromise for trackpads.
The important question is; does it feel good to game on?
i think the Steam Controller (2015) incorporated the track pads and had a good aesthetic. Really, all it needed was a real d-pad.
I lost the dongle to mine. i cry evry tim
I disagree, I’ve always thought it was pretty ugly. Too bulbous looking. The new one looks like a “normal” controller, but oversized to accommodate the track pads. Still not a looker, but at least it isn’t so bulbous. Also, glossy plastic can smd.
I always thought the old one looked like a Sega genesis controller, but with a modern button scheme.
That old thing had just one analogue stick, and like you said, no D-Pad.
The new steam controller has the same layout as the Deck, sacrificing no button or input options.
I personally don’t think it’s ugly, just plain, maybe. And while I would say “you don’t watch your hands while you game”, I do like a classy and/or nice looking controller. I kind of wish Valve would decide on a more striking look, but I suppose this look IS a statement of their values and priorities.
I was hoping they would do a transparent version, since it does kind of look like a mad cat’s controller that you give to your kid brother while you have the proper controller, really lean into it.
Although no doubt dbrand will have a skin for it.
Ngl, I also thought of that and think it would be badass. If it were that 90s clear plastic, what colors would you want the most, besides, obviously, that purple? .
I really liked the design of PS4 controller, it had a neat, small, handy feel, this looks bloated, large, idk
Unlike popular console controllers, which have games designed specifically for them, the Steam Controller was created to play games originally made for mouse and keyboard, not a controller.
The goal was to have a single controller that lets you play your entire Steam library. So it has all the buttons and axes expected by XInput-based games, but compared to the other controllers it sacrifices simplicity in favor of flexibility. It has four additional buttons on the back and dual trackpads on the front, which makes it considerably larger.
I think if you had the back buttons act as modifiers changing input layers, you could play a MMORPG with this which requires you to have 20 abilities on hotkeys. I haven’t looked into Steam Input in years, though.
Steam input is insanely powerful, and just a bit confusing. But, Valve was smart and layered on public sharing of profiles PER GAME and when you look for community profiles for a game, it shows you their popularity and age.
More dedicated buttons is always the correct second choice to proper game input design, but having a custom Steam input layer will make up for almost anything you wanted to ever throw at it; you could control an mmo with a wiimote if you were daring enough.
May the fourth
be with you!
And altho with you.
Just for fun fact and history, the introduction videos for the first Steam Controller and the new one on Valve’s channel (direct YouTube links and the Invidious alternative:
- Introducing the Steam Controller Published on Jun 4, 2015: YouTube or Invidious
- Steam Controller: Official Overview and Quick Start Guide Published on Apr 27, 2026: YouTube or Invidious
It’s been
10almost 11 years. (Edit: Apparently I can’t do simple math.)The old video is so much better. Showing why this controller is different. Feels like a missed opportunity.
Need that steam machine. Says the controller can wake it up without the puck plugged in. That’s just what I need for a TV PC gaming machine
Exactly why I want it but surely there are workarounds here, this seems a simple enough tjing to enable for any remote.
As a humble fool, I can asume all computery things are simple.
i know this is gonna get buried under the other 143 comments, but i just need to vent excitment, FUUUUUUUCK YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
Im gonna be in class during the launch so i really hope lecture doesnt go over anything important when im ordering it. Oh my god im so excited i can hardly contain it, there are some games I wanted to play only on my deck cus they worked better with controller
I am a little worried that if i dont get it right as it lauches im gonna miss it, but at least my one fear of it being dropped at like 6 am or something has been put to rest
In case you haven’t already, preload your Steam Wallet and make sure to account for any tax. As someone who got my Steam Deck order in the first 15 minutes it dropped, payment processing was the biggest barrier then. They might have fixed it since, but they also might not have. Good luck!
Oh well that makes me feel much better as I’m still holding on to like $200 from Christmas so that shouldnt be an issue, gonna get the preloaded on the 4th so all I have to do is hit refresh, gonna do an internet speed test to see if the college WiFi or my hotspot is faster (prolly my hotspot)
Gotta prep
looks great, but I’ve been pretty damn happy with my 8bitdo Ultimate 2 which goes for ~$55 US. I use it on the PC and the rare occasion I fire up my Switch. I have no doubt Valve will make the Steam Controller an excellent piece of kit, but going by what’s been released I’m not sold on it being worth almost 2x.
The 8bitdo controller doesn’t have capacitive touchpads and motion control only works on the Switch, but I’m not entirely sure I’d get much use from those features on the Steam Controller. I never use the capacitive touchpads on my SteamDeck, and gyro control has never been more than a gimmick when I’ve used it on other systems/controllers like the DualSense. I use it more for quicker character selection on an on-screen keyboard than in games. For people who DO make use of those features constantly, maybe the extra value is there.
Yeah, I definitely think how much you value this controller is directly proportional to how much of the full Steam Deck control scheme you use. As a heavy user of the Deck’s touchpads to the point I’ll never consider another handheld without them, this is still a day one purchase for me even at $99, but I’m not going to recommend it to anyone without huge caveats.
The Ultimate 2 Gyro works on PC too, at least on the Wireless version.
Update the dongle and controller firmware via the 8BitDo App then hold the B button when turning on the controller. Steam can make use of the Gyro and extra buttons directly.Yep came here to say just this. I’ve been using mine on Linux with the gyro to play games on my TV. Only annoying thing is that when you take it off the dock it’s not in the right mode and you gotta turn it off and on again holding B first for the gyro to work.
I am in the same boat though. I still have my OG Steam controller and a Steam Deck but the 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 feels and works great. At least on SteamOS it’s even natively supported with custom 8Bitdo symbols in the Steam UI and the extra buttons showing up in steam input to remap freely.
I’m super curious to try it but I don’t really need more controllers right now.
I never use the capacitive touchpads on my SteamDeck
Only in desktop mode when I don’t have my full docked setup with real keyboard and mouse. They are IMO better than touchscreen when everything is so small (and the Deck is too heavy for holding it in one hand for a longer duration).
Same. My Gamesir Cyclone 2 is so great. I don’t use the track pads at all on the Steam Deck. The 4 customisable back buttons would be useful, but not for £85. I have yet to figure out what good motion controls are in game with any controller.
But if anyone else is looking flto buy a controller this does look like a solid option.
Gyro motion controls are great for aiming in FPS games. There was a Team Fortress 2 youtuber SolarLight who used gyro aiming in a competitive setting and managed to do pretty well for himself in terms of kills. His video on it is worth a watch if you’re interested.
Not too sure where else it could be useful though.
I have yet to figure out what good motion controls are in game with any controller.
Same. I think this puts me off using the deck more undocked. Not sure if I just need to eat the pain of getting used to them but the gap versus a mouse is just so huge.
I’ve gotten so used to having the extra re-mappable buttons on the back of controllers that I won’t use one that doesn’t have them, and have even modded both of my DualSense controllers to add them. The 8bitdo controller I mentioned has ‘em, plus it has hall effect joysticks, so IMO it’s even better than the 1st party “elite” controllers and it still comes in at half the price. If I were going to make heavy use of the extra touchpads on the Steam Controller I’d definitely be buying one.
Do you play first or third person shooter games? if you do you should give setting up the gyro a real go of it. I configure mine to only turn on when holding down L2 (aim down the sights) and it works so damned amazing compared to just thumb stick aiming for shooting stuff. Especially sniping or compensating for full auto weapons raising up. I liked using it so much on my steam deck that I had to go buy a PS5 controller to use for my PC just to get the gyro. Setting it all up correctly on your steam deck is a bit of a pain to tweak just how you like it, but well worth it. So much fun using some clapped out sniper rifle in a borderlands game with gyro aiming.
hrm. I never thought of doing that, I’ll give it a shot. Thanks!
You bet. It’s the tits.
I have the 8bitdo Ultimate 2 and I’m still gonna get this (eventually, once I get a gaming PC), because the dpad is pretty bad for precise 2D games. And the back buttons don’t gel with me as nicely.
The main problem is that I’m using it for waking Switch 2 and I doubt the Steam Controller could do that, but if it’s easy to customise, someone out there might make it work. If that’s the case, instant buy.
That’s totally fair, I think to me it’s definitely worth it. Even just for being able to have input parity with the deck so I can use the same control scheme. I personally use the touch pads quite a bit too and set them up as menus for some games. You can do some pretty cool stuff with them
$150 CAD is gonna be an instant wait for sale from me, dawg.
Likewise. Its 1/3 of what a deck has sold for.
In actual conversion it should’ve been 135 not 150
The overly inflated price for Canada and tax up to 15% in some provinces on top of that… 170$ basically.
Is shipping free at least?
Looks uncomfortable?
$100 is steep. I’ve been exited to use this controller for my Bazzite system, and I was mentally prepared to pay ~$75 for it, but I really wasn’t expecting it to be as expensive as it is.
With that said, I’ll probably still be buying one. Because while there are other good (and cheaper) controllers out there, this is the only one with dual trackpads and that’s been designed for HTPC control.
I figured it would be at least $100. PS5 controllers are like $70, and this has 4 paddles, bigger battery, magnetic charger\high speed dongle, touch sensors, track pads, and the thumb sticks are like 2 generations ahead of sonys.
It’s more like a cheaply priced “pro controller” than an expensive normal controller.
designed for HTPC control
If you want more than gaming (like YouTube), wouldn’t it make more sense to get a wireless keyboard with an integrated touchpad, like the recently announced Framework Wireless Touchpad Keyboard?
I have an OG Steam Controller as well as a Steam Deck and I never ever thought to myself that for HTPC tasks would I want a controller in my had over a good wireless keyboard and mouse/touchpad.
If you want more than gaming (like YouTube), wouldn’t it make more sense to get a wireless keyboard with an integrated touchpad
I have one, albeit kind of a crappy one that takes forever to turn on after it goes to sleep.
Right now I have an 8bitdo controller, a Micom mini trackball (which also kind of stinks, because the ball is so light that it jumps around a lot), and a wireless keyboard. Ideally the Steam Controller would allow me to replace all 3 at the same time, especially when gaming is what my Bazzite HTPC “console” is used for the most.
The OG steam controller is great for HTPC use and the keyboard on it is very useful, while not as quick to type as a real keyboard.
There is still no price for the framework WTK but it still would be higher cost with a good controller than the Steam Controller.
Also it’s steam, sales are like their while thing.
Still waiting for a reliable review source to talk about the dpad.
If it’s anything like the steam deck it’s fine, if a bit stiff.
I have a Steam Deck and, as much as I love it, it has one of the worst dpads I’ve ever used. This is why I’m skeptical.
Ah, then yeah let’s hope it’s a bit better.
