Alex Perry | April 28, 2026
Attention PC gamers: The controller of your dreams might be here soon.
Valve’s new Steam Controller is set to launch imminently, and early reviews are giving us an idea of what to expect. This is a fully customizable gamepad designed to work with every game in your Steam library. It was initially revealed alongside the upcoming Steam Machine and VR headset Valve is producing, but the controller is coming first as it hasn’t been affected by the global memory shortage like the console and VR headset.
Here’s how to get a Steam Controller and what some critics are saying about it.
How to get a Steam Controller
The process of getting a Steam Controller seems relatively straightforward, though I can’t personally guarantee success when the time comes.
Orders open on May 4 at 1 p.m. ET and will be available for purchase through Valve’s official Steam Controller store page. Given this isn’t subject to the RAM shortage, there may very well be enough stock for everyone to get one.
Steam Controller review roundup
Critics are generally more positive than negative, especially compared to the original 2015 Steam Controller, which was divisive. The new Steam Controller features two regular analog sticks, a standard array of face and shoulder buttons, optional back buttons, and two trackpads like the Steam Deck for mouse inputs.
Will Greenwald at PCMag, who hated the original, adores the new one’s feel. “It’s more solid, comparable with an Xbox gamepad in heft and grip. The touchpads have a smooth, satiny finish. It feels better to hold in all regards,” he wrote.
The controller has a unique charging puck that snaps onto the bottom. It allows easy charging while you play via a USB connection. Jessica Conditt of Engadget praised this feature: “The puck snaps on like a cute little sucker fish,” she wrote, noting it also connects via Bluetooth or cable without issue.
Valve promises more than 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. With the charging puck, a power-up won’t interrupt your play.
Critics agree playing games with the Steam Controller is a quality experience, noting it’s compatible only with Steam games. IGN’s Bo Moore found mouse-controlled games challenging with the touchpads. “Playing Crusader Kings 3 and Against the Storm with the Steam Controller is playable but not efficient,” Moore wrote.
Despite limitations, the Steam Controller is a dream gamepad for those with a vast Steam library, desiring to play from their couch.