Steam Controller launches in May: RAM shortage slows down Steam Machine

The sale of the Steam Controller begins on May 4th via the Steam store. The price will be 99 Euros, Valve announced. This makes the input device the first available product from Valve's new hardware line, announced late last year. Back in February, the company had already announced that Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Controller would be delayed due to rising component prices. In this regard, however, the controller has a decisive advantage over the console and VR headset: it does not require RAM.

No Memory, No Further Delay

Speaking to Polygon, hardware engineer Steve Cardinali explained that it is much easier to ramp up production and deliver because the controller has no RAM. While memory chips are currently scarce and expensive worldwide, the controller is not affected by this development. They want to build up sufficient quantities to meet demand at launch – even if it's unclear whether this will cover the initial demand.

Cardinali also emphasized that the controller was not necessarily intended to be released simultaneously with the other devices. The products have been considered separately from the beginning. Although Steam Machine and Controller are conceptually closely coordinated, there has never been a fixed coupling of their market launches. The only prerequisite was that the console would not be released before the input device. Therefore, there is no reason to hold back the controller while prices and dates are still being worked out for the other devices. When and at what price Steam Frame and Steam Machine will be released; therefore, they remain open for now. Valve is still aiming for the first half of 2026.

Steam Controller: What's Inside

Technically, the new Steam Controller builds on the original, discontinued in 2019, but further develops its concept. Two symmetrically arranged trackpads replace classic mouse movements and are intended to enable comfortable control of titles that are primarily designed for mouse operation. In addition, there are two analog sticks and a directional pad above the left stick.

The analog sticks work magnetically using TMR technology. Sensors detect position changes via magnetic fields, which is intended to be more precise and less susceptible to the known “stick drift” problem in the long term. The layout is complemented by four additional buttons on the back of the grips, which can be freely assigned. Capacitive sensors in the grips detect touches and can be used, for example, to specifically activate or reset the integrated gyroscope. This is intended to capture rotational movements of the controller, allowing aiming or camera control by tilting or turning.

The scope of delivery also includes a small puck, which functions as a 2.4 GHz dongle for wireless connection to PC or Mac and as a magnetic charging station. Alternatively, the controller can be charged via USB-C when the stated battery life of 35 hours is exhausted. Bluetooth is also supported, for example for smartphones or tablets.

(joe)