Tag: Steam Controller 2

  • Why the Steam Controller is the Best Gamepad for Gamers

    Why the Steam Controller is the Best Gamepad for Gamers

    Key Takeaways

    1. The upcoming Steam Controller 2 incorporates lessons learned from the Steam Deck and enhances features like dual analog sticks with TMR technology to prevent stick drift.
    2. Gyro aiming through touch on the new controller improves gameplay in titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and various shooting games.
    3. The Steam Controller 2 is expected to be compatible with multiple platforms, including Valve’s own devices and potentially the upcoming Xbox, thanks to support for Steam Input.
    4. Initial reviews from outlets like IGN and Digital Foundry praise the Steam Controller 2 for its responsiveness and overall positive experience.
    5. The release date for the Steam Controller 2 is anticipated soon, following a recent tease from Valve about new hardware announcements.

    The original Steam Controller made its debut in 2015 and gained a following, including myself, but some critics pointed out that its dual touchpads weren’t always ideal for console games. With the introduction of the Steam Deck, which built on the features of the Steam Controller and Steam Input, this feedback was taken into account. The result was a device that offers complete controller support, along with the dual trackpads and four back buttons reminiscent of the first Steam Controller. Now, there’s buzz about a new version, often referred to as Steam Controller 2, set to launch this year. As someone who enjoys both mouse & keyboard and gamepad experiences across various games, I’m really looking forward to it.

    Building on Previous Successes

    The upcoming Steam Controller appears to incorporate everything learned from the Steam Deck. Nothing seems to have been lost in translation, and actually, even more enhancements have been made. The dual analog sticks are now designed to virtually eliminate stick drift due to TMR technology. As a person who developed an unexpected fondness for the 2015 Steam Controller thanks to a former roommate, this is exciting news. For those who missed out or didn’t grasp the reasons behind its popularity, I highly suggest checking out the Nerrel review, which also offers a gentle introduction to Steam Input and its role in motion controls for emulators.

    Advantages of Gyro Aim

    A standout feature of the Steam Deck update compared to the 2015 Steam Controller is the ability to activate gyro aiming solely through touch. This is beneficial for games where gyro input is essential or enhances the gaming experience, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or any shooting titles. The support for easy motion controls through Steam Input is a real blessing. Among current consoles, only Xbox lacks built-in support for motion controls, while PlayStation games require manual activation and often have it disabled by developers. Since the days of Splatoon and the Wii’s IR sensor aiming, Nintendo has prioritized delivering a great gyro aiming experience in its games.

    Compatibility Beyond PC

    Interestingly, there are no strict limitations that confine the new Steam Controller to just PC hardware. At the very least, Valve’s own computers and the upcoming Xbox are expected to be fully compatible, including Steam Input. Furthermore, a lively market for controller adapters exists. If adapter manufacturers like Mayflash or Brook can maintain even basic XInput functionality, the 2026 Steam Controller could easily find its place in competitive gaming. Having reviewed multiple gamepads, I can appreciate how Valve’s controls stack up against first-party options, and I would be dishonest if I claimed the next Steam Controller doesn’t tempt me. However, I’m currently enamored with the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller’s adjustable stick tension and interchangeable sticks. There are always hardware modifications…

    Positive Early Reviews

    Initial feedback from writers who have had more access than I indicates that the high hopes for Steam Controller 2 are well-founded. Multiple outlets, including IGN and Digital Foundry, have reported that the controller offers a pleasant and responsive experience. If the D-Pad is at least as good as that on the Steam Deck, I know I’ll be convinced. The closest alternative to the Steam Controller we’ve seen since 2015 is the Wireless Horipad for Steam, which features touch-sensitive analog sticks—this carries over from Steam Deck for better gyro integration, although it lacks trackpads. Hopefully, Valve will soon reveal the release date for the 2026 Steam Controller, as a Steam Hardware announcement has been teased since Friday—more details on that below.

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  • Valve’s Steam Controller 2: Leaked Image Reveals Touchpads

    Valve’s Steam Controller 2: Leaked Image Reveals Touchpads

    Hardly any time has gone by since Hori launched the first new official Steam controller in several years. The Horipad, while marketed with ‘for Steam’ branding, doesn’t come with built-in touchpads like the original Steam Controller or the highly praised Steam Deck. This means it functions similarly to other budget-friendly products, like the 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2C, which is currently priced at $29.99 on Amazon.

    Rumors of a New Controller

    There is growing speculation that Valve is working on a second-generation Steam Controller. To summarize, Bradley Lynch revealed that Valve is creating what is referred to as the Steam Controller 2, codenamed ‘Ibex’. Recently, Lynch posted what he claims is a render model of the Ibex, which is included below.

    Recent Findings

    Lynch states that this render model was discovered in updates for the SteamVR driver. Interestingly, the same applies to the new Valve Deckard controllers, which we have discussed in a different article. Bradley suggests that the Deckard headset might also be compatible with the Ibex controller.

    Features and Design

    Focusing specifically on Ibex, it appears that this new controller enhances the Steam Deck’s layout by positioning a pair of joysticks between a d-pad and the ABXY buttons. Additionally, the render model reveals two touchpads that are slightly angled inward. From the image, it seems the Ibex is considerably larger than modern wireless controllers. Consequently, Lynch and some enthusiasts have started calling it the Steam Duke, a nod to the infamous Xbox Duke. Unfortunately, many details about Ibex are still not known at this point.

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  • Valve’s Steam Controller 2: New Leak Confirms Upcoming Release

    Valve’s Steam Controller 2: New Leak Confirms Upcoming Release

    A recent leak has indicated that Valve is working on a new version of the Steam Controller, which was originally launched in 2015. The new gamepad, known as the Steam Controller 2, is said to be getting ready for large-scale production.

    Source of Information

    This news comes from Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley), who shared details on X about the new controller. He mentioned that the Steam Controller 2 is being developed under the codename Ibex, and it’s distinct from another controller, which is codenamed Roy. The controller named Roy is intended for Valve’s upcoming standalone VR headset, referred to as Deckard.

    Production Status

    According to Brad’s post on X, both Ibex and Roy are currently in the tooling phase, aiming for mass production. There’s no information yet regarding the appearance or features of the Steam Controller 2, but more information is expected to emerge in the weeks or months leading up to its launch.

    VR Headset Controller Details

    In a different post, Brad provided some insights into the VR headset’s controller. The controller is expected to include a D-pad, bumpers, triggers, grip buttons, ABXY buttons, a system button, and a strap. This information was gathered through datamining and from sources that wish to stay unnamed. Since both controllers are close to mass production, it’s likely that they will be announced together.

    Pricing Speculations

    While there’s no specific info on pricing at this time, the original Steam Controller launched at a price of $49.99, and it was later sold for just $5 during a fire sale before its discontinuation. The Steam Controller 2 might be priced similarly or could be a bit more expensive.

    Competition Ahead

    When the Steam Controller 2 is released, it will face tough competition from several other controllers, including the Xbox Wireless Controller, DualSense Wireless Controller, as well as options from brands like 8BitDo, GameSir, and CRKD.

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