Tag: Valve

  • Steam Machine Price Should Beat PlayStation 5 Hike

    Steam Machine Price Should Beat PlayStation 5 Hike

    Key Takeaways

    1. PlayStation 5 price increases: Digital edition now $599, Disc version $649, and PlayStation 5 Pro $899.
    2. Valve’s Steam Machine could challenge PlayStation by pricing below $899 or $649, especially during PlayStation’s price hike period.
    3. Price increases for PlayStation influenced by RAM and NAND supply issues, along with global trade challenges.
    4. Valve’s opportunity to promote Steam Machine as a rival, leveraging its strong software platform and potential pricing strategies.
    5. Steam Machine may achieve higher framerates than PlayStation 5 despite having a weaker GPU, thanks to a robust CPU and advanced upscaling support.

    Let’s get right to it—both versions of the PlayStation 5 have recently seen a price increase of $100 ($599 for the Digital edition, $649 for the Disc version), and the PlayStation 5 Pro has gone up by $200 (now at $899). This moment could not be better for Valve to reveal the pricing and release date for the Steam Machine, especially if they can keep it below $899 or $649. There’s talk about PlayStation reducing its PC ports because of the Steam Machine news, and even a former Xbox executive thinks that the Steam Machine will challenge PlayStation 5 and 6 more than Project Helix. It’s evident that the current console market is recognizing Valve as a genuine rival in the living room.

    The Reasons Behind the Price Hikes

    It’s no surprise that PlayStation has faced criticism from Xbox fans and analysts for these unusual price increases—they’ve been influenced by the ongoing RAM and NAND supply issues that have driven up costs for manufacturers. Since today’s consoles rely on PC technology, they’ve felt the impact of these price spikes as well. Plus, we can’t ignore the changes in global trade, imports, and tariffs. These market challenges are precisely why Valve has delayed announcing a final price or release date for both the Steam Machine and its standalone VR headset, Steam Frame. This situation has also resulted in erratic availability of the Steam Deck OLED, alongside the discontinuation of the Steam Deck LCD.

    Timing for Valve’s Opportunity

    From a strategic standpoint, PlayStation’s decision to raise prices on its hardware makes it an ideal time for Valve to promote the Steam Machine as a rival to the PlayStation 5. The hardware inside should definitely be capable enough—my colleague Zak Killian at Hot Hardware built and tested a simulated Steam Machine with 27 games. This simulated system cost around $600 before adding RAM and didn’t benefit from any potential savings Valve could gain through bulk buying or manufacturing. Additionally, Steam is one of the most lucrative software platforms globally—if Valve employs some tactical loss-leading pricing strategies, it could make a significant impact, something that used to be quite prevalent in the console market.

    Performance Comparisons

    In all honesty, the Steam Machine might not reach the same graphical levels as the PlayStation 5 Pro due to its weaker GPU. However, its CPU is quite robust, and since the PlayStation 5 Pro is limited by the same AMD Zen 2 CPU as the standard version, the Steam Machine could achieve higher framerates than either PlayStation console, especially with lower graphics settings. Moreover, even at similar graphics settings, particularly when aiming for 60 FPS, the Steam Machine appears more than capable of competing with the PlayStation 5 due to its advanced AMD FSR and Intel XeSS upscaling support. This comparison could improve even further if the anticipated AMD FSR 4 support becomes a reality.

    The next move is yours, Valve—and from my perspective as a tech writer for a decade and a lifelong gamer, I strongly urge you to seize this chance.

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  • Valve Developers Testing Generative AI for Game Writing

    Valve Developers Testing Generative AI for Game Writing

    Key Takeaways

    1. Erik Wolpaw is testing generative AI tools at Valve for video game writing but is not concerned about AI replacing human writers.
    2. He believes AI is currently not capable of creating quality writing that surpasses human creativity.
    3. Wolpaw sees potential for AI to enhance real-time character responses in games, a unique aspect of game writing compared to other media.
    4. The AI research at Valve is experimental and informal, focusing on best practices rather than a large-scale initiative.
    5. Wolpaw uses examples like Left 4 Dead to illustrate the importance of real-time dialogue triggered by player actions in game writing.

    Erik Wolpaw is famous for crafting some of the most memorable lines in video games, showcasing a blend of humor in Portal and the memorable voice lines in Left 4 Dead 2. Additionally, he played a vital role in shaping the narrative and voice performances of Valve’s iconic Half-Life 2. Therefore, it’s quite intriguing to hear his thoughts on game writing and artificial intelligence together.

    Recent Insights from the Podcast

    In a new episode of the MinnMax podcast, the veteran writer and contributor to Half-Life 2 shared that a small group of developers at Valve is discreetly testing generative AI tools aimed at assisting video game writing.

    During this podcast session, he mentioned, “A small group of people at Valve has been looking at some AI stuff, and it’s taught me a bunch of stuff.” His tone suggested that he didn’t have much concern about AI replacing his role. He expressed, “I’m currently not worried about AI taking over creative writing because it is pretty bad at it.”

    AI’s Role in Game Development

    Wolpaw elaborated, “And I’m not just saying that defensively. We’ve really been messing around with it. And like art, there are a lot of questions about that, but I don’t think it’s going to—any time soon—be writing novels that are better than those written by humans.” He likened generative AI to chess bots, where even the top players can still win. Although Wolpaw doesn’t view AI as a threat to video game writing, he recognizes its potential in other facets of game development. Unlike films or books, video games require NPCs or characters to respond in real-time to player actions. While this is already common in many games, AI could enhance this further.

    Wolpaw added, “If you throw enough artists at a game, enough humans can create the art for a game or almost any discipline. The thing with game writing, specifically, is that we have always had to simulate characters in the game reacting to whatever you do in real time.” He highlighted Left 4 Dead as an example, where a certain action triggers a character to say a voice line. He stated, “The only place where I feel like AI is worth investigating is game writing.”

    Experimental Approach at Valve

    Moreover, Wolpaw clarified that the work being done at Valve is quite experimental and casual. He noted, “Let it be known far and wide that this is not a concerted Valve thing. It’s just about finding the best practices for the technology we currently have access to. This is just some people sitting around saying, ‘This is a crazy technology. It would be kind of silly for us not to look at it at least.’”

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  • Crimson Desert Player Denied Steam Refund Over AI Disclosure

    Crimson Desert Player Denied Steam Refund Over AI Disclosure

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pearl Abyss confirmed that their game, Crimson Desert, includes AI-generated images, although most artwork is human-created.
    2. A player sought a refund after playing for four hours, but Valve denied the request due to exceeding the two-hour refund policy.
    3. The player argued that a notice about AI usage should have been disclosed before the game’s release, potentially affecting sales.
    4. Community reactions were mixed, with some players feeling AI images did not impact enjoyment, while others supported the player’s refund request.
    5. Valve evaluates refund requests on a case-by-case basis, with some players successfully receiving refunds for other games that used generative AI without prior disclosure.

    Pearl Abyss has confirmed what many suspected: their open-world game contains AI-generated images. The artwork featured in the game is primarily created by humans. This information, however, only came to light after the release date of Crimson Desert. One player, who opposes the use of AI tools in gaming, sought a refund through Steam. The platform denied the request, leading to discussions about how they should manage such situations.

    Refund Request Denied

    A user on Reddit, known as Extra_Lingonberry_79, asked for a refund after playing for four hours. Valve responded, stating that the gameplay exceeded the two-hour limit set by their policies. The player was frustrated because support said that a disclosure about generative AI was available on the Crimson Desert Steam page.

    The player argues that if buyers had seen the notice prior to the game’s launch, it might have resulted in fewer sales. The platform mandates that publishers must disclose any use of generative AI in their products, which includes artwork, character models, and voiceovers.

    Community Reactions

    Unfortunately for Extra_Lingonberry_79, many Reddit users did not sympathize with their situation. They highlighted that Pearl Abyss only released the game with a small number of temporary images. The developer admits they could not replace these assets before the Steam release and plans to fix the issue through updates.

    While many players believe that the AI images do not detract from the enjoyment of Crimson Desert, user barnabyjones1990 argues that there is a “very reasonable justification to ask for a refund.” Some critics worry that if Valve does not take action, game developers might disregard the policy entirely.

    Looking at Success Stories

    In this case, Steam refunds may be uncommon, but there have been instances where players were successful with other games. For example, a player known as Bricky received a refund for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, despite finishing the campaign. Activision had failed to mention that generative AI tools were used to create some calling cards and emblems.

    It seems that Valve will evaluate these refund requests individually. Players might need to persuade support that the current version of Crimson Desert on Steam significantly differs from its original description.

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  • UK Gamers Join Lawsuit Against Valve: Opt-Out Now

    UK Gamers Join Lawsuit Against Valve: Opt-Out Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. UK Steam users are automatically included in a lawsuit against Valve unless they opt out by June 11, 2026.
    2. The lawsuit, led by Vicki Shotbolt, challenges Valve’s game distribution and pricing methods for purchases made between 2018 and 2024.
    3. Scottish users have an extended claim period dating back to 2010.
    4. Individuals can opt out through an online form, email, or mail, but must provide basic information.
    5. If users do not opt out, they risk losing eligibility for compensation if the lawsuit is successful, but there is no financial risk if the claim fails.

    A lengthy legal battle involving Valve and its Steam service has now reached a point where it directly impacts users in the UK. UK Steam customers are automatically included in a lawsuit as the opt-out period begins until June.

    Details of the Case

    The lawsuit, initiated by consumer rights advocate Vicki Shotbolt on behalf of consumers in the UK, challenges Valve’s methods regarding game distribution and pricing on Steam. It encompasses game and add-on purchases made between 2018 and 2024 for UK users. Additionally, there is an extended timeframe that goes back to 2010 for Scottish users.

    Latest Developments

    The most recent update follows the approval of a Collective Proceedings Order (CPO) on March 11, 2026. This order officially allows the case to move forward on an opt-out basis. In simple terms, eligible users are automatically part of the lawsuit unless they decide to exclude themselves. An opt-out process is now available. Individuals who wish not to be included must send a request by June 11, 2026. This can be completed through an online form, via email, or by mail, and it requires basic information like name, address, and a clear indication of the decision to opt out.

    Implications for Users

    If users don’t take any steps, they will automatically be included in the claim. However, opting out means they lose eligibility for any compensation if the lawsuit is successful. According to the FAQ, participants won’t face any financial risk if the claim fails. It’s important to note that the lawsuit is not new; it was first submitted in June 2024 and was allowed to proceed as a collective action in January 2026.

    The discussion around this recent update has already begun to intensify in online forums, particularly in r/Steam. Users are actively sharing opt-out links and clarifying what information is needed. Much of the talk revolves around who needs to act and what details need to be provided. You can keep up with the conversation through the post embedded below:

    Steam You Owe US

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  • Valve Responds to NY Attorney General’s Loot Box Lawsuit: Disappointed

    Valve Responds to NY Attorney General’s Loot Box Lawsuit: Disappointed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve claims that loot boxes in their games do not count as illegal gambling, viewing them as a common gaming feature.
    2. The lawsuit was filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who argues that loot boxes can create harmful gambling patterns, especially for children.
    3. Valve highlights their belief that their loot boxes are similar to traditional collectible activities and do not give players any competitive advantages.
    4. The company refutes the lawsuit’s demand to make digital items non-transferable, stating that item transfer benefits consumers.
    5. Valve has taken actions against real gambling sites misusing their game items, disabling over one million accounts involved in gambling and fraud.

    Valve has finally made a statement regarding a lawsuit that was brought against them by New York Attorney General Letitia James. In their response, Valve insisted that the loot boxes found in their games do not constitute illegal gambling and are simply a common feature in the gaming industry.

    Valve’s Reaction

    It’s not common for Valve to release statements like this one, which came out on March 11. The company mentioned that they were disappointed, noting they had been collaborating with the Attorney General’s office since 2023, yet still ended up facing this legal challenge.

    Details of the Lawsuit

    To provide some background, the lawsuit was filed against “mystery boxes” in popular Valve games such as Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2. Attorney General James claimed that these loot boxes let players spend real money for a chance to get rare and valuable virtual items, which can eventually be sold for real cash.

    She described this as a harmful gambling loop that particularly affects kids and teenagers. The lawsuit aims to compel Valve to eliminate loot boxes in New York, surrender profits, and pay fines. However, Valve countered that their loot box system doesn’t breach any laws in New York.

    Valve’s Defense

    Valve articulated their stance, addressing players in New York, saying, “We informed the NYAG that these types of boxes in our games are commonly used, not only in video games but also in the real world, where many have grown up opening baseball card packs and blind boxes, trading and selling the items they find.”

    Valve’s statement is significant since the trend of blind-box openings, Pokémon card collecting, and the currently popular Labubus has been around for many years. The concept of trading digital items, seen in games like World of Warcraft, Diablo II, and RuneScape, predates the introduction of loot boxes by Valve.

    Moreover, Valve emphasized that the digital items available in their games are purely cosmetic and do not provide any pay-to-win advantages. They reassured gamers that they can enjoy their titles without ever needing to engage with loot boxes. Valve stated, “Since the items in the boxes are just cosmetic, players who don’t spend money won’t face any disadvantages.”

    Efforts Against Gambling

    The company also pointed out the extensive efforts they’ve made to combat real gambling websites that misuse their Counter-Strike cosmetics. “Valve does not work with gambling sites,” they asserted. “So far, we’ve disabled over one million Steam accounts that were misused by third parties for gambling, fraud, and theft.”

    The lawsuit includes a notable demand from the New York Attorney General that items must not be transferable. Valve, however, disagrees, asserting, “We believe that allowing the transfer of digital game items benefits consumers.”

    In conclusion, Valve wrapped up their announcement by stating, “In the end, it will be up to a court to determine whose viewpoint—ours or the NYAG’s—is the right one.”

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  • Crimson Desert Adds Denuvo DRM, Leads to Pre-Order Cancellations

    Crimson Desert Adds Denuvo DRM, Leads to Pre-Order Cancellations

    Key Takeaways

    1. Denuvo anti-piracy technology will be included in Crimson Desert, confirmed by Valve just before its release.
    2. Players are upset about the last-minute addition of Denuvo and are threatening to cancel pre-orders.
    3. Some fans feel misled by Pearl Abyss, citing out-of-context comments about anti-piracy measures.
    4. Denuvo can cause performance issues, potentially affecting gameplay in the open world of Crimson Desert.
    5. The impact of Denuvo on sales is unclear, as some games have still achieved high player counts despite using the DRM.

    Before buying a Steam game, those against Denuvo often check for any indication of this anti-piracy technology. Gamers were hopeful that the new project from Pearl Abyss would not include this controversial software. However, just before the release on March 19th for Crimson Desert, Valve confirmed that the DRM would be present, which could affect game performance.

    Player Reactions

    As soon as the news spread, complaints flooded the game’s Steam forum. Many players are unhappy about the last-minute addition of Denuvo after deciding to purchase the game. Consequently, several buyers are threatening to cancel their pre-orders for Crimson Desert, something Valve permits before the official launch.

    Misunderstandings and Misinformation

    Some fans feel they were misled by Pearl Abyss, referencing an earlier statement from a developer. Nevertheless, it seems those comments were taken out of context. The studio only mentioned that a decision regarding anti-piracy measures was still pending. Critics, however, argue that the timing of this decision was a strategic move to secure more sales.

    Denuvo works by encrypting a game’s executable file and monitoring for any code alterations. While it has had some success in fighting piracy, the constant checks can put stress on CPUs, leading to performance issues like stuttering. Resident Evil Village is a well-known case, causing Capcom to issue a patch to enhance frame rates.

    Performance Concerns

    In other titles, the DRM hasn’t harmed performance. Still, there are concerns that the vast open world of Crimson Desert could strain even the best gaming PCs. Sadly, many early reviews may not take into account how the DRM affects the game.

    Regarding sales, it remains unclear if Denuvo consistently impacts a publisher’s earnings. For instance, Resident Evil Requiem still achieved record player counts on Steam despite the DRM. Generally, companies like Capcom focus on fighting piracy during a game’s initial launch, where most sales occur. It’s common to see the DRM removed a few months post-launch.

    A leaked review of Crimson Desert indicated that it would appeal to players seeking an expansive open-world experience. However, many of the initial Steam reviews are likely to concentrate on the anti-tamper software instead.

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  • Valve Jokes About Memory Shortage and Steam Machine Release Doubts

    Valve Jokes About Memory Shortage and Steam Machine Release Doubts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve humorously addressed the memory shortage and its impact on the Steam Machine during GDC 2026, seeking RAM supply.
    2. The memory cost surge has delayed the Steam Machine’s launch and increased affordability issues for consumers building or buying PCs.
    3. The release timeline for new devices, including the Steam Machine, has been pushed to the first half of 2026 due to rising component costs.
    4. Pricing concerns are significant, with predictions that the Steam Machine’s MSRP could range from $800 to $1000, making it potentially more expensive than the PS5.
    5. There are discussions about offering a barebones version of the SteamOS cube to make it more budget-friendly, amid challenges in finding affordable DDR5 RAM and NVMe SSDs.

    Many consumers are eager to discover how the memory shortage will affect the launch date and pricing of the Steam Machine. Despite this, Valve decided to make a light-hearted comment about the situation during GDC 2026. Journalist and gamer Hayden Dingman shared some humorous remarks made by the company at the event:

    “If you have a line on a bunch of RAM, we are in the market and would like to buy it.”

    Fans React to Humor

    Some fans aren’t amused by the joke regarding the soaring memory costs. This situation has not only delayed the Steam Machine’s launch but has also made it tough for many to either build or buy PCs affordably. In fact, the price of the DDR5 RAM that Valve’s mini PC will depend on has surged four times since late 2025.

    Updates on Hardware Release

    In early February, the company gave an update about its upcoming devices. Fans were hoping for the new controller, Steam Frame VR headset, and Steam Machine to be released in early 2026. However, Valve clarified that due to rising costs of components, this timeline has now been pushed back to the first half of the year.

    More recently, changes in listings at SteamDB indicated that the release window for these products is now “coming soon.” Unfortunately, this did not hint at a forthcoming announcement, as a new official blog post only referred to a vague estimate for 2026. This date coincides with a slide presented at GDC.

    Pricing Concerns

    Another worry for potential buyers is that the price of the Steam Machine was already expected to exceed that of the PS5. The ongoing memory shortage might drive its MSRP even higher, with some insiders predicting a price range of $800-1000. Given that it will likely have just 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM on its RDNA 3 GPU, it may struggle to run some games at 4K, which could limit its attractiveness.

    YouTuber and leaker MLID previously suggested that Valve consider selling a barebones version of the SteamOS cube. This strategy could make the tiny PC much more budget-friendly. Conversely, it’s becoming harder for consumers to find DDR5 RAM at reasonable prices. Storage costs are also a concern, with NVMe SSDs putting a strain on budgets.

    While some followers thought this idea was unrealistic at the time, it seems the manufacturer may now be open to any feasible solutions.

    Hayden Dingman’s Bluesky account.

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  • Lawsuit Claims Valve’s Loot Boxes Rigged Against Players from Start

    Lawsuit Claims Valve’s Loot Boxes Rigged Against Players from Start

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve is facing two major lawsuits regarding loot boxes, one from the New York Attorney General and another nationwide class-action lawsuit from Hagens Berman.
    2. The New York Attorney General claims Valve operates a “gambling enterprise” targeting minors and argues that loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2 are essentially gambling under US law.
    3. The lawsuits allege that Valve uses psychological tactics, such as near-miss visuals, to manipulate players into spending money on loot boxes, similar to slot machines.
    4. The class-action lawsuit by Hagens Berman accuses Valve of knowingly running unlawful gambling operations and failing to protect young players through age verification.
    5. Valve has not publicly responded to the gambling allegations or the ongoing legal challenges.

    Valve is facing two significant legal battles: one initiated by the New York Attorney General in February 2026, and another federal class-action lawsuit brought by the Washington law firm Hagens Berman. The focus of these lawsuits revolves around loot boxes, specifically the Counter-Strike 2 cases, Dota 2 Treasures, and Supply Crates from Team Fortress 2.

    New York Attorney General’s Claims

    In February, Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, filed a lawsuit against Valve, accusing the company of running a “gambling enterprise” that targets minors and those with questionable decision-making.

    The lawsuit asserts that under US law, the loot boxes offered by Valve are considered “quintessential gambling.” It claims that CS2 cases encourage players to spend money, either by opening cases through gameplay or by buying keys afterward. Moreover, it points out that third-party sites frequently sell these out-of-rotation cases or loot boxes at inflated prices.

    Psychological Manipulation Allegations

    The lawsuit goes on to argue that the animations involved in unboxing cases, with their near-miss visuals, are designed to psychologically replicate the experience of playing slot machines. The proposed outcome might seem extreme to some, especially since the estimated market cap for CS2 (by volume) exceeds $8 billion. The New York Attorney General aims to entirely ban loot boxes in the state, secure restitution for affected consumers, and impose a penalty that equals three times Valve’s alleged “illegal” profits.

    But this isn’t the whole story, as another lawsuit, now a nationwide consumer class action, was filed by Hagens Berman on March 9, 2026.

    Nationwide Class Action Lawsuit

    The law firm accuses Valve of “knowingly operating unlawful gambling through its loot box system.” Steve Berman, the firm’s founder and managing partner, stated, “Consumers played these games for fun, unaware that Valve had purportedly rigged the odds against them. We plan to hold Valve responsible and return money to consumers.”

    Highlighted in the class-action lawsuit are several prominent Valve games, including Counter-Strike 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2.

    In a manner similar to the New York lawsuit, a segment of the Washington class-action case claims that Valve crafted a “deliberate and carefully engineered revenue model” and that “Valve was aware that children were involved in these transactions.”

    Berman added, “Instead of safeguarding young players through age verification or parental consent systems, we believe Valve set the game in a way that would maximize profits from them.”

    At this point, Valve has not made any public statements regarding the gambling allegations or the ongoing lawsuits, despite the possible consequences if the claims are upheld.

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  • Steam Users Downloaded 100 Million TB of Games in 2025

    Steam Users Downloaded 100 Million TB of Games in 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steam’s user base has grown from 25 million to over 42 million concurrent users in five years.
    2. Users downloaded 100 exabytes of games and updates in 2025, up from 80 exabytes in 2024.
    3. On average, Steam users downloaded 274 petabytes of data daily in 2025.
    4. Developers are benefiting from higher revenue shares, with the average reaching 76% for non-Valve games in 2025.
    5. Valve continues to enhance tools and support for developers and publishers on the platform.

    Valve has recently shared its Steam Year in Review for 2025, showcasing various enhancements made for developers and publishers, along with updates on forthcoming hardware. In addition to these updates, Valve provided some intriguing insights into the volume of data users downloaded from Steam over the past year.

    Steady Growth of Steam

    Valve noted that the platform has been steadily expanding. Approximately five years ago, Steam reached the milestone of 25 million concurrent users for the first time. Currently, that figure has risen to over 42 million. As more gamers join the platform each year, the total data downloaded has surged dramatically.

    Massive Data Downloads

    In 2024, Steam users downloaded around 80 exabytes of games and updates. This figure jumped to 100 exabytes in 2025. To give an idea of scale, 100 exabytes is equivalent to about 100 million terabytes of data, marking a significant volume of game downloads on the platform.

    Valve also offered a detailed breakdown to illustrate the enormity of this statistic. On average, Steam users downloaded roughly 274 petabytes of game installs and updates daily throughout the year. This equates to approximately 11.42 petabytes per hour, or around 190,000 gigabytes of data downloaded every minute from Steam’s servers.

    Developer Revenue Insights

    Additionally, Valve observed that since implementing the 75% and 80% revenue share options in 2018, more developers have achieved these higher revenue levels. In 2025, the average revenue share distributed to developers for all non-Valve games hit 76%.

    Steam Community

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  • 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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