The Significance of the Steam Controller: Pros and Cons

Most PC gamers have a favorite controller they enjoy using with Steam, whether it’s a Sony DualSense, an 8BitDo Ultimate, a Nintendo Switch Pro, or another option. This affection stems from Steam treating these controllers as if they were “native” devices, allowing for a level of customizable control that’s unmatched on consoles. The Steam Input feature enables these controllers to have multiple control schemes tailored for various gameplay scenarios—be it flying, walking, or navigating menus—and you can switch between them with a simple button press. Additionally, you can set up on-screen menus that pop up when you press a button or touch a trackpad, giving you quick access to custom commands like weapons, spells, and consumables.

This context makes the announcement of a new physical Steam Controller feel different than it once did. However, Valve has still managed to enhance its misunderstood predecessor with a 2026 model that boasts features not found elsewhere. Essentially, it packs the Steam Deck’s extensive input options into a single gamepad, including dual touchpads. Think of it as a Steam Deck without a screen, plus a few extra perks.

The new Steam Controller comes with notable hardware improvements over the Steam Deck. For example, it features drift-resistant TMR joysticks designed to maintain their integrity over time—something that hasn’t been offered by Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo. The ergonomics are better than the Deck, with four rear buttons that are easier to access, and unique touch-sensitive sensors embedded in the sticks and grips that can be mapped to any input. It’s incredibly customizable and will be user-repairable, with replacement parts expected to be available through repair shops.

For many, the compelling features alone will be enough to make a purchase when orders open on May 4th for $99. Even those who don’t typically customize controls might appreciate what the Steam Controller has to offer. It’s comfortable, boasts long battery life, and has improved build quality compared to the original—feeling solid with a high-end, slightly textured plastic. Plus, the included 2.4GHz USB-C puck simplifies pairing and charging compared to most other models.

The five-foot USB-C-to-A cable allows you to position the puck wherever it fits best in your setup, whether it’s a gaming PC or an entertainment center. While maintaining a line of sight between the puck and the Steam Controller isn’t mandatory, it’s ideal for optimal signal strength. Keeping the puck accessible is also beneficial since it serves as a magnetic charging dock for the controller, attaching with a satisfying snap.

Pairing for the first time is straightforward. Just connect the controller to the puck and follow the on-screen prompts to link them (and likely install some firmware updates). You can also bypass the puck as a wireless receiver by switching the Steam Controller to Bluetooth mode or using it as a wired gamepad. Notably, you can wake your PC or Steam Deck from sleep by pressing the controller’s Steam button.

While some may see the value in these features, others might not feel the need to switch from their current controllers. If you’re satisfied with what you have, there’s no rush to upgrade. You can still enjoy gaming by connecting a gyro-equipped Sony DualSense or an 8BitDo Ultimate 2 via Bluetooth to a Steam Deck, PC, or the upcoming Steam Machine.

Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais has mentioned that both the Bluetooth and custom 2.4GHz puck offer comparable latency, with only about an 8ms delay after a button press, regardless of the wireless technology used. However, if you’re into local multiplayer gaming, the 2.4GHz option is preferable. Bluetooth latency can increase with multiple connected controllers, but the puck maintains consistent latency even with four Steam Controllers connected.

Compared to the Steam Deck, the new controller provides slightly deeper customization thanks to its Grip Sense grips, which detect when you touch them—something not found on competing controllers. They function similarly to the Deck’s touch-sensitive joysticks, which are also included. It’s enjoyable to tweak game controls, like mapping the faster-than-light Pulse Drive feature in No Man’s Sky to activate when I firmly grip the right handle. In Marathon, I switched from clicking the left stick to sprinting by simply holding the left grip. I’m excited to see how the Steam community will utilize these features.

The new Steam Controller isn’t necessarily a direct rival to high-end controllers like the DualSense Edge, Xbox Elite Series 2, or Razer’s Kaiju V3 Pro. It lacks swappable joysticks, while those competitors offer various stick caps for customization. It also doesn’t have trigger stops for a mouse-click feel. However, it compensates for these omissions with dual trackpads, four rear buttons, and a dedicated Steam Quick Access button, along with the ability to type and navigate on your PC—even in the BIOS when connected via USB-C. Plus, it’s priced at about half of what those competitors cost.

While the Steam Controller doesn’t have onboard storage for controller profiles like some premium options, Valve has ensured that Steam tracks a unique identifier for each controller independently of your computer. This means you can access your saved control schemes even when plugged into a PC signed into a different Steam account.

Even if the new Steam Controller’s refined hardware and extensive customization options pique your interest, it’s not a must-have upgrade if you already have a controller you love for Steam games. This may seem like an odd conclusion, but it’s refreshing, as many companies would have restricted special features to their own “native” controllers.

Valve stands apart from the crowd, and its Steam Controller offers a unique experience. If you primarily game on a Steam Deck, like some users do, the ability to seamlessly use all your existing control schemes might justify the investment. If not, its distinctive features could still make it a worthwhile addition to your gaming setup.