Valve Steam Controller Review: A Unique Gamepad Built for Steam Ecosystem

The Valve Steam Controller is not a general-purpose PC controller. While its primary function is to play PC games, it communicates exclusively with Steam—making it incompatible with other platforms like Android, iOS, or traditional consoles, except for the handheld Steam Deck. To use the Steam Controller, games must be launched through Steam.

Valve’s long-term vision includes compatibility with the upcoming Steam Machine, a console still without a confirmed release date or pricing. The Steam Machine is expected to support 4K gaming at 60 fps with FSR, offer storage options of 512GB or 2TB SSD, and integrate with the Steam Frame VR headset, which the Controller will also support. Originally slated for early this year, the Steam Machine and Frame have been delayed due to memory shortages in the tech industry. Until then, the Steam Controller serves as Valve’s first step in expanding its hardware presence in the living room.

The Steam Controller is priced at $99 and launches on May 4. Its development spans roughly 13 years, from its initial announcement in 2013 to the release of the Steam Deck in 2022, with refinements leading to its current form.

Design and Build: A Balanced, Feature-Rich Gamepad

The Steam Controller is a well-crafted gamepad with a broad, Duke-like face, housing two square trackpads beneath standard analog sticks and face buttons. Despite its size, it feels light, slim, and balanced, even in smaller hands. The grips are slender and feature four circular rear buttons—two per side—that provide a satisfying tactile response, even when unused in-game.

The bumpers, triggers, D-pad, and face buttons are made of shiny black plastic, while all edges are rounded for smooth transitions between controls. The trackpads are unobtrusive when not in use but offer exceptional sensitivity and responsiveness when active. They mirror the trackpads on the Steam Deck, with miniature popping bubbles that follow thumb movements.

The Steam Controller uses tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks, an advanced version of Hall effect sticks. These provide ultimate precision and long-term stability, eliminating drift. After testing across multiple genres, including competitive first-person shooters, the joysticks proved reliable and accurate. In terms of stick precision and feel, the Steam Controller rivals the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, though the Razer controller lacks trackpad capabilities and costs about $100 more.

Key Features of the Steam Controller

• Exclusive Steam Compatibility: Requires Steam for game activation and play.
• Trackpad Innovation: Dual square trackpads for precise cursor control and alternative input methods.
• TMR Joysticks: Hall effect-based sticks for drift-free, long-term accuracy.
• Rear Buttons: Four circular rear buttons for additional controls and customization.
• Steam Machine and Frame VR Readiness: Designed to work with Valve’s upcoming hardware ecosystem.
• Price and Release: $99, launching on May 4.