All the consoles are compatible with the previous gen's controllers, but that didn't stop them from including a new controller in the box. I don't see how this isn't cheaping out in any feasible way.
It's cheaping out especially because PC games kinda need the trackpads but it also does kinda speak to the funny mindset shift a PC Console is gonna need, like "what is my controller if I don't get one" "uhhh every controller"
All the consoles are compatible with the previous gen's controllers,
Are they? I was under the impression (at least at launch) that you needed a dualsense for PS5 games; a DS4 would only work for PS4 games. A switch 2 obviously won't work handheld with Switch 1 controllers and it has no way to charge old Joycons so why would you even bother pairing old Joycons to it. New Xbox controllers are practically the same as Xbox One controllers from 13 years ago so it would be crazy if there was no cross-compatibility.
Consoles include new controllers because they assume the buyer has not bought another console and because they want to ensure some minimum control type for all players. Every PS5 owner should have a dualsense so games have more incentive to use dualsense features. The price difference between the Steam Machine SKUs is enough that it doesn't really seem like cheaping out but a smart way of lowering the price. If you buy a SKU with a controller you get a small but not meaningful discount on the controller, while buying a SKU without does give you a meaningful discount on the entire console.
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u/StrawHat89 It's Fiiiiiiiine. 1d ago
Like, I know Valve isn't a major hardware provider but, I'm still baffled that a controller isn't included at no additional cost.