Once I first noticed the unique Steam Controller again in 2015, I believed Valve had fully misplaced the plot. A controller with big trackpads, one analog stick, no correct D-pad, and a structure that seemed prefer it got here from an alternate timeline? It felt much less like a severe gaming peripheral and extra like a bizarre experiment that someway escaped Valve’s lab. I bear in mind watching folks battle by way of menus and shooters with it and pondering, “Why reinvent one thing that already works?”
Now, 11 years later, Valve appears decided to show that the unique thought was not fallacious. It was simply unfinished. And truthfully? The second-generation Steam Controller could be the primary time I perceive what Valve has been attempting to do all alongside.
Valve lastly stopped combating conventional controllers
Valve Steam Controller (2nd technology)
Subsequent-generation magnetic thumbsticks
What instantly stands out to me is that this not seems like a controller designed to interchange conventional gamepads. As a substitute, it looks like Valve lastly accepted that individuals nonetheless need twin analog sticks, a correct D-pad, acquainted face buttons, and customary ergonomics. The weirdness now exists as an enhancement quite than a alternative. That adjustments every thing.
The general structure seems like somebody took a Steam Deck, eliminated the display screen, and compressed the controls right into a standalone gamepad. And truthfully, that’s most likely the neatest path Valve may have taken. So many PC gamers already tailored to the Steam Deck’s structure over the previous few years that this controller immediately is sensible in a manner the unique by no means did.
It seems cumbersome, however apparently feels wonderful
The most important shock for me is how snug it seems to be regardless of its cumbersome design. Practically each hands-on impression says the identical factor: it seems awkward in photographs, however feels pure as soon as it’s really in your fingers. That jogs my memory quite a lot of the Steam Deck itself. I believed that handheld seemed large earlier than launch too, but it ended up turning into one of the vital snug gaming units Valve has ever made.
The straighter grips, light-weight shell, and bigger decrease part for the trackpads sound uncommon on paper, however from every thing I’ve seen, Valve clearly obsessed over ergonomics this time round.
Even individuals who usually follow Xbox controllers appear shocked by how pure the structure feels after a couple of minutes.
The trackpads are all the level
Numerous mainstream protection retains treating the trackpads like a gimmick, however longtime Steam Deck customers already perceive why they matter.
PC gaming has at all times struggled with genres that really feel awkward on conventional controllers. Technique video games, administration sims, MMOs, point-and-click video games, desktop navigation, and older PC titles with out controller help all turn into dramatically extra playable whenever you add exact trackpads into the combo. That’s the true attraction of this controller.
It isn’t attempting to beat an Xbox controller at being an Xbox controller. It’s attempting to bridge the hole between mouse-and-keyboard gaming and sofa gaming in a manner nothing else actually does.
And truthfully, the extra I give it some thought, the extra I really feel like that concept makes excellent sense for contemporary PC gaming.
Steam Deck customers will most likely love this factor
The second-generation Steam Controller feels closely designed round individuals who already reside contained in the Steam ecosystem.
In case you already use a Steam Deck, Steam Enter, Massive Image Mode, or Steam Hyperlink usually, this controller appears like a pure extension of that have. Consider it as a Steam Deck with out the display screen, and that truthfully appears like the very best pitch Valve may make.
The inclusion of TMR magnetic analog sticks is one other large win. Controller drift has turn into one of the vital irritating points in trendy gaming {hardware}, so seeing Valve transfer towards magnetic stick know-how immediately makes this really feel extra premium.
Between the haptic trackpads, gyro help, 4 remappable again buttons, and deep Steam Enter customization, this feels much less like a traditional controller and extra like an fanatic machine constructed particularly for PC gamers.
The most important downside continues to be Steam itself
As thrilling because the {hardware} sounds, there may be nonetheless one main catch.
The controller solely totally works by way of Steam Enter. Which means Home windows doesn’t acknowledge it like an ordinary Xbox controller, and video games launched by way of apps like Sport Move, Ubisoft Join, or GOG nonetheless require workarounds. Sure, you’ll be able to add non-Steam video games into Steam manually, however that also feels much less handy than merely plugging in an Xbox controller and having every thing work instantly.
For folks totally dedicated to Steam, this most likely gained’t matter a lot. For everybody else, although, it may completely turn into annoying.
Was Valve proper all alongside?
The $99 price ticket additionally places the controller in an attention-grabbing place. It’s costlier than customary controllers, however it additionally packs in options that almost all opponents nonetheless don’t supply.
And truthfully, the extra I examine it, the extra I really feel like Valve could lastly have one thing particular right here.
For years, PC avid gamers accepted the concept that controllers needed to imitate Xbox pads perpetually. Valve appears to be one of many solely firms significantly attempting to push that design ahead as a substitute of repeating the identical formulation each technology.
I’m nonetheless not totally satisfied the second-generation Steam Controller will turn into a mainstream success. However for the primary time ever, I fully perceive why individuals are enthusiastic about it.
Availability: The queue period begins
Valve Steam Controller (2nd technology)
Subsequent-generation magnetic thumbsticks
Not even Valve appeared prepared for the demand across the second-generation Steam Controller. When orders went reside, Steam bought hit with heavy site visitors, and the controller bought out in about an hour. For a distinct segment PC controller, that form of response says loads.
Now Valve is attempting once more with a extra managed rollout. As a substitute of one other chaotic drop, it’s utilizing a queue system the place consumers be part of a reservation checklist and get contacted when it’s their flip. You may solely seize one per account, and when you already purchased one within the first wave, you’re out for this spherical. As soon as your flip comes up, you’ve bought 72 hours to complete the acquisition earlier than your spot disappears.
