New Steam Controller comes with charging puck
The new Steam Controller is more ergonomic and has one more stick than its predecessor. It is charged via a puck, which also handles the connection.
(Image: Valve)
Valve's new gaming trio of Steam Machine and VR headset is completed by a gamepad: The new Steam Controller revives the ideas of the very controversial original. The unique selling point remains the two touchpads, which function like trackpads on a laptop and emulate mouse input.
This allows games that are not designed for gamepad control or simply work better with a mouse to be played with the controller—for example, point-and-click games and strategy titles. On the Steam Controller, both touchpads are symmetrically placed below the also symmetrically arranged sticks; the previous model only had one, which limited its use as a normal controller.
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Magnetic Sticks
The sticks of the new Steam Controller work magnetically. This is a real advantage for avid gamers: magnetically operating sticks, similar to Hall-effect sticks, have a better chance of functioning long-term without phantom inputs. So-called stick drift does not occur with such sticks, at least in the traditional sense.
Another improvement compared to the first version of the Steam Controller: the new controller has a real D-pad, which, like on the Steam Deck, is placed above the left stick. In the first Steam Controller, the D-pad was integrated into the trackpad. On the back of the grips, there are two additional buttons each, which can be configured for individual inputs.
Overall, the new Steam Controller places less emphasis on its trackpads and can therefore also be used as a normal game controller if necessary. Compared to controllers for Xbox and Playstation, the Steam gamepad still appears somewhat bulky.
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Charging and Connection Puck
Unusual is a puck that functions both as a 2.4 GHz connection dongle for PCs and Macs and as a charging station for the controller. Alternatively, the new Steam Controller can also be charged via USB-C. According to Valve, the battery lasts up to 35 hours on a single charge. A jack for a wired headset is missing.
Connection to end devices, including smartphones and tablets, can also be made via Bluetooth. The Steam Controller connects even more easily with the Steam Machine; it has a receiver built directly in.
(Image:Â Valve)
Vibration motors in the Steam Controller are intended to provide precise haptic feedback; there is no mention of adaptive triggers like those on the PlayStation Dualsense. However, thanks to its gyroscope, the new Steam Controller supports motion controls. For example, you can aim with a weapon by tilting the controller.
Valve has not yet provided any information on the price. The Steam Controller is scheduled to go on sale in early 2026, along with the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame VR headset.
(dahe)
