The new Steam Controller is here, and it is packed with modern features and components.
Valve has dropped a bombshell: A new Steam Machine is on the way, and with it comes a new Steam Controller that will be included with the new PC-console hybrid.
Thanks to its extensive controls, the gamepad should be suitable for all kinds of PC games.
Controls and design: Like a Steam Deck without a display
Built-in trackpads with haptic feedback:
- Just like the Steam Deck, two trackpads are built in that support haptic feedback. This means you can click them anywhere and they even support different pressure levels.
- This should make the new Steam Controller suitable for playing PC games that are usually controlled with a mouse.
- In addition, the trackpads are slightly angled, which should make them a little more ergonomic.
Symmetrical analog sticks:
- Most controllers for PCs are based on the asymmetrical stick layout of the Xbox controller, but Valve has opted for the Sony approach with the Steam Deck and now with the new Steam Controller.
- Like the PlayStation controllers, they are arranged symmetrically here and are located directly above the trackpads.
- However, that’s not the only special feature of the analog sticks: they are TMR sticks. That stands for “tunneling magnetoresistance.”
These analog sticks use magnetic fields to determine their position, which significantly reduces mechanical wear and tear and greatly reduces the likelihood of stick drift.
What’s more, they are more precise and energy-efficient than the now widely used Hall effect sticks, which also operate magnetically.
Read more about this topic here: The next big trend in controllers is here, and you should definitely keep an eye on it.
The new Steam Controller: Macro buttons and more
Macro buttons: There are four additional buttons on the back that can be freely assigned. They are located directly on the shoulder buttons, which makes them easy to reach but also increases the potential for accidental inputs.
Buttons and directional pad: The action button, directional pad, and shoulder buttons look very similar to those on the Steam Deck. It is very likely that they will feel the same when playing games.
There is one small difference between the Steam and menu buttons: they are located in the center of the controller.
Grip Sense and motion control: The controller has a built-in 6-axis gyroscope, which can also help with aiming in shooter games. This feature is also activated by touching certain controls, such as the analog sticks.
HD Haptics: A total of four vibration motors are built in. Two of them provide haptic feedback in the trackpads and two are located in the handles.
Compatibility and connectivity: For PCs, mobile phones, and VR
Compatibility: The new Steam Controller will be compatible with many different gaming devices:
- PCs running Windows, macOS, or Linux
- Smartphones running Android or iOS (e.g., for Steam Link)
- Handhelds running Windows and SteamOS (including, of course, the Steam Deck)
- The new Steam Machine
- The new Steam Frame VR headset
Connectivity: There are three ways to connect the controller to your devices:
- Steam Controller Puck: The controller comes with a puck that it pairs with right out of the box. This uses a proprietary wireless connection with a low latency of around 8 ms. According to Valve, it should also be more stable than Bluetooth. Up to four controllers can be paired with a single puck.
- Bluetooth
- Wired via USB
Battery: The battery life of the new Steam Controller is said to be around 35 hours. It is charged using the puck or via USB-C.
Price and availability: The controller is set to be released with the new Steam Machine in early 2026. Prices are not yet known. It is difficult to make a prediction, as there are no other controllers on the market with these features. If we compare the new Steam Controller with other devices that have a similar range of functions (TMR sticks, gyroscope, four additional buttons, etc.), the price could be $80 or higher.
What do you think of the new Steam Controller? Could it at least partially replace a mouse for you? Feel free to let us know in the comments!
