A new leak thanks to a review video that has been posted early has revealed more details about Valve’s upcoming Steam Controller, including its price and first impressions.
Steam Controller price and release timeline
Based on the leak, the Steam Controller is expected to be priced at US$99.99. This places it above popular controllers like the Xbox Core and DualSense, but still below most pro-grade controllers.
The Steam Controller continues to focus on its dual trackpad system, a feature that most Steam Deck users love. It is designed to provide more precise control for PC gaming and for navigation. The right trackpad functions as a cursor, while the left trackpad is used for scrolling and navigation.
Valve has also introduced TMR thumbsticks, which are designed to reduce or eliminate stick drift while offering smoother movement. The controller also features a larger and more tactile D-pad compared to the previous generation.
In terms of ergonomics, the controller is reported to be comfortable to hold during extended use. However, it lacks rubber grips on the handles, which may affect grip during longer or more intense gaming sessions according to the early review video
Steam Controller positioning
With its US$99.99 price point, the Steam Controller sits between mainstream and premium or pro-grade gaming controllers. The inclusion of dual trackpads and additional inputs may justify the cost for PC gamers looking for more control options.
