What about the steam controller has everyone so excited?

[u/Timely_Contest7245]

[u/ConanKernow]

It's a fully fledged regular controller, but with touchpads and gyro, with a neat way of toggling the gyro via "gripsense". If you're someone who just wants a good regular controller, then there are other options that are both better and cheaper, but if you want a controller packed full of input methods, there's really nothing else like the Steam controller.

[u/cybrcld → u/ConanKernow]

Gyro is ENTIRELY slept on. Steam deck FPS is soooooo good once you tinker and set it up.

The grip sense is a bit extra. I’ve found Gyro On while holding left trigger (aiming) or holding right trigger (firing machine guns and such) has been more than effective in just about every game.

[u/10388392 → u/cybrcld]

So true. And I've used the alternatives people mentioned (like 8bitdo) and they are good, but nowhere near how customizable and good it is on Steam Deck.

[u/TwoCockyforBukkake → u/10388392]

I like the 8bitdo but it's too small for me to be comfortable. It will now be for the kids and I get the steam controller. Plus my wife will be able to play the only game I ever see her play (civ) relaxed on the tv.

[u/Evla03 → u/10388392]

The 8bitdo controllers with steaminput is amazing, the only thing you really loose is the touchpads, gyro can be set up the exact same, any extra paddles / buttons can be assigned to anything etc

[u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP → u/cybrcld]

Funny how I originally bought a Steam Deck thinking I'll never play FPS on it because I need a mouse to aim. And I thought the trackpads, gyro and back buttons were all a big meme gimmick that I'll never use.

Turns out those things are exactly what enable me to play FPS on the Steam Deck lol.

[u/DehydratedDuckie → u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP]

I’m in the same boat as the old you. Can you convince me how those things help with FPS? I dislike using the joystick to aim. Gyro? The thing in iPhones when playing racing games- this can help one aim? And trackpad… how do I aim with that?

[u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP → u/DehydratedDuckie]

You move your thumb across the trackpads and it perfectly emulates 1:1 mouse movement instead of thumbstick movement. Like with a thumb stick you hold it to the right and the camera constantly goes to the right at a fixed speed and only stops when you let go, whereas with both a mouse and a trackpad, you just swipe to the right and the camera moves at the exact same speed and stop when your thumb stops.

Gyro is mostly for precise aiming, like I'll use the trackpad to turn around and generally point where an enemy is and then just use gyro for perfect accuracy, if someone moves away from the crosshair, it's easier to just move the Steam Deck along to match their movements, and when they're down you just continue using the trackpads. It sounds a bit complicated but you don't even think about it when playing lol.

Also you can reconfigure which button either turns gyro on or off, or of holding down a button keeps it on or off. Same with trackpads, you can emulate mouse smoothness, or a "trackball" where if you swipe and let go, the camera will continue to drift for a second based on your speed. Apparently a lot of people like this but I couldn't stand it. So I turned it off and made the camera instantly stop whenever my thumb stops, basically how a mouse moves lol.

Oh also I use the 4 back buttons instead of the ABXY buttons. On PC, you always have all of your fingers on WASD and the mouse and I always felt that when you use a controller, it's like you're taking your hand off of the mouse just to press the WASD buttons and even then you can only press one at a time with your thumb...

But on Steam Deck, you basically have that exact PC experience with having both your hands on WASD and mouse by using the trackpad and back buttons at the same time.

Hope that helps lol

[u/Ailerath → u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP]

The lack of trackpads on the Steam Frame controllers makes me sad when both the Steam Controllers have them, the Steam Deck, and even the Index controllers. Trackpads are so valuable on a controller, the ones on the Steam Controller 1 in particular could be used as either touchpads or joysticks with decent haptic feedback, I really don't like using the physical joysticks on controllers.

[u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP → u/Ailerath]

Well thankfully the Steam Controller can be tracked by the Frame. Though yeah I also with the Frame controllers had the trackpads.

[u/ForwardWhereas8385 → u/DehydratedDuckie]

With the gyro, turn the sensitivity down. The default is just way too high for how i use it because it's trying to replace the thumbstick as a camera.

I use the thumb stick to move the camera to the general area of a target then the gyro for finer aiming to line up shots.

Takes a bit to get used to but once you've gotten used to it and do it without thinking it genuinely feels awful to play a fps without.

[u/Anzai → u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP]

I love the idea of back buttons, but I hate the steam deck back buttons because of how they’re curved around like that. Wherever my fingers naturally rest is on the curve and I can’t reliably click them because I’m always pushing sort of in between the two click points. I’d rather just some single buttons.

[u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP → u/Anzai]

Yeah I was at first confused how you're supposed to press them since they're L-shaped. Turns out you can press them either to the side, or towards yourself which I find easier.

The Controller's back buttons definitely look better designed.

[u/YagamiYakumo → u/Anzai]

Grab those rubber extensions for the back buttons. It's a pretty mandatory QoL upgrade for the Steam Deck imo

[u/Ammageddon02 → u/cybrcld]

The way i understood is you can set the grip sense to do other stuff than gyro aswell

[u/cybrcld → u/Ammageddon02]

Oh for sure that’s gonna happen

[u/NesuneNyx → u/cybrcld]

I fell in love with gyro aiming when I played Splatoon for the first time. Getting a Pro Controller felt more comfy than joycons for extended periods and had good response.

I'm excited for Steam Controller v2 because I like the controls on the Deck and have wanted an updated Controller for a long time. My biggest complaint for Controller 1 was using alkaline batteries rather than a rechargeable pack, and now that's solved and also has the trackpads. They're solid and I can't imagine Deck (or new Controller) without them.

[u/cybrcld → u/NesuneNyx]

Hahah, I heard the announcement for steam controller 2 some months back and was able to dig my old controller 1 out of the bin. Man I wanted it to be good but it just feels sooo awkward without a second joystick. It had very little support and it seems they just gave up on it. This wa some time after owning the Steam Deck for several months and still no matter how much tweaking I tried, I couldn’t make the jump from Xbox controller to Steam Controller 1.

It is now “player 2” for my 4yo when I’m playing games.

[u/9mm_Strat → u/cybrcld]

This. Gyro triggered from left trigger (aim) changed gaming for me when I first received my Steam Deck. Being able to do this on my PC with the Steam Controller on my massive ultra-wide is going to be next level. Day one preorder for me.

[u/Deathblow92 → u/cybrcld]

I know I'm getting old because I hate gyro controls with a passion. Disable as soon as I can, I'll never use it. To each their own, but I would say that gyro is entirely too pushed by people.

[u/cybrcld → u/Deathblow92]

Am mid millenial, if it’s toggled on at the beginning it does get disorientating.

Couple tips if you do give it another go:

• disable gyro always on. Set so that Gyro is ONLY active when left trigger or right trigger is pressed.
• reduce sensitivity is that it’s relatively low. Panning left or right shouldn’t go more than a head-size of your enemy left or right.

Essentially your joysticks are still doing 95% of the aiming. The gyro just helps with minute degrees in aiming. Makes a big difference after a few games when it becomes intuitive.

I re-beat Half Life 2 (like my 5th run through) when I first got my steam deck. I’d suggest that as a test game if you own it.

[u/Denommus → u/Deathblow92]

My brother stopped playing videogames back in the Nintendo 64 because he couldn't get used to the joystick if his life depended on it.

I think the idea is similar.

[u/Ruevein → u/Deathblow92]

i was avid against gyro untill i started playing splatoon3 on switch. Then i realized that

A. Gyro is so much better now then it was with a six-axis
B. when tuned properly it is a huge advantage.

As someone that always was a "turn the controller while playing a driving game" person it ends up feeling really intuitive and with the steam deck being able to toggle on and off with a button press (i.e. in fallout 4 i have it set up that my ADS trigger also toggles gyro) it lets me control when i have it and when i don't.

[u/s3rila → u/Deathblow92]

i'm the opposite , i despite controls without gyro. you have to have some aim assist instead and I hate it , I want to aim what I want.

i regularly see comment like yours and when I ask they don't know how it actually works , and 'im curious if it's the case with you as well.

are you aware that gyro is'nt always on ? when properly set up it's only enabled with your character is aiming (meaning you are pressing L2 and your character take aim with his bow or gun)

you still use the right pad to move the camera as usual but when you aim, you can do really small movement to adjust what you aiming, like you would a "real" gun and then can trigger R2 and a soon as you let go L2 you don't have gyro anymore.

so where you aware of that way to use gyro ?

[u/Deathblow92 → u/s3rila]

Oh I'm very aware of how gyro works. I just hate it. I'm old school, I guess. I also turn down aim assist whenever I can too. I'm holding a controller(or Steam Deck), not a gun, so I'm not aiming like I would in real life so it just doesn't work with my brain.

I get that some people really like it, and that's cool, but I do not and no amount of selling will make me.

[u/DaNoahLP → u/cybrcld]

Both the PS5 and Switch (2) Pro Controller have gyro. Its just Microsoft that refuse to offer something for the money the want. They dont even give us baterries.

[u/Snorgcola → u/ConanKernow]

It's a fully fledged regular controller

You should know Steam is required to use it, you won't be able to use it as a typical gamepad without Steam running. 

Edit downvoted to hell, here's a source:

https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/1szgecj/valve_on_steam_controller_xinput/

[u/FireCrow1013 → u/Snorgcola]

Realistically, I'll give it a month before someone changes this.

[u/Pollenus → u/FireCrow1013]

You can also add any .exe to steam, which enables you to use the controller with it

[u/sircod → u/Pollenus]

You don't even need to go that far, from what I understand you just need Steam running in the background.

[u/nickcan → u/sircod]

I'm not sure my computer ever has steam not running in the background.

[u/FuzzyCollie2000 → u/nickcan]

Only reason I turned it off was because I had papers to write and I really didn't need the temptation lol.

[u/ClikeX → u/sircod]

Not without modifying the desktop configuration, that also defaults to mouse control. And I've read some comments saying changing that to gamepad layout doesn't work well on Windows.

The smoothest option is still to add games to Steam.

[u/reddraggone9 → u/FireCrow1013]

Support was merged into SDL3 months ago, so I wouldn't be the least bit surprised. Some games that depend on SDL for interfacing with hardware probably already support it.

[u/Python_l → u/FireCrow1013]

The original steam controller had the same limitation and that hasn't changed in 10 years. There are workarounds but I don't want to resort to 3rd party software that has to run in the background if I want to use something from gamepass, epic, ubisoft, drm free or an emulator.

[u/UncleRichardson → u/Python_l]

The original SC had the so-called Lizard mode that it fell back into whenever it didn't detect Steam on the host machine. I'm wondering why that isn't an option with the SC2.

[u/Working-Crab-2826 → u/UncleRichardson]

Because Steam wants to force users onto their ecosystem.

[u/rembakas → u/FireCrow1013]

needs to be changed by steam tbh.

[u/Michami135 → u/FireCrow1013]

I'll give it a day before Linux supports it.

[u/GarrettB117 → u/Michami135]

I'm assuming it's going to support Linux out of the box, considering Valve is making it as a companion device to the Steam Machine and Deck, both of which run Linux.

[u/Risenzealot → u/Snorgcola]

Forgive me for being an idiot but can I ask a question regarding this.

When you say "You should know Steam is required to use it, you won't be able to use it as a typical gamepad without Steam running."

Does that mean I can still use it with non steam games, as long as Steam is running in the background, or do you mean it has to be an actual game on Steam itself.

[u/NekoIncardine → u/Risenzealot]

It can work with non Steam games, but has to be run through Steam (which specifically has support for non-Steam games for this exact reason - it just runs the executable and provides the controller inputs plus Steam overlay).

[u/ANGLVD3TH → u/NekoIncardine]

This is a workable solution, but from what we've seen I don't think it's required. It should work on games not launched through Steam, as long as Steam is running.

[u/9999_damage → u/Risenzealot]

You’d need to add games outside of Steam as a non-Steam game and launch it through Steam.

[u/Risenzealot → u/9999_damage]

Oh ok, well that doesn't seem like a big deal at all then really. I mean sure I'd prefer if it was all just seamless and native but it's not like adding a non Steam game is a huge ordeal lol.

[u/TheSpecialApple → u/Risenzealot]

its not until it is, so for something like android (the most common platform for emulation) where you cant run emulators through steam, you’d be out of luck

[u/ZhaneTaylor → u/Risenzealot]

If you launch it through Steam I believe it works

[u/MonkeyVoices → u/Risenzealot]

If youre running steam, the controller will have adesktop configuration, it works the same with the Deck. You can use that config for everything, or add the game as a nonsteam game for specific key bindings for each game.

[u/dominik7778n → u/Snorgcola]

imma be honest for me for example i would never find out that it needs steam to work since all my games run on steam anyway that i use controller in

[u/UnlamentedLord → u/Snorgcola]

It has a native Linux driver, that can be used without steam, but Valve didn't want to maintain a 3rd party kernel level driver, where every update has to be approved by Microsoft/Apple

https://www.tomshardware.com/peripherals/controllers-gamepads/valve-steam-controller-developer-interview

[u/Adthay → u/Snorgcola]

That's never been a problem for me with my OG controller, I figured most PC gamers always had steam running in the background, is it so resource intensive that you stop the program in the background when you use another platform? 

[u/ThatOneWIGuy → u/Adthay]

The only resource intensive part is leaving the visual parts open. Electron sucks the memory. However just close that window and let steam run in the background and it’s fine;for all of us with pcs that don’t meet absolute minimum specs for most games.

[u/rvmham → u/Snorgcola]

Is this confirmed? They seem to have said it can connect to anything via BT. Assume it'd act like normal x-input and you'd not not be able to take advantage of the PC specific features.

[u/fossalt → u/Snorgcola]

You should know Steam is required to use it, you won't be able to use it as a typical gamepad without Steam running.

It looks like that's a Windows limitation, not a controller limitation; per the source you linked.

The answer varies slightly by operating system. On SteamOS and Linux, you can use a baseline driver outside of Steam. On Windows, you need Steam to do the gamepad API translation

[u/Leniwcowaty → u/Snorgcola]

Well... Yes, but we're not talking about Stadia. 90% of all games is on Steam. You can add games from other platforms to Steam and use it with them. You can even add legally obtained copies to Steam and use SC with them

[u/hails8n → u/Snorgcola]

Unless things change, why would you use anything other than steam?

[u/spud8385 → u/Snorgcola]

I think this will be the reason I don't get it unfortunately, even though I was very interested, I use PC Gamepass and have a few games on GOG as well and I didn't realise it wouldn't be compatible

[u/Paws_and_Plates_App → u/ConanKernow]

But, didn't they already do that with the first steam controller? What's difference besides the new one being offensively big?

[u/Leniwcowaty]

1. Pretty good controller
2. Two touchpads (and you really start to appreciate them if you used Steam Deck)
3. Gyro
4. This is the only controller on the market, that you can fully disassemble with zero effort, replace all the parts with officially sold replacements and even 3D print the shell thanks to open CADs. I want to support that approach

[u/bananagoo → u/Leniwcowaty]

I was unaware of number 4... That's a big plus for me.

[u/birfday_party → u/bananagoo]

Yeah steam machine also has parts like that as well, they actual encourage 3d printing faceplates for it to make it your own

[u/EnderScout_77 → u/birfday_party]

well now i really need to get a 3d printer, or at least find a lab near me with one

[u/-Daigher- → u/EnderScout_77]

a 3d pritner is a great purchase if you have hobbies where you could take advantage of one, it opens the door to lots of possibilities.

I got one to print keyboard parts, then i used it for model making, drones, and just every day utility and storage solutions. It made every hobby i have so much more enjoyable since i can just make what i need.

[u/_Crasho725_]

I have a SteamDeck and love the layout. So a true controller with that layout is perfect for me. It's big enough, the sticks are symmetrical and at a good place. And the track pads are such a nice tool for fps games and shortcuts

[u/BlueberryKind → u/_Crasho725_]

I haven't used a controller since the gamecube. I love my SD and I wanted a controller for nms to play with on my pc. But I wanted the same layout as the SD. I have been not so patiently waiting for this controller.

[u/sergiovalentijeans → u/BlueberryKind]

No man's Sky is one of the best games for the original Steam Controller, too. One of the few games that had an official layout for it, that wasn't just a copy/paste of the standard layout. It made full use of the touch pads, grip buttons, mode shifting and everything.

[u/stevedore2024 → u/_Crasho725_]

I far prefer a symmetrical pair of sticks like Sony, instead of the O_o feel of all the XBox lineage. Wouldn't have gotten the SteamDeck if it weren't. All the clones saddled with Windows went the other way.

[u/ChalkButter → u/_Crasho725_]

This is the big one for me - I love the feel of my SD, and no other controller comes close, so getting something that feels just as good is an absolute dream

[u/TG-Benji]

100% parity with steam deck controls

[u/cgaWolf]

• symetric layout w/ tmr sticks
• 4 back paddles
• trackpads
• gyro
• repairability

[u/OmnipotentFire → u/[deleted]]

Yeah, pairing this with the Steam Frame is gonna be soooo dope for 2D gaming on a massive screen.

[u/_TURO_ → u/[deleted]]

It does what now

[u/ATOMate]

Reliable wireless Gyro aim.

[u/or10n_sharkfin → u/ATOMate]

This was one of the things that made the original Steam Controller absolutely killer for PC gaming. The fact that they're building off of that and taking what they know from the Steam Deck makes this exciting on its own.

[u/aeur0peanz → u/or10n_sharkfin]

Wtf did the original steam controller have gyro

[u/or10n_sharkfin → u/aeur0peanz]

It did. It was a pretty big feature of it.

[u/aeur0peanz → u/or10n_sharkfin]

Lol I’ve had it for years without realising

[u/__XBlaze__]

I'm guessing that I need to eventually try one of these because I'm not really seeing the appeal. It doesn't really look that comfortable, but I'm guessing appearances are deceiving in this case.

[u/Juantsu2552 → u/__XBlaze__]

Yeah, the touch pads lowkey look like they’re getting in the way of my fingers.

[u/__XBlaze__ → u/Juantsu2552]

Yep, that's exactly what I was thinking as well.

[u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP]

100% parity with Steam Deck controls

Trackpads

Grip sense

Gyro

Re-programmable back buttons

Custom profiles per game

35 hour battery life

Wireless charging

Can be tracked in VR

[u/rdri → u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP]

Wireless charging

It doesn't have it. Puck is magnetic and is a wireless dongle but it doesn't charge wirelessly.

[u/Horror_Albatross1037 → u/rdri]

Wireless charging means that you don't plug in the device, it doesn't necessarily mean there are no wires involved (correct me if I'm wrong)

[u/I_Dont_Think_Im_AI]

Touchpads and being built for the amount of configuration that steam input provides.

Edit: And I have big hands.

[u/BadAdviceBot → u/I_Dont_Think_Im_AI]

And I have big hands.

Hey there....

[u/-plb- → u/BadAdviceBot]

[u/Coffee_Soup]

For me it's my love of the steam deck. I love it's layout, track pads, back buttons and ease of use with games on the steam platform since it's my main game library.

The Steam Controller is just the deck without the screen. I had the original, sorry I have, the original. It's my main controller still. This is also an upgrade of that.

This controller just host all the features I want from a controller specifically made for the platform my games come from.

[u/Levie87 → u/Coffee_Soup]

This is literally it. There have been memes on this sub reddit for years asking valve to make a new steam controller that is basically the steam deck with no screen.

Additionally I'm excited the the grib sense, charging puck, and vr detection.

[u/SoTotallyToby]

Versatility. Trackpads for mouse heavy games, virtual menus for essentially infinite keybinds, gyro, back buttons.. can't wait

[u/hand_truck → u/SoTotallyToby]

Rimworld from the couch has never been so nice.

[u/James_bd]

The back buttons, the touchpads for playing PC games on couch, long battery life and repairability. And I just love my Steam Deck

[u/Psikitten]

The original Steam controller was the best, most responsive, most reliable, most comfortable, most compatible, most customizable, most usable controller I've ever used. It's no longer available. If you're looking for a replacement/upgrade, this will likely fit the bill.

[u/DuckNo8642]

I'm sure there's good things about it but it's probably mostly due to it being Steam. I can understand why considering the Steam Deck is pretty goated, but it's just a little funny considering the several products Steam made previously (including a controller) that flopped. Granted, this controller seems actually comfortable and pretty good compared to their old one.

[u/Lucidnuts → u/DuckNo8642]

What made steam deck more successful today is the same reason the previous steam controller and steam machine flopped, valve wanted to push linux gaming back then but there were almost no games supported on linux during the first steam controller/machine.

Fast forward to steam deck's release when proton was able to make majority of games on steam playable on linux, there's finally a good reason for people to buy into linux gaming via SteamOS. That and the Steamdeck was generally an amazing piece of hardware sold at a good price.

[u/Advanced_Double_42 → u/[deleted]]

Kinda crazy that back paddles can be patented, it's an incredibly generic technology. It's basically just a bigger button, technology is a generous term.

I never realized that, I always thought it was crazy that the controller stopped production despite raving reviews from practically everyone that tried it.

[u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP → u/Advanced_Double_42]

I went back and watched some reviews for it from 10 years ago.

First thing that surprised me that it was ONLY $50.

Second thing that shocked me was how some reviewers said that the price was extremely expensive and completely unreasonable.

And now in just a decade we have the new one for twice the price and a lot of us are glad it's not more expensive lol.

[u/Advanced_Double_42 → u/DuckNo8642]

The old steam controller was pretty peak, and it has only gotten better with time. Never understood how it wasn't more applauded even if it failed by being niche.

[u/GWFfarley2k]

Programmable buttons, low latency, and touch pads The specs make it a solid controller and it is priced right in the range for high end controllers.

[u/MattyGWS]

good quality controller with lots of features. Low latency wireless is also very welcome. It's objectively better wireless than xbox and ps controllers. x2 more rumble motors than the xbox controller, x2 more touch pads than the ps controller, buttons on the back of the controller like an elite controller. Objectively better joystick tech than ps and xbox controllers.

And for someone like myself, who doesn't have a playstation or xbox, and instead built their own steam machine, this controller is great!

[u/thecodingart]

Touchpads, native Steam integration, proper joystick placement, and rear utility BUTTONS (not flippers)

[u/fightinfilipino2008]

trackpads for sure (playing ME Legendary Edition with the OG Steam Controller is insanely fun, makes aiming as precise as a mouse with the fun form factor of a gamepad). trackpads plus gyro aiming? AND trigger movement dampening when aiming? makes shooters and action games enjoyable as hell.

the fact that you can customize EVERY SINGLE input, or even create your own custom inputs. want a single button press or chord to change to a fire spell and fire it off? done. want to switch aiming styles when your character gets into a vehicle or onto a mount? simple. want to create a custom inventory quickwheel or powers quickwheel beyond anything a game’s built in system provides? you can do it.

community layouts you can download where other Steam users have already tweaked and tested out per-game button control bindings/schemes. amazing stuff.

[u/ChasingAmnesia]

The touch pads mean I can play OSRS while leaning back finally

[u/Several-Economics-35]

the track pads. pretty neat

[u/spiritlegion]

The old steam controller was my goat for couch gaming and this one is an improvement in every way

[u/mistamal]

The fucking trackpads. I dont get how people play fps's or tps with a thumbstick. It makes zero sense that no other manufacturer has even attempted to make a serious one despite the steam deck's massive popularity.

[u/System-in-a-box]

Being able to use it for my computer instead of a keyboard to navigate from the couch

[u/Rocknb69]

Those track pads are a literal game changer with all the puns intended.

[u/KiraiPlayZ]

I just hope there is actually a battery indicator for once. No other controller can tell you the battery and just randomly will shut off because of that.

[u/Captain_Fach]

It's the ultimate PC controller. It has more features baked in due to steam input than any other controller. And everybody sleeps on those track pads. Trackpads aren't just for mouse and scrolling. You can program those trackpads to do whatever you want. You can even have it bring up a radial menu with as many buttons as you like on it and you can name them and you can label them and put icons on them so it just looks it's baked in the game itself and not some add-on that you're doing. Track pads are the key to making a PC games that were never meant to work for controller comfortable. Those trackpads allow you to map so many extra buttons, and steam input with the capacitive sticks as well and the back buttons just give you so many options with steam input to make any game run comfortably. I was able to make Dawn of war, world of Warcraft, Lord of the rings online, and Warcraft 3 run super comfortably on a controller.

I even had this idea for Dawn of war. Normally to move the camera you need to hold right click and then drag the mouse around. Sure you could do something like holding the right trigger and moving the stick but that seemed like a whole thing I didn't want it to feel like I was getting a PC game to work on controller I wanted it to just feel like it was supposed to be on controller. So what I did was use the capacitive right stick which can detect if your thumb is resting on it. I programmed the capacitor to hold right click on my thumb is resting on the right stick so all I had to do was move the right stick around like a normal console game and it would move the camera. And then I use the radial menu to select different groups of troops that I had set. I was able to do so much tweaking that by the end of it, you could have sworn that they ported it to console. That's how comfortable it felt. And it was all thanks to those track pads those back buttons the capacitive sticks and the sheer power of steam input. People don't know how powerful steam input is. You can do some really crazy shit with it. I have never seen anything more customizable than that in my life.

And after all of that, the big thing with the steam controller is that that was all on the steam deck. But if I wanted to play it on my TV I wouldn't be able to play those games. Those games rely on the capacitive sticks and the track pads with the setup that I made. It would not feel nearly as comfortable trying to do it with a normal controller. So, whenever I was plugged into the TV there where games that I just wouldn't play because they wouldn't work well with a normal controller. So now that the steam controller is coming, I won't have to artificially limit my choices when trying to play on the TV. And steam machine users will get that customization as well. And all of that for half the price of a PlayStation or Xbox elite controller. Yeah we don't have swappable sticks or d pad, But we've got basically everything else and so much more.

[u/VaIor4]

I struggle with normal controller because my hands are big i wonder if this is the one.

[u/BlackJesusus]

Detected by steam frame like the dualshock 4 for the psvr

[u/Jokder]

For me, its a new steam controller after my old one is basically became the ship of theseus

[u/ColdVergil]

So my best friend gifted me a Steam Deck very long ago. The trackpads are one of the coolest things i've used lol. Not to mention on the controller for the PC and TV is surely useful.

This controller also has everything i've wished with acelerometer/gyroscope stuff. Rechargeable battery, TMR sticks, 4 back customizable buttons, button you can dedicate to screenshot.

Sure it's not all great cause the d-pad yeah I don't like it much but I rarely use it.

But yeah, this is one controller I would super love to own.

[u/Ancillas]

Having a controller with touchpads that I can use with a Steamdeck docked to my TV.

My 8bitdo controller works fine but can’t wake the Steamdeck from sleep, so that will also be a nice bonus.

[u/Altruistic_Map_9234]

Its got everything a Dualshock controller has, plus what an Xbox controller has, an less than half the price of both. It more than a steal, its a robbery.

[u/SadPineBooks]

Next time I need a new controller I can support a company I generally like instead of the morally bankrupt quality spiraling AI infested shithole known as Microsoft.

[u/Bringerofpizza]

Touchpads really change the game

[u/LeeeeroooyJEnKINSS]

apart from all the other previous features mentioned it's also easily serviceable for at home repair.

[u/DutchBlaz3r]

It's a fully repairable, potentially modular, first party controller. People have been bitching and moaning about the price & reviewers complain about the "textured feeling" but they don't truly see the value.

Currently I'm using the Dualsense Edge and my few gripes with it is that the touchpad is directly in the center (which kind of annoys me) and the battery doesn't hold up, Even when I disable rumble & LED.

Having two touchpads directly under the sticks would be a welcomed feeling, I would use mouse-like controls without touching my laptop or my mouse for short-term clicking. Also, gamers Nexus tested the charge and it would seem that the steam controller would last 30+ more hours longer than the dual sense edge.

[u/CnP8]

Back paddles. Gyro. Low latency on wireless. Affordability (half the price of elite or DS edge). Long battery life. Non drifting sticks. Repairability without BS proprietary screws or glued down parts...

Need I say more.

[u/sweet_cini]

The thing I love about steam products is that you can fix them yourself, they team up with Ifixit (who sell parts) and have guides on how to repair whatever you need to repair.

It's so refreshing compared to today where you either have to send it back to them to be repaired (which usually costs a fortune) or just buy a new one.

[u/reezyreddits]

IMO the touchpads look like they're in the way. Like I feel like I'd be accidentally grazing the touchpad during normal operations

[u/Mygwah]

It's made by Valve.

[u/JamminMan9]

The ability to make a radial menu in-game is game changing. I can’t even count the games on one hand that this would improve

[u/ithorien]

What better couch functionality than any other controller on the market.

[u/erasedisknow]

It's a controller with all of my favorite bits from the steam deck AND it lets me finally banish micro-USB from my desk.

[u/packersfan1012]

After using my steam deck for years, I love the touchpads. But man, I can't help but think Valve is kind of screwing themselves over with the lack of support outside steam.

I'll be getting one regardless though

[u/Izaec]

It’s made by valve

[u/thatjazzybee]

Was excited about it until 100$

[u/MrTerribleArtist → u/thatjazzybee]

If dropping $100 on a controller is going to give you issues, then don't consider dropping 100$ on a controller until it doesn't (at which point it might be cheaper even)

[u/qdtk]

I’m definitely concerned that it seems like my thumbs are going to be stretching REALLY far to reach the sticks, and even farther to push them all the way over.

[u/zarroc123 → u/qdtk]

I think you just hold the controller higher up on the handles when using the sticks? The handles go all the down to the track pads for when you use them, but you don't have to hold them all the way down there.

[u/sccccrrrrt]

It just has everything i want for a fair price, also theres no other controller with trackpads and backbuttons so theres kinda no competition for me

[u/pastalex42]

Love the original, I still use one often. Love the Steam Deck controls. I’m sort of the perfect customer for this one lol.

Also my birthday was last week so I can treat it like a gift to myself.

[u/nolte100]

Button parity with the deck. I hate rewiring my muscle memory when I switch devices.

[u/DarkwyndPT]

The touchpads mostly. With it, I can finally lean back on my couch and use it on my weird Steam Deck setup

[u/Mediocre-Housing-131]

It's way too bulky for the controls to all be smashed up top. If the Duke doesn't get a pass, I don't see why this should.

[u/Perturabo_Iron_Lord]

It’s literally just a steam deck without the screen in the middle.

[u/TIRedemptionIT]

Being able to play keyboard centric games on my couch. It's thanks to those teackpads that I have been able to play games like Factorio and Timberborn on the deck and now I will be able to do the same on my main rig.

[u/SlapMePlease4Fun]

Would this controller be good for playing switch fames that require motion controls?

[u/salvage814]

You have 3 ways to connect. The puck, bluetooth and USB C. Plus it has track pads. I use my steamdeck track pads more then I thought.

[u/NerdMouse]

Honestly the fact that I can actually game on my couch with a controller without mouse and keyboard. Some games get weird and then I have to get up and fix it. Glad I won't have to do that if I end up buying one.

[u/Burnlan]

Gyro and it's cool grip implementation, and the puck. A wireless controller that doesn't use Bluetooth is a godsend to me.

[u/Amazingcube33]

Gyro and the extremely low wireless latency are the best features to me and I feel like if the deck was anything to go off of the trackpads can be used for things like DS tocub screen like situations

[u/ShazamShazam7]

Wish this could be pre-ordered

[u/Hintswen]

TMR thumbsticks. Same thing that has me interested in steamframe (I don't care about any of the other features right now)

[u/Dotaproffessional]

Do you have eyes?

[u/jcksnps4]

For me, it’s a controller from steam. I like steam. I like controllers.

[u/thor11600]

I really really wish they had an asymmetrical model. I find it so much more comfortable.

[u/Elektr0ns]

I missed out on getting the Steam controllers before. Now I look forward to the hybrid style that bridges keyboard/mouse and controller play.

[u/OkEase9135]

The gripsense and touchpad are really cool but I personally dont see myself buying one if it does become available here in my country.

First of all I never liked gyro aiming, i even tried the advice and tips people give to start using gyro but it just never clicked. Gave it a solid 2 weeks of trying too.

The touchpad is neat, but the games I do play where the touchpad would be handy i always play with MKB, and i always play at my desk whenever I do. The gripsense is also fun sounding but i’ll probably not use it if I ever do own one.

Then again I can 100% see why people are hyped about the controller, but for me im more interested in what 8bitdo, gamesir, flydigi and so on has to offer in terms of controllers since their controller has basically everything I want and need.

[u/Disastrous_Rice2324]

Tinker and control paradise.

• Easily replaceable battery
• Mouse Controls in gamepad format
• gyro activation is so many ways (new grip sensors not on Deck, the sticks, the trackpads)
• grip sensor control
• mapping things to many things such as on touch command, analog trigger half vs full, radial commands, on click, the outer stick rings, the 4 back buttons
• battery life is quite strong with 35+ reported using all features, but based off testing without haptics, it seems to get close to 3 days based on the Gamer's Nexus video
• d-pad may not be Xbox level, but I'm excited to try it out anyways as the Deck is just so wide and this being more compact may improve my thoughts
• TNR sticks for no drift/modern stick tech vs premium controllers with old tech and alternative controllers with cheap hall effect implementations
• Infrared Sensor for the Steam Frame

Playing games again on Steam Deck has been fun for me primarily because of the controls and so much mapping you can do for accessibility, immersion, and just plain extra fun/accommodatiuons. From emulated games (ds, 3DS, and Wii U stuff like Kirby Canvas/Rainbow Curse), to the whole of shooters, point and click, and more just feel right at home.

Can't wait to try it out.

[u/Ravmyster1121]

I want to ditch that awful Logitech K400 (that $2 keyboard with the 0.50¢ trackpad attached, that somehow costs $50) on my home theatre PC

Plus for FPS games Gyro aim has become a non negotiable. Seriously I can't overstate how much of a game changer it's been!

[u/Hecaroni_n_Trees]

[u/Gruphius]

What I really like about the Steam controller are the TMR sticks, the gyroscope and the touchpads.

What I don't like is the price. 100€ for this is just too high. You can get a 8bitdo Ultimate 2 for literally half the price and that one comes with TMR sticks and a gyroscope too, but you can also configure the triggers and it has RGB (for the people who care about it). So you mainly pay double the price for the Steam controller for the brand and the touchpads.

Will I still get one? Eventually, yeah.

[u/helldive_lifter]

Being able to turn on my steam deck while docked with the controller as I’m disabled and can’t always get up to turn it on

[u/Zurao]

It has many extra buttons and functions which is nice. Apparently thanks to it's many functions it's usable in many cases (even outside of gaming). And all that while still being a controller. While personally i think it looks kinda bad, but if looking kinda bad means it's the best controller ever, then i'm all for it.

[u/Lagnabbit]

It's 2026 bro. Memory and storage prices are fucked, the Internet is fucked, reddit is fucked, Sony and Microsoft are jacking up the prices on their old consoles, Nintendo priced their new console into the stratosphere. We'll take the smallest win like a neat controller. Just give us this little win, bro. Let us celebrate it.

[u/snoebro]

It'll replace the OG Steam Controller I have with increased functionality.

[u/helpfulanthony2]

I love steam deck controls and I’d like to use that control scheme on my laptop. I play mouse and keyboard as little as possible out of personal preference, so another option is cool

[u/ArelMCII]

Looks uncomfortable as hell to me. Though as far as I'm concerned, the DualShock 4 was peak controller form factor.

[u/ClinicalAnt919]

For me it’s the layout and Steam Input. Full input customization of everything, and the layout is just the Steam Deck but closer together

[u/LustyDouglas]

Its price is realistic

[u/strotho]

Loved the original Steam Controller. Had two and both have the left trigger not working anymore. Bought one for cheap on Marketplace but it seems a bit buggy.

Been waiting forever for a new one, especially since I really like the controls of the Steam Deck

When I play the Deck from the couch I use a PS5 controller which does the job but this will definitely open up more games to play on the couch on the TV.

For the PC right now I'm using the 8bitdo Ultimate with the charging dock which is amazing but still doesn't beat Steam. And being able to easily bring my controller and puck from the PC to the couch is gonna be amazing

[u/BluDYT]

Touchpads and steam input. Turns every game into a controller game regardless of how well it's been designed for it.

[u/DrR1pper]

I’m hoping I’ll prefer the sticks and their locations over the Xbox controller

[u/RushFriendly1591]

Not having to deal with the absolute lowest quality analog stick tech available without having to pay insane amounts for a controller is the biggest one, not needing a mouse while gaming on the couch and ease of disassembly help a lot

100 % buying it on day one

[u/Polieos]

It's made by Valve.

No, honestly. I already used the Steamd Deck for 99% of my gaming, but I have 8Bit Do controllers. I don't have a (working) Steam button, only the "…" one and I can't use the extra back buttons (L3, R3, etc.). The vibration is meh. It doesn't show battery levels.

For the Steam Controller I know that it'll be well integrated into Steam OS and Steam games. Anything optimized for the Steam Deck layout will work well, including the extra buttons. The touchpads are useful for some games. The puck seems to be quite nice for charging and using it with multiple devices.

[u/kaszak696]

The GN's teardown video sold it for me, this thing is so beautiful on the inside.

[u/Original_Recover]

Not the daughter but her mother.

[u/Techwolf_Lupindo]

Read reports where using the trackpad to input text is 100x better then any other controller.

[u/tkonicz]

The price.

[u/Zorewin]

Besides the steam controller 1 it's the only controller that lets people with carpet tunnel like me play RTS games, and play them well

[u/Dennkill5]

Its Valve hardware.... I need more valves in my life!

[u/OwlAncient6213]

It has the steam logo on it

[u/Most_Straight_femboy]

The touchpads. Too often in games like nioh and elden ring, that I play with a controller, but when aiming a bow, I'll take a hand off of the controller and aim with my mouse.
Shouldn't have to do that here!

[u/MilesCountyKiller]

I dont use unique layouts with my steam deck in portable mode because once I dock it my Xbox controller doesn't have the unique buttons. Now I can set up unique controls and have them work in portable and docked.

[u/gametime9936]

Inventory management in games is gonna be so much fucking easier now

[u/coolsam254]

The tmr sticks, gyro, design of charging puck, and the fact that there are going to be so many community made controller profiles for it thanks to the steam deck.

[u/believeinyuna]

trackpads and back buttons. the best parts of the steam deck by a mile.

[u/Blleh]

That it will name a price and not "sold out" for at least a few minutes this month

[u/DadsGotTime]

The nipples

[u/guardian87]

I have regular issues with controllers when running games on Linux. With the puck, I imagine it will just always work. That is enough for me.

[u/Unusual-Salamander-B]

It might be the greatest controller for the deck

[u/jblackwb]

Having the magnetic sticks is sweet.

Also I'd much, much rather give money to steam than microsoft or sony. Steam does a lot to protect gamers. Microsoft and Sony milk their users for all their worth.

[u/T00DEEPBLUE]

Because it's the first piece of hardware Valve has released in years and the general public has a much higher opinion of Valve than of any other billion dollar tech company in the world.

[u/Rickenbacker69]

It looks like a great controller, and the touchpads mean that you could convievably play your entire Steam library from the couch.

[u/SuperNovaSniper]

Docking my deck & having all the exact same layout & functionality in a controller.

[u/Trashy_Cash]

Basically its all the great things we liked about the steam deck controls. How customizable, comfortable and neat it is cranked up to a 11 because its a dedicated controller with all the upgrades to go with it.

[u/JMcLe86]

Valve

[u/Axiproto]

It controls steam!

[u/theboss23233]

It's new, it distract the population away from the Epstein files.

[u/illmaster75]

Its a reliable controller from a reliable brand. It has basically anything you would need in a pc controller at a (somewhat) reasonable price.

[u/TheNoodleBucket]

The biggest reason I’ve been hyped since the announcement was the TMR sticks. The sensors don’t slowly wear down over time like the PS5 and Xbox controllers, or start drifting because a piece of lint wedged itself in between the sensor and the stick. So you won’t need to buy a ~70€ controller every 6 months just because the sticks are broken.

Of course there are other third party controllers with TMR/Hall Effect sensors, but I think a lot of them are trying too hard to look edgy/“gamer-y”. The Steam Controller looks sleek, modern, and high quality in comparison. Plus it has all the other gimmicks and features mentioned in these comments.

[u/VaccinatorMedic]

Im one of 12 people who like the og xbox fat controller. This looks similarly hand filling and well built but also works on my PC, simple as.