r/SteamController • u/tjhc94 • May 13 '26
Discussion It's incredible
Literally perfect to me, extremely comfortable and responsive
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u/DarkWDJ May 13 '26
I played modded Minecraft with it and configured the track pad to be a radial menu to access all the mod buttons, like backpack inventory, etc. It was SO cool.
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u/BastianHS May 13 '26
Same thing but with baldurs gate 3. Inventory, group inventory, map, spells, alchemy, illithid powers, journal, all on the wheel. It's SO convenient.
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u/Nyarlathotep98 May 14 '26
How'd you get minecraft to work with steam input?
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u/DarkWDJ May 14 '26 edited May 14 '26
You want to download the legacy launcher of Minecraft through Minecraft.net at the bottom of the downloads page. Don't worry, this will not replace your game files and saves, just the launcher.
Then, go to Steam library at the top and click add non steam game, and search for Minecraft Launcher. Then customize the minecraft page in steam to look more legit using steam grid. (This isn't necessary but my steam library shows Minecraft: Steam Edition which is pretty cute).
Then launch through steam, and now you have Steam Input.
:D
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u/theGiraffePainter May 14 '26
I still don’t grasp radial menus.
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u/DarkWDJ May 14 '26
Wym? Like how to make them?
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u/theGiraffePainter May 14 '26
Yeah and like how you set them to in game tasks. Like specific to the game yk
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u/DarkWDJ May 14 '26
So once you're in the game, press the steam button (in big picture mode) and you'll see the controller layout on the right. Edit it, then go to track pads. Pick either the left or right one, and theres a drop down of what function you want to give the trackpad.
In radial menu settings, add new entries and set it to a keyboard button press that, on the game, is assigned to that thing.
For example, in my modded MC thing, Backpack is set to 'B', so I have the radial menu entry assigned to 'B'.
Whats actually happening is that im pressing a radial menu on my controller that is actually the B key, and the games key configuration says B is backpack.
Its not as easy as setting a radial menu to Backpack. Its setting a radial menu to a keyboard press that is backpack.
Its a lot of cycling between the steam input settings and the games key config. I keep having to refer back to what keyboard press i need to set for my steam input.
Sorry if I overexplained that. Just wanted to describe it clearly for anyone else confused.
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u/theGiraffePainter May 14 '26
No I appreciate it thank you.
I use the steam deck so keyboard commands don’t even cross my mind. I’ll give it a go thank you.
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u/No-Opinion273 May 13 '26
I just like having a symmetrical analog sticks again. I always hated xbox lay out. I didn't want to invest in a dualsense at the time as gamepass is a pain with it. Since I dropped it, steam controller has been perfect for me.
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u/Old_Atmosphere_651 May 13 '26
I wish I had the same preference, I'm opposite. Not sure why, but I just find the stick placement very unnatural.
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u/No-Opinion273 May 13 '26
Did you start off playing Xbox?
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u/Old_Atmosphere_651 May 13 '26
I started playing the Atari and then the mega drive haha, but yes I've played a lot of Xbox.
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u/HeadBoy Steam Controller May 13 '26
I usually love the xbox layout simply because the Dpad is assessable to the right hand.
With the SC2, the right pad can act as a hotbar so I really like this layout a lot.
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u/Cpt-Hook May 13 '26
So, I was just gonna ask.. are ppl raving about this because of the layout? And it’s solely for the integration? Or could you just get a Gamesir controller and it be the same thing, just without a trackpad.
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u/mpelton May 13 '26
The trackpad is what makes it for me though.
I have my pc plugged into my tv. So in order to turn it on, I have to stand up to go wake it up. Then I need my keyboard to sign in, then my mouse to open Steam and open big picture.
And even then I need my mouse to get through launchers, my keyboard to type in a name during character creation, or my mouse to refocus on Steam if it happens not to be selected when I close out of a game (which happens occasionally).
Literally all of these issues are fixed with this controller. Until now, whether I’m using an Xbox controller or a Gamsir, or whatever else, I’d still need a wireless mouse and keyboard with me. But now I don’t.
This thing even wakes my pc up from sleep. It’s a game changer.
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u/Cpt-Hook May 13 '26
The pc wake up feature is huge. I have my PC and a Steam Deck and the integration with the Dualsense controller is neato, but I have to hold the PS button and whatever hotkey to enable the function. It can be a pain, but cutting out steps is a game changer for sure.
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u/mpelton May 13 '26
Fr like there are still issues but it’s never felt more like a “console” in the ease of use kind of way.
Like taking my controller off the puck, sitting on my couch, and just… pressing the Steam button to turn on my pc? Then using that same controller to effortlessly hop into Steam and start playing games?
Idk man it’s just crazy how far we’ve come. I still remember before Steam Input when controllers only worked right like half the time lol. It’s crazy that it’s become so seamless.
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May 13 '26
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u/tjhc94 May 13 '26
Jealous?
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u/STSchif May 13 '26
Seems like the free karma farm is finally starting to get over saturated
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u/tjhc94 May 13 '26
I don't care about the karma, I'm just genuinely incredibly happy with the controller, it really is that good
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u/Adventurous-Cattle53 May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
You seem to forget it’s Reddit and internet as a whole where people like to be negative more than ever being positive and calm about themselves
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u/imJimfuckingLahey May 13 '26
I'm just genuinely incredibly happy with the controller, it really is that good
how the fuck can you even make this distinction, you've had it for a day lmfao. I've had mine for the same amount of time and I'm still configuring and adjusting settings, zero chance of a complete opinion to form on it.
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u/STSchif May 13 '26
Good for you! Have you found uses for the back buttons? I'm always a bit undecided on how to utilize them in an actual helpful way.
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u/tjhc94 May 13 '26
Yep, I use them for abxy, I don't use the face buttons, it's easier to use back buttons, especially in fps like battlefield where you don't wanna take your hands off the sticks.
And in games that don't support controller they can be very useful for key binds and radial menus and stuff, customisation possibilities are truly endless
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u/RaineAKALotto May 13 '26
Low key jelly lmao I ordered 26 minutes in, it's been a week and a half and it's still "Packaged" 😩
but I'm happy for you OP, enjoy it king👑
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May 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Dependent_Ratio9839 May 13 '26
Jealous?
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May 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/redrumyliad May 13 '26
It’s $100. Everybody who wants one can get one.
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u/Tyinar130 May 13 '26
This is literally untrue seeing as it's been sold out since about 45 minutes after launch and no restock for the waitlisters is available yet.
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u/redrumyliad May 13 '26
It’s been less than a week.
Everybody who wants one will get one.
Supply will meet demand you idiot.
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u/Tyinar130 May 13 '26
Your comment was "Everyone who wants one can get one", I want one and cannot get one. As i said your statement was literally untrue.
Everyone who wants one will eventually get one, sure, but that wasn't your statement. Not sure why pointing out your factually wrong statement makes me an idiot but that's also kinda rude, you should try to not be such an asshole you might find it makes you a little happier. Have a good life or whatever man.
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u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP Steam Controller (2026) May 13 '26
Real talk, I was surprised so many people were outraged that a controller was $100 considering the average gamer buys a $80 game day 1, plays it for a week and barely ever touches it again... whereas a controller is something you'd use very regularly, for years.
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u/Adventurous_Sink517 May 13 '26
It will let out a Wilhelm scream if you drop it from enough height (preferably on a soft surface).
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u/pipipupu200503 May 13 '26
Me checking email every 5 minutes waiting for the order link
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u/inhumat0r Steam Controller (2015 & 2026) (Linux) May 14 '26
I got it yesterday in the morning, the controller still waiting for pick up… No f*ucking idea what tf they're doing there. It was packed up two days after transaction and just lying there for an entire week.
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u/joedajoester May 13 '26
Can you test this for me? Exit steam and compare the haptic click on the trackpad. For me on Linux, when Steam is closed the haptic clicks are much stronger and “deeper” clicks. Once Steam opens, the clicks become very light. Trying to see if this is from Linux or expected behavior
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u/idrilirdi May 13 '26
It's expected behavior to distinguish between lizard mode and normal. SC1 also was like that
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u/joedajoester May 13 '26
Thank you! Was concerned that something on my Linux setup wasn’t playing nice. I wish there was a way to make the clicks like lizard mode all the time. It’s a much more satisfying thump compared to the regular light click
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u/I_Wanna_Die_Daily May 13 '26
I’m sure there’s a way to a-just it to be like that, with my steam deck controller I can do so much with customization and how the intense the thumps on the trackpads are. My steam controller is arriving today!! So I’m gunna be testing out allot of things to see if I can set it up exactly like my steam deck controls
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u/joedajoester May 13 '26
Please let me know if you can adjust the trackpad clicks. I see there’s a trackpad haptic strength setting under the desktop mode config but it literally changes nothing for me. Maybe some Linux weirdness going on
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u/XKinginYellowX May 14 '26
For desktop haptics: Steam settings, Controller, Advanced settings, Edit desktop layout, Choose trackpads, Haptics.
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u/ChimkenNumggets May 13 '26
Overall it feels great. It’s not perfect, I think the thumb sticks are awkwardly high up and slightly too far in compared to the DS4 I’ve been using. But the trackpads are fantastic and the haptics are great. Overall it’s a great controller for casual games.
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u/mccalli May 13 '26
I don't own one, but do own the first Steam Controller. Reading what you've put and looking at the pictures, you might be able to answer a question I have.
The sticks looked too high up to me as well, plus the placement of the A/B/X/Y buttons at the top looks a little strange to me vs the first controller.
My question is then - can you easily move your thumb from the bottom right trackpad, up to pressing an X/Y/A/B button, smoothly? To me it looks as if the right-hand stick would get in the way.
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u/ChimkenNumggets May 13 '26
I can confirm for my hands this is a non-issue. The buttons actually feel great and I can hit them and navigate to the trackpad without hitting the sticks. I imagine this is why they are a bit further in.
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u/mccalli May 13 '26
Thanks for that - handy. I really like my SC1, but I keep a PS4 controller around for twin stick stuff.
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u/ChimkenNumggets May 13 '26
For sure. I am also keeping my DS4 nearby. Though the latency and the strength of the wireless connection on the Steam controller is also a highlight, DS4 disconnects from the couch sometimes but it’s certainly a better options for RL thus far. Only one night in though!
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u/Slyder768 May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
I consider returning it , I can’t reach properly the left stick it’s so far away for smaller hands
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u/No-Opinion273 May 13 '26
How small are your hands?
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u/Slyder768 May 13 '26
Not that small , just a bit smaller than average
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u/GJake96 May 13 '26
Got a colleague with larger hands, and for him is quite hard to properly reach the touch pads. Taking in consideration that the 3D model is given, maybe there would be some 3D prints available for people to larger or smaller hands, basically moving here and there the sticks/buttons.
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u/Sharpie1993 May 13 '26
Is your colleague Andre the giant or Shaquille O'Neal? I’ve got huge hands, my thumb can touch the track pad on the opposite side of the controller and i have no issue using them.
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u/Old_Atmosphere_651 May 13 '26
Honestly I get you, I can reach, but it's not a natural position and I have average man hands.
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u/Fregadero88 May 13 '26
I was very surprised Linus said that too. I have small hands but feel like the controller is fine in my hands. I tested Witcher, final fantasy tactics, and Cyberpunk on my OG steamdeck and it works great.
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u/SoulslikeGitGud666 May 13 '26
Same, I played with it for about 2 hrs last night, both sticks, trackpads, and a combination of both. It felt exhausting. Picked up an Xbox controller and immediately felt relief.
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u/OkGiraffe6737 May 13 '26
Dude... i have small hands too but in your case we're talking about a 4yo small hands 😅
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u/c2h5oc2h5 May 13 '26
Can't really argue with someone feeling that something is uncomfortable, but I think it's probably an individual way one uses to grip a controller rather than purely hand size. If my 6 y.o. can handle a controller (although we've tested only Switch controllers so far, SC is still in preadvice stage :E), I don't think any adult hands can literally be too small for a controller.
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u/Bingnus May 13 '26
Sell it to someone who's been wanting one but couldn't get one because of all the scalpers!
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u/Old_Atmosphere_651 May 13 '26
Honestly it's larger and more uncomfortable to use than I had imagined. Also I'm not a fan of the Joystick location as it doesn't feel natural. Very early days though.
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u/hpstg May 13 '26
This is of course subjective, but I expected it to be larger than it is. I was positively surprised. It is definitely comparable to the Dual Sense.
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u/Marios_Facade May 13 '26
In my experience, average to small hands is usually the target market. Me having bigger hands, I've got to really search for things that don't make my hands cramp including mice and controllers. For instance, that razer pro xbox controller is way too small. Most razer product in general is honestly.
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u/Old_Atmosphere_651 May 13 '26
Oh for sure. Every controller is going to suit different people. Nothing fits all.
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u/tjhc94 May 13 '26
Maybe you have small hands, but I have many controllers and this is already my favourite to hold, but I can see it being less comfy for smaller hands to be honest, it was my first thought. I actually love the joystick placement personally, feels like being on a dualsense controller
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u/Old_Atmosphere_651 May 13 '26
I think I prefer the placement of Nintendo and Xbox controllers more. Legion go S no problems either. I've not used a Steam deck.
I rarely use dpads and with the steam controller that's in the prime location ahead of the left stick which imo is the main used component of a controller.
My hands are average or maybe just under average size I guess, but never had issues with anything else.
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u/Fafyg May 13 '26
Lol, for me it is a little bit too small
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u/Old_Atmosphere_651 May 13 '26
Gosh you must have mammoth hands, do you struggle with other controllers?
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u/justpostd May 13 '26
If they have mammoth hands, I imagine the biggest problem would be the lack of an opposable thumb ;)
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u/Fafyg May 13 '26
8bitdo is definitely a small one for me. Can play, but at some moment starting to feel slight cramps in my hands. I don’t think I have huge hands, just little bit on a larger side. Perfect steam controller for me would be probably about 5-10% wider
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u/Phuji_ May 13 '26
I have the same keyboard, I struggle with it disconnecting or turning off often and running out of battery pretty fast. Do you have the same issues?
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u/dac3062 May 13 '26
Has anyone had an issue with the gyro in arc raiders? For example I have gyro on a toggle enabled to one of my back buttons. However when I enable it my gun doesn't want to shoot. It's like stuttering the trigger
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u/Seanmclem May 13 '26
Idk. Maybe I need to find the right game. But I feel like enjoying the touchpads and the Gyro on the steam deck just isn’t the same when the screen is separated and so far away.
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u/fastbutlame May 13 '26
Not for me. Feels plasticky, the sticks have far too little tension, and the gyro is all over the place
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u/ninjabell May 13 '26
Honestly I find the Xbox controller more comfortable. It doesn't matter though. I'm going to be using Steam controller for the features. I love the track pads. I don't want to play without them now.
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u/jbivphotography Steam Controller (2026) May 14 '26
Just got mine and the responsiveness is impressive. Can’t wait to actually put some time on it.
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u/BlackIceLA May 14 '26
It's perfect for my hands, I just wish it wasn't so plastic-y, a little more premium finish!
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u/Aggravating_Pear6221 May 13 '26
It doesn’t work outside steam, no way of making it work with game pass and even when I add some games as non steam games controls are some times buggy. It’s a steam controller only for steam games. Also quality wise it’s worse in every way than my flydigi apex 5. I am very disappointed.
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u/eighto2 May 13 '26
So the quality is less than a $160 controller? That's shocking.
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u/Aggravating_Pear6221 May 13 '26
Gotta love the fanboys here dowvoting me for stating a fact...
Apex 5: https://amzn.asia/d/0aJxQPKH
Steam: https://komodostation.com/product/steam-controller_jpy/?lang=en
apex is cheaper and better
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u/TheSoberChef May 13 '26
Incredibly expensive for a controller that's for sure
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u/Blasto1990 May 13 '26
It's cheaper than a Xbox Elite Controller or a Dual Sense Edge.
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u/TheSoberChef May 13 '26
The edge is a significantly better built controller with more premium materials. Nearly every reviewer says that the steam controller feels cheap and the plastic does not feel premium. Note that the edge though is also equally overpriced for a piece of plastic that performs worse than a keyboard.
The Xbox elite controller doesn't really matter because nobody is buying it because it breaks all the time and it's just overpriced just like steam controller
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u/TheZackster May 13 '26
No it’s not
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u/TheSoberChef May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
Yes it is. $100 for a controller that only worths with steam without extreme work arounds is insane.
For an extra 50 bucks you can pick up a whole used switch console. You know controllers included.....
Or you can actually pick up a ps5 controller for $75 Wich will work with PC, Switch, and of course the ps5.
And before you you try to denfed the price with all the fancy features or technology that this remote pack in......There is nothing in this controller that hasn't been around for the last 15 years in some shape or another and a keyboard will always upperform any controller no matter what it is so that argument is mute
So I'm sorry you are butt hurt that you overpaid for a controller just because it has a steam name on it. I suggest learning from your experience and understanding that companies are not your friend Even steam is not your friend and $100 for a controller is absolutely insane and it will be absolutely insane until 2075.
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u/TheZackster May 13 '26
I’m not sure why you’re even here to begin with if you have such strong negative opinions on everything. Wouldn’t your time be better spent with something more positive? Adults can spend money on anything they feel like, and if they think it’s a worthy investment then that’s their prerogative. Why would you want to make someone else feel bad for purchasing something they like? Also, the ps5 and switch controllers didn’t work out of the box on PC either. It took time to add in proper support. The Steam Controller has been out for a week and is literally designed to be used with a PC. It’s ignorant to assume it wouldn’t continue to get support and compatibility in the future.
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u/TheSoberChef May 13 '26
Why would I want to educate someone? I don't know maybe because people are blinded by their hobbies and a little bit of education in reality from an outside perspective is actually very helpful. Spending money on this crap only tells corporations that they can continue to charge these ridiculous prices.
I mean only a few months ago you could literally get an LCD steam deck for $319..... A fully functional device.
It's just not justifiable that it controller cost $100 no matter what it is. The soul exception being the LTT Golden Xbox controller that they did years back.
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u/TheZackster May 13 '26
Thanks for your education, you’re really doing the lords work. It would be one thing if there was only one device available to use the hardware effectively. The controller is designed for PC though. You can already use any controller you could possibly want on PC. No one is forcing you, or pressuring you to buy a Steam controller. It’s a non essential luxury product for those who want to spend the money on it. For what it is, and what has the potential to do, 100 dollars is completely justifiable. Value is subjective. One man’s justifiable is another man’s waste of money.
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u/TheSoberChef May 13 '26
But it's not a luxury product. It's a $65 controller with hardware that has been around for 15 years that people have been blindly convinced is worth $100.
Look we can sit here and talk semantics all day but I'm giving you fax and if you don't like them you can stop commenting. The reality is that a keyboard even a cheap one is going to be far better than any controller so there is no justification for the product actually.
You're right value is subjective. But blindly purchasing something nearly twice it's practical value however is not subjective it's a bad purchasing decision that only encourages companies to continue overcharging.
The same goes to anybody who is going to pay the $80 price tag of GTA 6.
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u/TheZackster May 13 '26
It is a luxury product. Google the definition of what luxury product means. You’re not giving “fax” about anything. You’re vaguely mentioning abstract prices and not saying anything specific about the hardware that’s “been around for 15 years.” Just because something has been around a long time doesn’t necessarily mean it has less value. It has objectively more, and higher quality, features than a standard non-enthusiast controller. That inherently makes it more cost more. They’re not just going to give you extra shit for free. It’s a product that needs to make a profit. If you don’t plan on using all the bells and whistles that the controller provides, and see them as a pointless waste of money, then don’t buy it. It’s not FOR you. Sony and Xbox are selling controllers with objectively less features for 1.5x to 2x the price.
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u/TheSoberChef May 13 '26
It would be making a profit at $65. Actually it would make a profit at $50
Like as said, continue to justify this garbage and you will continue to allow companies to charge ridiculous price points.
A whole steam deck cost only $319. You are blind if you think this controller has anywhere near $40 in total production cost to steam.
"Objectively less features" -objectively less apparently means more according to you. They work with multiple systems not only PC. Actually basic PlayStation 5 remote has better controller trigger quality than this junk.
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u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP Steam Controller (2026) May 13 '26
For a regular controller? I guess so, yeah.
For the endless configurations this controller offers? I'd say it's a pretty decent price.
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u/TheSoberChef May 13 '26
You mean to control that literally only works with steam and cost 25 bucks more than standard controllers on the market?
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u/SEANPLEASEDISABLEPVP Steam Controller (2026) May 13 '26
I'll assume you're not trolling and you just have some misinformation.
I can confirm it works perfectly fine as a normal controller without steam. But you need steam to access all of it's unique features, which normal controllers don't have.
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u/Blasto1990 May 13 '26
Dude just say you're jealous that you don't have one yet lol. It's a very good controller for all the features that it offers. Infinitely customizable. You're complaining that it only works with Steam? That's literally what it was made for. Nobody is buying one to use on their PS5 or Xbox or Switch 😆 🤣 . It's meant for Steam users.
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u/TheSoberChef May 13 '26
Dude maybe not make assumptions because I do not have one nor do I want one.
Hate to break it to you but you purchasing it for $100 is only telling steam that they can charge $100 for something that's worth $65.
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u/coltrak94 May 13 '26
Agreed, fits like a glove, it might be the most comfortable controller I've ever used. I even forced myself to take a break and use the DualSense and 8bitdoPro2 for a day or two, with the only caveat being I had to play every game I had recently tested the Steam Controller with. Unmatched versatility aside, cause plenty of people don't play around in Steam Input (though everyone should tbh) , I literally found myself wishing I was using the Steam Controller in pretty much every game. I think the only thing I missed would be the DualSense triggers, and even then I rarely use them as they're more of a hinderance in MP. I've never been a controller snob, I've owned heaps of madcatz and nyko etc, whatever gets the job done, but I am thoroughly impressed. I assumed I'd like it because I've wanted one conceptually ever since I got my launch steam deck. The moment valve will let me, I'm buying a second one.