The official Steam Machine gamepad is available now and performs well on both PC and Deck. However, opinions may vary on its $99 price point.
Many PC gamers already have a favorite controller for Steam, such as the Sony DualSense, 8BitDo Ultimate, or Nintendo Switch Pro, as they’re treated as “native” controllers by Steam. This provides a level of customizable control beyond what’s available on consoles.
With Steam Input, users can create multiple control schemes for different game scenarios and switch between them with ease. Onscreen menus can be configured to reveal custom commands when a button or trackpad is used.
Despite the usefulness of the original Steam Controller, the idea of a new physical Steam Controller doesn’t excite as it once did. However, Valve has improved its misunderstood predecessor with the 2026 model, which incorporates the Steam Deck’s extensive inputs into a single gamepad, including twin touchpads—essentially a screen-less Steam Deck with added features.
The new Steam Controller boasts hardware advancements over the Steam Deck, such as drift-resistant TMR joysticks to prevent wear, superior ergonomics, four easy-to-press rear buttons, and touch-sensitive sensors in the sticks and grips for customizable inputs. It offers extensive customization and is designed for user repair with replacement parts available at iFixit.
Available for $99 starting May 4th, some consumers will find its features compelling enough to purchase. Even users who rarely customize controls might appreciate its comfort, battery life, and build quality, which surpasses the original with a robust, high-end feel plastic. The included 2.4GHz USB-C puck streamlines pairing and charging.
The USB-C-to-A cable, roughly five feet long, allows flexible placement of the puck for optimal signal maintenance. The puck also functions as a magnetic charging dock for the controller.
Pairing the Steam Controller initially is simple—attach it to the puck and follow on-screen instructions, including potential firmware updates. Alternatively, the controller can operate in Bluetooth mode or as a wired gamepad, with the capability to wake a PC or Steam Deck from sleep using the Steam button.
While some may see the benefits of the Steam Controller, others may decide to stick with their existing controllers. There’s no urgency to switch if current options suffice. The Sony DualSense or 8BitDo Ultimate 2 paired with a Steam Deck, PC, or future Steam Machine can still deliver a great experience.
Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais assures that both Bluetooth and the custom 2.4GHz puck offer similar latency, around 8ms per button press, though 2.4GHz is ideal for local multiplayer due to Bluetooth’s lag with multiple controllers. However, with the puck, latency remains steady even with multiple Steam Controllers connected.
Compared to the Steam Deck, the new controller offers enhanced customization with Grip Sense grips detecting touch, giving an edge for tweaking gameplay controls—for instance, reassigning “No Man’s Sky’s” Pulse Drive to a firm grip hold. Community innovation is anticipated to thrive with these new features.
This new Steam Controller doesn’t compete directly against “pro” controllers like Sony’s $199 DualSense Edge or Razer’s $229 Kaiju V3 Pro. It lacks changable sticks and trigger stops but compensates with dual trackpads, four rear buttons, and a Steam Quick Access button, serving as a PC navigation tool. Priced at half that of some competitors, it presents a cost-effective alternative.
Missing onboard storage for controller profiles isn’t an issue; Steam tracks each controller independently of the computer, allowing use of saved schemes across any account.
Despite its refined hardware and vast customization, it may not be a must-buy for those already satisfied with their controllers. Its appeal lies in its unique features, especially for committed Steam Deck users, making it a potential worth considering.