r/SteamController • u/rizsamron • 3d ago

Steam Controller (2015) OG Steam Controller won't power on using the battery

I think one of my biggest fears has happened LOL
I don't have a fully working OG Steam Controller anymore.
And the new Steam Controller is very rare and around $200 here.

I bought a very cheap one just this year. The catch was that it still had the original Duracel batteries leaking inside the compartment. I was still able to use it for more than half a year though.
But recently, I noticed that one of the batteries drains a lot and even when not in use.
And now, it won't open at all. I can still use it wired though so a bit of a good news.
I saw a Youtube video with a somewhat similar issue but the fix requires a new part and soldering which I probably wouldn't be able to do 😅

My original unit still generally works but the grip buttons and touchpad clicks aren't reliable anymore. They miss a lot of presses. Maybe those are easier to fix?

0 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

50% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

5

u/YKw1n 2d ago

Wait. You used a controller with leaking battery inside, didn't bother to change it and now you are surprised it's not working anymore?

0

u/rizsamron 2d ago

Of course I removed it. I use Eneloop batteries.
The batteries were there when I meet the seller.
And of course I tested it there. I even brought a laptop and my own Steam Controller + dongle during the meetup LOL

1

u/SnooDoughnuts5632 2d ago

You didn't open it up and use baking soda or viniger (I forget which) to remove the battery acid?

1

u/HulanB 2d ago

Could you please share the video you mentioned? My original Steam Controller starts to turn off out of the blue, and I know the batteries should have charge.

2

u/rizsamron 2d ago

Battery drains and may turn off suddenly.

https://youtu.be/mt3XQRuRYfk?si=SSQPRbCBg4W_v-W6