Steam's New Controller Launches on May 4, Available Only on Steam

The Steam Controller, Valve’s latest innovation, is set to launch on Monday, May 4, at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). It will be available only through Steam’s official store, following the same approach as the Steam Deck. Priced at $99.99, this controller aims to offer a highly customizable and advanced experience for PC gamers.

This new controller combines traditional features found on PlayStation or Xbox controllers with innovations Valve developed for the Steam Deck. It includes a D-pad, two analog sticks, face buttons, triggers, bumpers, and four rear buttons that can be mapped to any function. Its standout features are the two touchpads, which can serve as a mouse, keyboard, or control wheel depending on the game.

The analog sticks use TMR technology, ensuring precision, efficiency, and resistance to stick drift, a common issue in other controllers. The touch-sensitive surfaces on the sticks and grips allow players to assign tilt functions, useful for aiming in FPS games. Additionally, it comes with a magnetic puck for charging and wired connection to the PC, enabling gameplay in wired mode.

The controller is highly programmable. Users can remap buttons, assign multiple controls, and upload custom layouts via the community platform. Valve designed it to be adaptable to various play styles and preferences, with a vibrant community already sharing their configurations. This flexibility makes it suitable for demanding gamers seeking tailored control schemes.

Regarding price, some have called it high, but it offers many extra features compared to other first-party controllers. The investment is justified for those wanting a versatile, personalized gaming experience. Valve’s exclusive online sales strategy helps maintain control over distribution and community engagement, reinforcing its ecosystem.