Steam Controller Goes on Sale May 4th for $99
At the end of last year, Valve announced three hardware devices planned for release: Steam Frame (wireless VR headset), Steam Machine (living room console), and Steam Controller (next-generation controller). Due to global price increases in memory and hard drives, the Steam Machine that was originally scheduled for release early this year has been confirmed delayed. However, the Steam Controller, which inherits the touchpad design from their handheld devices, will be released on schedule, priced at $99, Official purchase page >>
The core advantages of this controller include: TMR technology magnetic joystick, effectively preventing drift; powerful motor providing immersive and precise haptic feedback; grip-sensing gyroscope that can be activated through capacitive touch, hold and release to enable and disable gyroscopic aiming, and can be mapped like other buttons; touchpads with higher precision and customizability than joysticks; and a dual-purpose Puck that functions as both a wireless transceiver and a magnetic charging dock.
IGN gave the 2026 version of the Steam Controller a high score of 9, considering it the ultimate controller for PC gaming. This new hardware draws from the success of the Steam Deck, combining the highly praised dual touchpads with a PS5-like symmetrical dual joystick layout, completely solving the overly radical design issues of the first generation. Although compatibility setup on non-Steam platforms is somewhat cumbersome, with its affordable $99 price tag and powerful customization features, it performs on par with or even surpasses more expensive elite competitors, making it the top choice for PC gamers seeking both everyday usability and deep customization. Click for the full review >>
Additionally, Valve officials recently discussed the latest progress on Steam Deck 2 in an interview with IGN. Software engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais clearly stated that the team is working full force on its development. Combined with Valve's repeated statements that "they won't release Steam Deck 2 until achieving a truly generational performance leap," the performance of this device is highly anticipated.
The Steam Machine versus PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series traditional living room consoles; the Steam Controller versus DualSense Edge Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 high-end elite controllers; the Steam Deck 2 versus Nintendo Switch 2 and the rumored PS6 handheld - it's foreseeable that the hardware market will likely become more vibrant with Valve's re-entry!
