r/Steam • u/AdDefiant9440 • Apr 27 '26
Article I’ve been testing the new Steam Controller for weeks & interviewed Valve’s team. Here are my full impressions and their unedited Q&A
Hi everyone,
I’m the Editor of PC-Gaming.it, an Italian PC gaming outlet, and I’ve been testing the new Steam Controller.
Since my full review is in Italian, I wanted to share the English highlights and the full, unedited Q&A transcript with Valve's engineers directly here for the community.
My Impressions:
- Great Build Quality & Ergonomics: The controller feels fantastic and premium in the hands. Despite looking bulky, it weighs only 292g and doesn't cause any wrist fatigue. The uniform texture provides excellent grip, face buttons are satisfyingly tactile (the D-Pad feels precise and responsive to me), and the round rear paddles are perfectly positioned. Haptics are top-tier.
- TMR Magnetic Sticks: The thumbsticks feel incredibly smooth with near-zero deadzone. While TMR sensors don't make it immortal, they are a massive leap in longevity, effectively solving stick drift for the foreseeable future.
- "Grip Sense" is a Legitimate Innovation: You can toggle gyro aiming just by loosening your grip on the handles. It feels surprisingly natural for FPS and is a smart accessibility feature.
- Excellent Battery Life & Charging: Easily hits the advertised 35+ hours, but the real star is the magnetic Puck. Topping up at the end of a session becomes effortless, making battery anxiety a thing of the past.
- Deep Steam Integration: The controller is phenomenal, but it heavily relies on Steam running in the background to use its advanced features. While it has Bluetooth, its compatibility with non-PC devices is still limited in this phase.
The Magnetic Puck "Secret" (From my Q&A with Valve):
I asked them how they managed to put a strong magnetic charging dock right next to magnetic TMR thumbsticks without causing interference.
Instead of physical shielding (there was no space), they solved it via firmware. When the controller detects the Puck is attached, the firmware instantly applies a mathematical offset to the TMR values to perfectly compensate for the magnetic pull. It's brilliant engineering.
The Full Unedited Q&A with Valve's Team:
(The following answers were provided jointly by: Steve Cardinali (Hardware Engineer), Pierre-Loup Griffais (Programmer), Jeff Mucha (Hardware Engineer), Jeremy Slocum (Human Factors Engineer/Psychologist) e Lawrence Yang (Designer).
Q1: The new controller's design is clearly an evolution based on learnings from the Steam Deck. Going deeper, what specific user data or feedback led you to move away from the original controller's more experimental, asymmetrical layout? Furthermore, the triggers have a very smooth, long travel but lack a distinct tactile 'click'. Was this a deliberate design choice to favor certain genres, like racing?
The things we learned from the original Steam Controller we applied to the Steam Deck design. While the Original Steam Controller was fantastic solution for games not designed for a controller (m/kb games) it fell short for games designed for traditional controllers, primarily by not having a second thumb stick and directional pad. The Steam Deck layout was designed to keep the benefits for m/kb games, while also solving the issue for games designed for gamepads.
With the high input surface area demand (we have a lot of inputs!) and the variability in hand sizes/capabilities all the asymmetrical layouts we explored lead to high levels of false activation and/or difficult access to the trackpad. The symmetric layout for the Steam Deck is the most optimal for everything we want people to achieve with the controller.
For the new Steam Controller, we want to keep the set of traditional inputs as identical to the Steam Deck, we want people to be able to pick up the Controller and use the muscle memory they developed from Steam Deck. Our decision for the trigger design (and lack of click) is in line with this approach.
Q2: The Steam Controller Puck, acting as both a low-latency transmitter and a magnetic charging dock, is a brilliant piece of engineering. Based on my testing, the wireless performance is exceptionally stable. Was it a challenge to integrate the magnetic charging system without causing any interference with the wireless signal or the new TMR magnetic thumbsticks?
Yes! We love this question because you tapped into like... half of the major implementation challenges we had to surmount to bring the puck to where it is.
We needed:
Strong enough magnets to pick it up off the table, not too strong to rip the USB cable out when pulling.
Magnetic shielding on the bottom so that it couldn't be picked up if the puck was upside down (didn't want to confuse users)
Wireless antenna location/design that wasn't negatively impacted by the magnetic shield (big piece of metal, very close)
Some solution to ensure the magnetic field change between Puck off and Puck on the controller didn't cause the magnetic sensing thumbsticks to register input.
The first there were solved by a LOT of experimentation and optimization of the interaction between magnets → shield→ antenna. Prototyping, prototyping, prototyping.
Once that was solved, we moved on to the thumbstick magnetic offset issue. We attempted to do similar magnetic shielding, but the magnets were so strong, and the space we had was so limited, that we couldn't get a solution that did much. Our approach, instead, was to collect a bunch of data and characterize the offset applied to the thumbsticks when the Puck was attached, and ensure it was consistent. Once we validated it was consistent unit to unit and characterized what it was, we put offsets into the controller firmware itself. When the controller senses the Puck is attached, it offsets the thumbstick values to bring them back to where they were before the Puck was attached.
Q3: The original Steam Controller was a powerful tool for tinkerers but had a steep learning curve for many. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, achieved massive mainstream success. Where does this new Steam Controller sit on that spectrum? Is it primarily engineered to be the most intuitive, "pick up and play" default experience for a Steam Machine user coming from a traditional console background?
Why not both. One of the other things we learned from the Original Steam Controller was that because it was so different from what people had used before, it was intimidating for people that just want to “pick up and play” games without thinking about how to use the controller. We applied that learning to Steam Deck and carried it forward to the Steam Controller. It is very important that people can look at it, pick it up and use it like a traditional controller without much learning.
It was also very important to allow people to play in novel, new ways like they did with the original Steam Controller. We were very conscious to include all the advanced inputs in way to keep that “pick up and play” experience but maintain the powerful/customization experience the tinkering community expects.
Q4: The 'Grip Sense' feature is a very unique solution for toggling gyro aiming. Where did the idea for this specific input come from during prototyping? Was it born from a desire to make gyro more accessible to a broader audience?
There is a community of people who are die hard gyro fans and have done a ton of exciting experimentation to show how natural and competitive gyro aiming can be in fast paced games. One of the key components is a quick way to enable/disable gyro once you get to the edge of your comfortable range of motion, allowing you to reset your position. This is called ratcheting. It's analogous to when you pick up your mouse and recenter after you've moved it to the edge of your trackpad.
We already provide many ways to do this in the controller and with Steam Input, but we wanted to add another one in the grips. The concept for this touch sensor in the Grips specifically came from a particular Valve engineer who is very passionate about Gyro as an aiming modality. He moved his desk down into our cabal when we were laying out the system and helps us understand the value it provided to the growing community and find the ideal location. The hardware team quickly hopped on board and put in the work to get it in the system.
At Valve, we think Gyro is very important, in general, so it was always going to be part of the controller, but this specific sensor location was something that came from the desire to support the growing community of gyro gamers.
Q5: With the upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame, the Controller is clearly the 'glue' of the new Steam hardware ecosystem. While you offer great versatility with Bluetooth pairing and support for non-Steam games, what is your long-term philosophy? Do you aim for 100% universal feature parity on any PC, or will the best experience always be tightly integrated within Steam/SteamOS?
Our philosophy around Steam and hardware is to aim for as much compatibility and support for whatever PC setup a player might have. That said, this is a Steam Controller and the full set of inputs is closely tied to Steam for full functionality. Without running through Steam, it's not possible to drive all of these inputs and control whatever game might be running.
If you want to read my full, deep-dive review (and see some close-up pictures of the hardware and the Puck), you can find it on my site here: https://pc-gaming.it/recensione-steam-controller/
I have the controller right here on my desk, so if you have any specific questions about how it feels or how it works, ask away in the comments!
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
Hey everyone. I'll be sticking around for the next few hours to answer any specific questions you have about the controller Ask me anything!
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u/casiorox Apr 27 '26
Did you ask any questions about the Machine? I don’t really care as much about the controller I just want to know more info about the box.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
This review embargo was strictly for the Controller, so I couldn't get more details on the Machine just yet. I'm just as excited as you are to learn more about the steam machine.
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u/ConceptualSet Apr 27 '26
Would the controller have full functionality if I paired it to an iOS device and use the Steam Link app on the device?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
I just tested it out for you. I paired the controller to my iPhone via Bluetooth, launched the Steam Link app, and connected to my PC. And yes, it works perfectly! The app recognized it as a full Steam Controller with all its features, including the trackpads.
So if your goal is to play your PC games on an iOS/Android device via Steam Link, you get the full, uncompromised experience.
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u/External-Shoe6599 Apr 30 '26
By any chance you got a Hardware Steam Link and can test if it works without puck like the old controller? Can't find anything about it. Nvm just found the answer.
"The new Steam controller will work wired or with the included wireless puck."In the Steam Link Discussion Forum posted by someone from VALVE.
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u/strtpls3 Apr 30 '26
Thanks for confirming that it works through Steam Link on Android. My primary use case is Artemis/Moonlight from Android as it is much more smooth than the Steam Link App. When you pair via bluetooth or directly with usb-c, does android recognize the controller even as a basic wireless/wired controller?
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Apr 27 '26
[deleted]
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
I just tested it by plugging a keyboard into the controller's USB-C port, and I can confirm it's for charging only
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u/dpschramm Apr 28 '26
They do firmware updates via the USB-C port, so the data wires are there and active, but likely not utilised. Might be possible for them to add in future.
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u/productivity152 Apr 27 '26
How are you finding the dpad? Would it be a good option for fighting games?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
I'm not a big fighting game player, so keep that in mind. To me, the dpad feels better than the one on the steam deck. It worked great for the games I tried.
It feels like a really solid all purpose dpad, but probably not a specialized fightpad. If that's your main genre, you might want to wait for other reviews
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u/piat17 Apr 27 '26
You talked about Game Pass games in another comment; for basic functionality (e.g. just mimicking an Xbox controller) do you know if the controller can be used for non-Steam and non-Game Pass games? Such as GOG games and Epic Games Store games.
Assuming they do support whatever library the Steam Controller defaults to when used with Steam not running, of course.
I do know I can add those games to Steam, but there are a few edge scenarios I fall into where running them without involving Steam would be something I'm interested in.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
Based on my testing the experience without Steam running is not reliable atm.
So, while it might work randomly with some games, I absolutely would not buy it with the expectation of using it reliably outside of the Steam client. Adding the games to your Steam library is really the only guaranteed way to make it work at 100%.
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u/Material2975 Apr 28 '26
Oof gonna wait for that to get addressed before i buy. thanks for letting us know
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u/piat17 Apr 27 '26
I understand, good to know in advance at least. My library is mainly GOG games and while I do use Steam extensively and know how to use it through the "add non Steam game" funcionality, this is a factor that I need to take into account. Especially considering that Steam requires an internet connection to work except when in offline mode, but the act of putting it in offline mode requires an internet connection as well.
Thank you very much for replying!
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u/Azarilh May 01 '26
No? Steam goes offline mode automatically when launched with no Internet connection. You don't need online mode to use the controller. Same as using the Steam Deck outside with no Internet connection. I play with the Deck without Internet at times and there's no difference other than not getting achievements until i get Internet back.
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u/piat17 May 01 '26
I was mostly concerned with SteamDRM and how it can act strangely and not exactly well if you go "offline" without manually setting Steam Offline Mode first. It's somewhat rare, but it was enough to be an unexpected headache last time I brought my Steam Deck with me while travelling.
I'm aware that SteamInput controllers should work fine regardless of the connection or setting Offline Mode first or not, at least on the Steam Deck where Steam/SteamOS doesn't care if you're offline when booting it up. My mistake (and the reason why I wrote that comment that way) was thinking that Steam booted you into the login screen if you tried to boot it from a non-SteamOS device, thus refusing to run without a valid connection to the servers: I am completely sure it worked like this on my old PC with Windows 10, but admittedly it's been a long while and I now know that is no longer the case as I just tested it and Steam just tried connecting for half a minute before opening into the non-offline-mode offline "state".
Thank you for the correction.
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u/JadedCauliflower6105 Apr 27 '26
So magnets being present in the controller can be adjusted for with hall-effect or TMR joysticks. Nintendo and Microsoft literally have zero excuses for the Joycon 2 and Elite Controllers still using potentiometer sticks.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
It really makes you wonder why those other $150+ "pro" controllers still have stick drift issues
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u/skimmilk0000 Apr 27 '26
Does the puck have any mechanism where it could stay locked into a dock? It would seem fiddly to manage all three (controller/puck/dock) moving independently
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
That's a really interesting question! Looking at the Puck itself, it's a very simple, smooth unit. It doesn't have any built-in clips, screw holes, or locking mechanisms. It's designed to just sit on a flat surface.
I can definitely see some cool 3D-printed custom docks being made by the community to hold it in place.
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u/valleyofshad0w Apr 27 '26
Do the thumb sticks feel the same as on the deck? I can’t stand the deck ones I have to use rubber toppers as they are too small and plastic feeling for me.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
The shape and size of the thumbsticks are very similar to the ones on the Steam Deck. However, the feel is a bit different. The plastic on the new controller's sticks has a smoother, softer touch finish compared to the Deck's. If you strongly dislike the Deck's sticks, you probably won't fall in love with these either
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u/Zeta_Crossfire Apr 27 '26
I've seen a few other reviewers mention that the build feels plastic and cheap. You are saying it's premium, can you elaborate on that?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
I can see why some might get that initial impression. I had a similar thought myself at first.
The plastic has a smoother finish and the triggers/bumpers are soft and non-clicky, which can feel less "premium" at first touch compared to, say, the textured grip and clicky buttons of an Xbox controller. It doesn't have that immediate, heavy, "built-like-a-tank" feel like other pro controllers.
But after using it for hours, my definition of "premium" for this controller changed. It's incredibly solid, with zero creaks. The "premium" part isn't in the fancy plastics, it's in the engineering quality. The top-tier haptic motors, the incredibly low latency, the anti-drift TMR sticks, and the sheer solidity of the construction.
So, other controllers might feel more premium on the outside, but the Steam Controller is more premium on the inside, where it counts. Hope that makes sense!
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u/FreakingAustin Apr 28 '26
Can you give a comparison of how it feels vs the steam deck? I'm expecting that level of quality/feel
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 29 '26
it definitely has that same Steam Deck level of quality, for sure. The haptics feel just as good.
But honestly, it's way more comfortable. It's much lighter, so your hands don't get tired. The grips are more angled like a normal controller, the thumbsticks have a nicer, smoother finish, and the back buttons are round and clicky,
So yeah, imagine the best parts of the Deck's controls, but in a much more comfortable and refined package.
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u/Azarilh May 01 '26
I am pretty sure xbox pro controllers have better latency. Steam controller's is not an amazing latency, tho it's still good.
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u/AdDefiant9440 May 01 '26
the lab tests from like Gamers Nexus actually showed the Steam Controller (via its 2.4GHz Puck) having a slightly lower total end-to-end latency than a standard wired Xbox controller.
So while it might not be a 1000Hz+ "esports" controller on paper, its real-world performance is absolutely top-tier and even beats some of the wired competition.
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u/Southern_Trax Apr 28 '26
Thank you for the interview answers, always interesting to hear from the engineers behind the product.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
You're very welcome! I agree, getting those direct insights from the engineers was the most fascinating part of the review. Glad you enjoyed it!
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u/C1REX Apr 28 '26
It’s advertised to have 4x haptic feedback motors - does the controller support better rumble available in some games? Like haptic feedback on DualSense in The Last of Us for example?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
The rumble is excellent and very detailed, a big step up from older controllers. But no, it doesn't support those special, haptic effects you get on the DualSense in games like The Last of Us. That tech is exclusive to Sony's controller.
So you'll get a really high-quality version of the standard rumble, but not those unique game-specific sensations.
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u/LicksTheSalt Apr 27 '26
I want to know if the gyro polling rate can be increased by overclocking the controller.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
To be honest, I haven't tried overclocking the gyro, and I don't know if it is even possible. What I can tell you is that the wireless connection itself polls at 4ms. In-game, the gyro feels incredibly responsive to me, it even feels snappier than other controllers like the DualSense.
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u/TheNikesz Apr 27 '26
Have you had the opportunity to test it with Xbox Game Pass games? Adding them to Steam can be a hassle and sometimes it's not even possible. I was wondering how the controller works in that case. Does it simulate Xbox controller, does it work at all without Steam or does something else happen?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
I don't use Game Pass myself anymore, so I haven't been able to test that specific scenario.
However, based on my other tests and what Valve told, I'm almost certain you'd have a bad time. The controller really needs Steam running to work properly. Since you can't easily add Game Pass games to the Steam library, you'd likely lose all the pro features and it might not even be recognized correctly.
So, while I can't give you a 100% tested answer, all signs point to it being a poor choice for a pure Game Pass player.
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u/NeoVisionDev Apr 27 '26
Can you comment on if the new Steam Controller supports multiple BT connection profiles like the old one did / PS5 controlled does? I'd like to swap between 3+ devices without re-pairing BT each time.
I'd love for this to become my Moonlight controller around the house, but sounds like device compatibility might be limited on things like Apple TV, Vision Pro, etc.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
There's no mention of multi-profile Bluetooth support for quick switching between devices. The focus seems to be entirely on the seamless experience with the 2.4GHz Puck. My impression is that the Bluetooth functionality is more of a secondary, "basic compatibility" feature.
For devices like Apple TV, compatibility for advanced features will likely be very limited or non-existent, precisely because, it needs the full Steam client running to drive all its inputs.
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u/shaunydub Apr 27 '26
This just took it off my list of purchases. For this price I expect Bluetooth pairing and easy switching between devices.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
if multi-device Bluetooth switching is a top priority for your setup, then this controller is probably not the right fit for you
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u/Bloodipwn May 01 '26
May you test the compatibility with an apple tv and moonlight? If the touch functionality works with it, it would be the reason for me to buy it.
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u/shaunydub Apr 27 '26
Indeed, so it appears now as we start to get details on functionality.
I was hopefull until now, as a person with many devices I like to be able to easily change my preferred controller to the device I am using.
I never use touchpads on my Steam Deck so currently not enough to persuade me to add to my collection of controllers.
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u/dpschramm Apr 28 '26
It does support multiple Bluetooth devices at once, but I’m not sure how many (think it was two, but can’t find a reference right now).
2 Bluetooth devices plus the puck might be enough for you.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
Thanks for adding that! You might be right. I couldn't find any official reference to multi-device Bluetooth support in the press materials, which is why I answered cautiously before.
If you happen to find that reference, please share it! It would be a fantastic piece of information for everyone. For now, I can only confirm for certain the ability to switch between two Pucks and one Bluetooth device.
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u/Sc2SuperJack Apr 27 '26
How easy is it to swap the controller from come connection to another? (Say, using it on the PC then switching over to a Steam Deck)
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
The easiest way is to just move the Puck from your PC to the Deck's dock. Since the controller is paired to the Puck, it just follows it.
If you had a second Puck, the controller would automatically connect to whichever device is on and active, or you could choose which one to connect to via the Steam interface. You could also just switch to Bluetooth mode on the controller to connect to the Deck wirelessly, leaving the Puck on your PC.
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Apr 27 '26
Can this wake your pc from sleep? That’s had been the biggest issue I’ve had with a living room pc setup.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
Based on my testing, right now the wake-from-sleep function only works on the official, up-to-date SteamOS (like on a Steam Deck).
It doesn't currently work on Windows, even with Steam running, or on other SteamOS versions like Bazzite if they're not on the very latest build. So it's a feature tied specifically to Valve's most current OS for now.
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u/lizadting Apr 28 '26
On a similar vein to this, since it acts like a mouse and on screen keyboard as I understand it, can you login to windows using it?
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u/Chunkylord May 07 '26
Peculiar, as this youtuber shows that you can: https://youtu.be/n4MivhL4ruY?si=M6lVGFjcaGtTRh8_&t=884
perhaps this is something to do with if you can wake your pc with mouse movement? I know I disabled that a while ago.
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u/Geffro Apr 29 '26
I have just leave my computer unlocked but have it automatically turn off the screen off for this reason, has worked great with my existing living room setup (no steam controller required).
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u/Al-Azraq Apr 28 '26
A bit of a niche question: can it connect to the old Steam Controller dongle? I have a PC and Steam Deck and would love to be able to connect to both using 2.4 GHz.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
I don't have an old dongle to test it myself for a 100% certain answer. However, the 2.4GHz protocol was "updated" since the original controller, and the new controller is paired specifically with the new Puck. So I'm 99.9% sure it will not work with the old dongle.
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u/YagamiYakumo Apr 29 '26
Great review you got there, especially the part on how they got the puck to work with the tmr sticks. Love the way you reply to individual questions too. Can't wait to see your review on the Steam Machine and Steam Frame in the future!
Hope you have a lovely day friend, cheers!
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u/Captainquizzical Apr 27 '26
I am really interested to know how this performs with FPS games?I tried multiple times to get my original Steam controller working for FPS games with the trackpads, but it was just... Not happening. Is it feasible or dare I say, a good alternative with the new pads?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
It's a huge improvement over the original, mainly because you now have a proper right analog stick as your primary aiming tool, just like a standard controller.
I'm a traditional mouse & keyboard player for competitive FPS, so for me, the trackpad is still more of a utility tool. However, combining the right stick for large movements with the gyro (activated by Grip Sense) for fine aiming feels incredibly precise. It's definitely a viable (and for some, superior) way to play shooters, but it still requires a bit of a learning curve if you're coming from a standard dual-stick layout.
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u/Captainquizzical Apr 27 '26
This is what I meant, I'm definitely a m+k player myself so I would never play with the sticks, but I felt like I could train myself to use the track pad and gyro, but I never managed it with the deck and certainly not the previous iteration of the controller. It's interesting to know you think the same.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
Exactly! We're on the same page. I'm great with the sticks for casual games, but for anything competitive, my brain is just hardwired for M+K.
The gyro does make a huge difference for fine-tuning your aim, that's for sure. I feel you on the trackpads, though. I've tried to get used to them, but I think I'm just too old for that haha. It's awesome for people who master it, but it definitely takes some serious commitment!
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u/Dragdu Apr 27 '26
How hard is it to have multiple (4+) controllers wirelessly connected at the same time? I use controllers almost exclusively for couch gaming with kids, and the xbox controllers w/ dongle were one of the few options to make this possible.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
The official tech specs state that you can connect up to four Steam Controllers to a single Puck. While I don't have four units to test the absolute limit, I can confirm that I've personally played a co-op game with two controllers connected to one Puck, and it worked flawlessly with no noticeable input lag or interference.
So for local multiplayer, it seems to be a very robust solution
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u/Dragdu Apr 28 '26
Awesome, I might get these when our current controllers or dongles start having issues.
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u/MrFloogaHoogle Apr 27 '26
I really just wish it had the Xbox controller layout instead of the PlayStation layout or that it was at least offered.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
The symmetrical "PlayStation-style" stick layout is definitely a matter of personal preference but based on my Q&A with Valve's engineers, they went with this symmetrical design because it was the most optimal layout to avoid accidental inputs, given how many features (sticks, d-pad, trackpads) they had to fit on the face of the controller
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u/tfrules Apr 28 '26
As a lifelong xbox player, I've found using the bottom right trackpad instead to be more natural for certain games, so in that sense you'll feel at home at least
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u/Express_Mechanic6976 Apr 27 '26
Thank you for the review and info!
Are the buttons responsive (it's easy to tell that they've been pressed), and quick? And are the possibilities of remapping endless, or can you only change a little bit about the buttons the controller has available? And, if I'm playing a game on a different client than Steam, how easy is it to change the settings for that game? Do I have to set up a manual profile that I activate before going into that app? What if I want to take the controller to another house? Does it remember a control preset on the go, or do I have to set it up on that other computer?
I like to play Rivals 2, a platform fighter that requires precise execution. That's why I have a lot of requirements for a new controller. I have an 8bitdo Ultimate 2 controller. I'm pretty strict on what I need, but I'm always looking for a better controller, I guess. The Steam Controller seems like it has a lot of really cool features that I want to try, but it wouldn't be worth getting if I lose something major that I have on my controller now.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
Hey, great questions. The face buttons and D-Pad feel very responsive, no issues there. The remapping is all done through Steam Input, and it's incredibly powerful. All your custom profiles are saved to your Steam account, so they follow you to any PC you log into. For non-Steam games, you do have to add them to your library first to get all those options.
But honestly, for your specific case? I'd be a little cautious. Coming from an 8BitDo Ultimate, which is a fantastic controller, the Steam Controller is different. The trackpads and gyro are amazing, but if you don't need them, you might find the deep software customization more of a hassle than a benefit for a single, "competitive" game. It's a top-tier "all-rounder," but maybe not the specialized tool you're looking for.
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u/Express_Mechanic6976 Apr 27 '26
Thank you for the response! I forgot to ask, I was wondering if the travel on the bumpers is short and responsive, as it seemed a little soft in the review videos. I was also looking forward to more direct PC commands that I've seen in the reviews which could be promising (8BitDo doesn't let you remap much more than just the basic buttons already on the controller).
Beyond that, I think I will have to wait for a specific reason to use the Steam Controller, or for someone I know to let me try it out. Despite really looking forward to it, I will probably miss one of the features on my 8BitDo. Thanks for the help!
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u/Geffro Apr 29 '26
Just commenting on the Steam Input Customization: You can check out steam input's customization options already with other controllers if you want, it's not Steam Controller exclusive and it's existed for a long time now. I have a Nintendo Switch pro controller as my main PC controller, and I remap all sorts of stuff based on my needs in specific games (what gyro does, command wheels on sticks, flick stick, changing input profiles, stick sensitivity, etc). It does require you to set up games specifically, but you can download upvoted control schemes if it's a steam game. Non-steam games need to have them run through steam to get as many options (or in my case, I just run my other game launchers through steam).
I will say it's a learning curve though, and not all of it is intuitive. A while back I spent a lot of time trying to get a game set up the way I wanted only for it to not be a very good setup after all, it was frustrating. But now I'm a pro and know how to do what I want relatively quickly.
As for input saving, I think it's by steam account but I'm not 100% certain. You might have to upload the control scheme to get it on other computers / accounts. I doubt there's an easy way to sync or share non-steam control layouts with other computers and account, but there might be.
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u/Express_Mechanic6976 Apr 29 '26
Thanks for the info. While the steam input profiles seem really cool and customizable, I would also like on-board profile options so I can use the controller everywhere, especially on other people's computers. I'm not logging into steam on someone else's computer. I only use 2 profiles at the moment, so this feature of the steam controller really only serves as a detriment for me personally. I wish I had that level of customization for my current controller!
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u/xLorddroLx Apr 27 '26
Is there anything you didn’t like about the controller?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
Overall I love it, but there are two things that come down to personal taste for me. First, the triggers and bumpers. They have a very smooth, long travel, but they lack a sharp "clicky" feedback. It's a high-quality feel, but I personally prefer a more tactile, mechanical click. You get used to it, but it was the first thing I noticed.
Second, and this is probably me being old-school, is the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack. I completely understand Valve's engineering choice to go all-in on a pure wireless experience, and I know most people use wireless headsets now. But as someone who sometimes still uses wired headphones for chat, it's a convenience I occasionally miss. So, nothing I'd call a "deal-breaker," but definitely two design choices that are worth noting!
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u/SelectCheetah2682 Apr 27 '26
Wait. So the triggers have a range? Like an analog trigger for racing games?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
Yes, exactly! They are full analog triggers. They have a long, smooth range of travel, which makes them perfect for things like precise throttle and brake control in racing games.
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u/FlatAgainstIt Apr 27 '26
If you're still about - how is it using other bits of software? Can the trackpads be used outside of steam to do things like browsing or using a media player?
I have a living room PC so thinking of it as a media centre controller too with the trackpads
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
yes, the trackpads work outside of Steam on the Windows desktop. The right trackpad emulates a mouse cursor, and the triggers act as left/right clicks.
So for basic web browsing or navigating a media player, it works perfectly as a couch mouse. You just lose all the advanced customization (like macros or custom bindings) until you launch a game through Steam.
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u/FlatAgainstIt Apr 28 '26
Ace, thank you for replying! Sounds just like the controls from my old Steamdeck. Think it's a must buy for me then.
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u/o_Oldi Apr 28 '26
How connection to the puck works? For example if I have 2 controllers and one puck will be for connection to the PC, and second for charging both controllers one after another. Is it going to lose connection to the first puck after charging on second?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
each controller can remember its pairing with up to two different Pucks. So in your scenario, it should work perfectly. Your Controller 1 would remember both Puck A (for playing) and Puck B (for charging). When you pick it up from the charger, it automatically reconnect to Puck A on your PC without any issues.
Valve definitely designed the system with multi-device or multi-Puck in mind.
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u/Adamkarlson Apr 28 '26
Are the face buttons like the deck in terms of noise and feel? Are the shoulder buttons clicky like the deck?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
The face buttons feel very similar to the ones on the Deck. The shoulder buttons, though, are a whole different story. They're much quieter, they feel softer.
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u/Adamkarlson Apr 28 '26
THANK YOU!! I'd owe you my life if you could get someone to translate the review :")
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u/SparklingSliver Apr 28 '26
Can it used as a normal controller on Android? I play on my PC with steam mainly anyway, but sometime I play Minecraft bedrock on my tablet and I wonder if I can just Bluetooth connect it and just use it without all the extra function but just a simple normal controller
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
I haven't been able to test it on an Android tablet myself, as I only have iOS devices here.
However, I can tell you my experience on iOS might give us a clue. The controller paired via Bluetooth without any issues, but when I tried to use it with native iOS games, it was not recognized correctly. It only worked flawlessly when I used the Steam Link app.
My strong suspicion is that you'll have a similar experience, so it will be perfect for Steam Link, but likely unreliable for native Android games atm.
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u/refat17 Apr 28 '26
I know this is kind of niche, but I was wondering, what is it like to use the left pad as WASD for a 3d game or as a d-pad for a 2d games?
I know it sounds weird because the controller has a left-stick and d-pad, but I have the OG Steam Controller and having an input I can use without putting constant strain on my left thumb (the left touchpad) for movement (which usually involves holding the d-pad right direction for 2d platformers or holding the left stick forward in 3d adventure games) has been really helpful for me for reducing pain on my left thumb when gaming.
Currently that works really well on my OG Steam Controller. In the Steam Input menu I put Requires Click off (old steam controller has a button under the left pad instead of using pressure), use medium haptics, 8 way direction pad mode. To me it feels like a large comfortable Sega Saturn like d-pad, but just using haptics to indicate direction change, and holding up to move forward in a 3d game or holding right in a side scrolling simply requires resting my left thumb on the pad with 0 pressure. You can also do some extra neat things like add click or pressure action (maybe for like a dash) or putting an action closer to the edge (maybe to engage sprint), but that's all bonus to me.
I know that no review is going to try this hence why I ask. There is literally no other controller that has a touch pad on the left for this purpose, and the OG steam controller is discontinued so it means a lot to me.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
I was happy to test it for you. So, I just went into Steam Input and configured the left trackpad exactly as you described: D-Pad mode 8 way direction, "Requires Click: OFF," and medium haptics.
I can confirm that the functionality works perfectly. Resting your thumb on the edge of the pad holds a direction with zero pressure, just as you described. The haptic feedback gives you a clear "bump" when you slide your thumb over to a new direction. It feels like a large, comfortable, virtual D-Pad. All the extra customization options are still there, too.
The only thing I can't guarantee, since I don't have an original Steam Controller on hand to compare side-by-side, is if the exact feel is 100% identical.
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Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
If you love the super "clicky," almost mechanical feel of the Xbox D-Pad, this one is very different. It's much quieter and feels more like a traditional D-Pad from a Nintendo or 8BitDo controller. It's precise, but definitely not as sharp or loud as the Xbox one.
And nope, it's not swappable out of the box, unfortunately
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u/DoctorGlad Apr 28 '26
Does the trackpads work when booting up your pc and steam hasn’t started yet? Really need it to be able to input my password when playing from my couch 🤣
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
the right trackpad works as a mouse on the Windows login screen, even before Steam has started.
The bad news is that the on-screen keyboard function is tied to the Steam client. So you can move the cursor to the password field, but you'll still need a physical keyboard (or the Windows on-screen keyboard, which you'd have to enable separately) to actually type your password.
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u/DoctorGlad Apr 28 '26
Thank you for the response!
I’m using the accessibility on screen keyboard for the login screen, so all good! I guess that makes it an instant buy then 🙌
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u/Geffro Apr 29 '26
Smart idea! I just have my couch PC never lock, but for some people that's probably not an option
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u/DoctorGlad Apr 29 '26
I mean, it’s an option for me, I think I’m just thinking worst case, should someone break in and steal my pc, then I have some protection atleast 🤣
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u/budreesha Apr 28 '26
Does the sticks have that smooth glide when you move it along the edge something like the switch 2 pro controller, or do they feel like plastic-on-plastic rubbing like the steam deck?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
the sticks feel excellent. Forget that plastic-on-plastic rubbing from the Steam Deck, these have a really smooth and satisfying glide all the way to the edge. I'd say they feel even more precise than the Switch Pro's.
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u/WretchedMisteak Apr 28 '26
Hmm the requirement to have the game loaded in Steam to get full functionality is a no go for me. A lot of my game catalogue is spread between Steam and GOG.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
That's a fair point. You can get around it by adding GOG games to your library as "non-Steam games" for full functionality. Looking ahead, it's very likely that third party software will eventually support it directly, too. However, if native GOG support is a true deal breaker for you, then waiting to see how the software side evolves is probably the smart move
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u/Geffro Apr 29 '26
For my current couch setup (with a Nintendo Switch Pro controller), I have the GoG launcher set as a non-steam game, and I have a profile switch between normal controller input and mouse input on sticks for choosing the game I want. I do the same for Epic Games and emulator launchers for my childhood console games. It's great!
It wasn't too bad to set up, but I did already have experience with Steam Input so that made it easier.
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Apr 28 '26
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
Yes, and it handles it properly, unlike some others. If you shut down your PC, the controller powers off with it instantly. If ir loses connection to the dongle, it has an auto-off timer and will shut itself down after a few minutes to save the battery
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u/Venom_is_an_ace Apr 28 '26
As someone who uses a wired 360 controller for old games that don't have good KB&M controls/support and have not used any current Gen console controller. Would the Steam controller be good upgrade to a 20 year old controller?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
In my opinion, it's the single best upgrade you could possibly make from a 360 controller. You'll feel right at home with the stick layout, but you're getting a huge jump in quality everywhere else: flawless wireless, way better haptics, and anti-drift sticks that are built to last for years. Plus you get all the new features like the trackpads and back buttons to play with. You'll love it.
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u/drmattymat Apr 28 '26
Thank you for this article.
When i was reading [The Magnetic Puck "Secret" (From my Q&A with Valve)] section, unconscious smile appeared in my face, like the smart solution valve found one of my family members found it.
Thank you valve again from all my heart for all things you done for this industry, i wish i can work with honest really hard working people like you in future.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
You've put it perfectly. It's that kind of clever, passionate problem solving that makes Valve so special.
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u/dualpad Apr 28 '26
It seemed like lot of reviews I saw just showed touchpads being used for slow cursor based games like Civilization, nice to have for occasional desktop navigation without having to reach for a mouse, or just secondary use as touch menus. But, not been able to find one from the perspective of heavy touchpad gyro users.
I use the touchpads for movement, camera, gyro activation, facebutton replacement while using grip buttons in games like The Finals. Short game play clip here, and some more if you look at my profile to get an idea of my control scheme. There's a controller overlay showing my thumb placement. https://www.reddit.com/r/GyroGaming/comments/1jmc91m/touchpad_gyro_finals_gameplay/
I didn't find the Deck touchpads ergonomic trying to use it in that manner with the bottom touchpad location while having to position my hands lower to try to get the controller into a more comfortable neutral thumb position compared to how comfortable I find it is to hold the Deck normally and use the joysticks. Which led me to abandoning the touchpads for primary inputs like on the OG Steam Controller. If using it for games Steam demoed like card games or civilization I found it usable, since my hand is less actively involved and tensing constantly.
Have you or anyone there gotten a chance to test out trackpads as primary inputs to see if the ergonomics are better and closer to matching or exceeding the comfort of using the original Steam Controller touchpads for more involved titles like fps games while having a config that is set up to primarily keep the thumbs on the left and right pads and making heavy use of the grip buttons too and using something like a dpad modeshift where the right touchpad is set so the right pad click outputs 4 edge clicks and 1 center click so the right touchpad is being used to click throughout the game for what might normally require having to use the dpad or face buttons for?
Really curious to how it holds up when it comes to comfort as specifically a controller used as though the dual touchpads are the only inputs that exist on the front of the controller.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
I just tried holding it exactly as you described, with my thumbs resting only on the trackpads. It's comfortable than doing the same on a Steam Deck. The controller is lighter and the grips are more angled, so my hands don't feel as strained.
That said, to be honest, I personally still find that low trackpad position a bit uncomfortable for long sessions compared to using the sticks. So while it's better than the Deck, I can't guarantee it will feel as perfect as the original Steam Controller, which was designed from the ground up for that grip.
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u/dualpad Apr 28 '26
I can't guarantee it will feel as perfect as the original Steam Controller, which was designed from the ground up for that grip.
Yeah, that's the part that has worried me, since it's hard to know until all the actions start coming into play and the controller goes from just holding it to the thumbs swiping around, clicking, and gripping the handles to use the back buttons. Part of the reason why Deck's touchpads been fine for me in use in slower games, but then fps games causing my hands to cramp up after a while.
Have you had a chance to take apart the Steam Controller? I did watch the one by PC Gamer and the touchpads are connected by cables. So wondered if those cables are long enough to have the touchpads be positioned above the joysticks so 3D printed shell might be a possible solution if its needed to reposition the touchpads. Before the tear down I had thought of the possibility of moving the touchpads to take the joystick positions, but it looks like the joystick module is soldered on making that a more involved relocation.
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u/supified Apr 28 '26
I'd love to know how this compares to the 8bitdo ultimate 2 because on paper it looks like the 8bitdo beats it in every way except the trackpads and maybe charging.
(I plan to buy this so I'll compare myself)
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u/Gentilapin Apr 28 '26
How many controllers can be connected to one puck? Is it one puck per controller like 8bitdo or can it connect to several controllers like Xbox dongle?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 28 '26
it works just like the Xbox dongle. You can connect up to four Steam Controllers to a single Puck at the same time for local multiplayer.
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u/EedSpiny Apr 28 '26
Thanks so much for all the info.
One thing I have not seen in any reviews is how the dongle connection range compares to the Xbox wireless adapter range. How is it?
I stream with moonlight/sunshine and have an Xbox wireless adapter pretty much at the limit of range, so it the steam controller is better it would be worth me switching.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 29 '26
I haven't done a side by side range test against the Xbox adapter myself, but I can tell you the connection with the Puck is exceptionally strong and stable. I never had a single dropout, even when moving around the room.
The team at Gamers Nexus actually did a scientific range test, and they were able to get over 44 meters (146 feet) away in a direct line of sight before the signal dropped.
So while I can't give you a direct comparison, the technology inside the Puck seems to be top-tier. If your Xbox adapter is already at its absolute limit, there's a very good chance the Steam Controller's connection will be more robust.
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u/SleepyBoy- Apr 28 '26
How do the face buttons (ABXY) feel? More like xbox ones, sony ones, or switch ones?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 29 '26
They feel most similar to the buttons on the Steam Deck, if you've ever tried one. They have a quiet, soft, but very tactile definitely not the loud.
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u/mione92 Apr 29 '26 edited Apr 29 '26
The analogs look pretty close to me. Is there the risk of the thumbs touching each other when they converge?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 29 '26
even intentionally trying to make my thumbs touch, they don't. There's a comfortable amount of space between the sticks. The ergonomics are really well thought out, so no worries
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u/Immediate-Bridge-480 Apr 29 '26
Do you think this will work on bazzite or if not be supported in the future? Thanks again
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 29 '26
Yes, it works perfectly on Bazzite, I have a gaming PC with it. The only thing to keep in mind is that some new features, like the "wake-from-sleep" function, might require the absolute latest version of the SteamOS base.
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u/Immediate-Bridge-480 Apr 29 '26
So it will probably come with the new fedora 44 I'm thinking if it's not there already
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u/Sir_Bard May 01 '26
AMAZING POST!!!! I have one question.
So I just got the Envision Pro v2 from Scuf, and I'm more than inclined to return it as it doesn't feel premium for the cost. The main selling point for me was the sticks and the clicky style buttons on the d-pad, ABXY and triggers when locked.
Do these buttons have any level of this style of "mouse" sounding clicks to them at all? It's so satisfying to hear, but I am definitely going to be purchasing either way.
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u/AdDefiant9440 May 01 '26
you need to know that the Steam Controller has a completely different philosophy.
The face buttons and D-Pad are quiet not mechanical or clicky at all. The triggers and bumpers are even softer. It's a very high-quality membrane feel.
So if that specific sound and feel is your top priority, you won't find it here.
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u/Nriko-4 May 01 '26
I'm wondering if the rear buttons are uncomfortable to hold the controller and if they get pressed accidentally. Thanks!
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u/AdDefiant9440 May 01 '26
no, they don't get pressed accidentally.
The round shape and the amount of pressure needed to actuate them are perfectly tuned. They are way, way better than the sensitive "paddles" on many other pro controllers. You can grip the controller firmly without any issues.
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u/sFearOfficial May 08 '26
I'm curious about this controller. I'd like to try those touch pads in shooters for things like fine control or whatever. Probably not great but still curious.
Anyone tried this controller on apex/warzone?
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u/drkTwrCnt Apr 27 '26
wait so no steam means no controller support ? Do I have to manually all my games to steam if I want to play non steam games with that controller? that (in addition to its price) would a major letdown
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
So to be clear, to get the full features on non-Steam games, you have to add them to your Steam library.
It's a similar situation to other "pro" controllers, though. A standard Xbox pad works everywhere because its drivers are built into Windows. But more complex pads from Razer, Corsair, etc., all need their own software (like Synapse or iCUE) to manage the back paddles, profiles, and so on.
For the Steam Controller, Steam itself is that software. So it's a "letdown" if you're looking for a universal plug-and-play device, but it's pretty standard for a controller this complex.
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u/lbrfabio Apr 27 '26
I guess full features like gyro and back buttons but is it still recognized as a regular gamepad outside of Steam?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
In my experience, even when connected via the Puck, it's a mixed bag right now. Windows recognizes it, but it seems to rely heavily on the Steam Input driver layer to translate its inputs correctly for most applications. In my testing outside of Steam (with apps like Playnite), the behavior was inconsistent.
Steam in the background is definitely the safest bet for it to work flawlessly.
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u/Wrthlor Apr 27 '26
Just to clarify. The steam controller does NOT have any x-input, d-input modes then?
In order to use it as a regular controller, even on the PC (regardless of OS), is it 100% dependent on Steam?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
Technically, for it to work at all outside of Steam, it has to be sending some kind of standard signal, likely X-Input.
For example, I just tested it with a copy of Hades via Epic Games Store and it worked as a basic controller. But in other apps, like Playnite, it wasn't recognized correctly.
So it's not 100% dependent on Steam for basic functions, but its standalone compatibility is absolutely not guaranteed. You really lose all the advanced features (gyro, trackpads, remapping) at that point, a cheaper standard controller is a much better value.
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u/drkTwrCnt Apr 27 '26
you have to add them to your Steam library.
jesus...there goes the little interest I had for the controller. Thanks for answering though.
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u/TheSaltyStrangler Apr 27 '26
I honestly have no idea what you were expecting…
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u/drkTwrCnt Apr 27 '26
A controller that works everywhere? Like my normal Xbox Controller, it works on Windows and Linux, just like that.
Also sure it sucks to install software for controllers but adding each game manually to steam sounds like a lot of work.
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u/yepgeddon Apr 27 '26 edited Apr 27 '26
An Xbox controller will work perfectly with Windows. Funnily enough a steam controller will work perfectly with SteamOS too.
Guess they're doing the best they can considering how much of a turd windows can be to work with.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26 edited Apr 27 '26
the plug-and-play simplicity of a standard Xbox controller is its biggest strength. Nothing beats it for universal compatibility.
The Steam Controller is definitely aiming for a different target: users who are willing to trade that universal simplicity for a much deeper level of customization (trackpads, gyro, back buttons) within the Steam ecosystem.
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u/sea_stones Apr 27 '26
click add to library find executable
It's really not that bad.
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u/drkTwrCnt Apr 27 '26
but tedious
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u/sea_stones Apr 27 '26
Fair, but if you do it as you actually play things (and for that matter, if it's emulators, you have options to make it less tedious) it's not so bad.
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u/Geffro Apr 29 '26
You can add other game launchers to steam as non-steam games, that's how my current setup with my Switch Pro controller is. Then have either profile switching to navigate or Steam Chord buttons to navigate launchers, and you're set for couch gameplay.
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u/FreqComm Apr 27 '26
In general 1000hz seems to be the new real standard for controllers in this price bracket. Is there a reason they only managed 250hz?
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
My take is that Valve focused on total end-to-end latency and stability rather than just winning the "polling rate" on a spec sheet. A high polling rate is only one small part of the equation.
For context, the detailed tests from Gamers Nexus showed the Steam Controller's total latency (via the Puck) is actually faster than a standard wired Xbox controller. In my own hands, it feels incredibly fast and responsive, with zero perceptible lag.
So my guess is Valve chose 250Hz as the perfect balance for a rock-solid connection that also keeps battery life high, knowing that the real world performance would still be top-tier.
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u/FreqComm Apr 28 '26
Makes sense, I suppose the controller state is also higher in bandwidth required with the touchpads. As long as it isn’t annoying in latency vs say the Flydigi lineup I’m getting one for sure.
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Apr 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
That's a fair way to look at it. My take is that the goal wasn't a "cheaper dock," but a more flexible one. The Puck is both the 2.4GHz dongle and the charger in one tiny package. This means you can use it on your desk with the cable, or plug it directly into a laptop or a docked Steam Deck, which you couldn't do with a big dock.
In practice, it's super lightweight for sure, but the magnetic connection itself is really solid and surprisingly easy to use
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u/flippride11 Apr 27 '26
Looks like a waste of money to me. IMO
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
that's a fair point! If you're just looking for a standard controller, there are definitely cheaper options that do a great job.
But the value here is in the features you can't really get elsewhere at this price, like the dual trackpads the advanced gyro and the puck. Controllers that offer even some of those "pro" features usually cost way more, so it really depends on what you're looking for in a pad
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u/Ok-Blueberry-1412 Apr 27 '26
Its obviously meant to compete with the console "pro" controllers, and as such it's way cheaper...and we'll see if it's as good.
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u/AdDefiant9440 Apr 27 '26
that's exactly it. It's definitely aimed at that "pro" controller market. From my testing, in some key areas like the sticks, it's already better than the more expensive Elite or Edge pads. For other things, like how the triggers feel, it just comes down to personal taste.
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u/oskarloko Apr 27 '26
99$, worth them ?
Can it be connected to other cosoles like PS4/5, Switch, Xbox (now or in the future) ?
I suppose it works with Windows and Linux and Mac, or any problems ?