The new Steam Controller from Valve won't ship until 2027 if you haven't already reserved an order for one, though those who have may get it later in 2026.
I’m still a little suprised the Steam Controller is this popular. Aside from the trackpads (which is a big ‘aside’ to be clear) it’s such a mid controller spec-wise.
What are people’s use cases for the trackpads? I still swear by my OG Steam Controller and love the trackpads for playing, like, visual novels on Steam on my TV (through the OG Steam Link) or controlling my browser if I’m watching Patreon videos, but those are pretty niche uses.
I wouldn’t call it mid, but the trackpads are the main selling point, if you don’t need them, then it’s a pretty pointless purchase (outside of just wanting it because it’s Valve). An Xbox controller is way, way more comfortable for joystick usage.
Linux compatibility is a big one for me. I had to buy a USB dongle for my Xbox controller and it still would sometimes randomly disconnect or get input lag
I’m still a little suprised the Steam Controller is this popular. Aside from the trackpads (which is a big ‘aside’ to be clear) it’s such a mid controller spec-wise.
What are people’s use cases for the trackpads? I still swear by my OG Steam Controller and love the trackpads for playing, like, visual novels on Steam on my TV (through the OG Steam Link) or controlling my browser if I’m watching Patreon videos, but those are pretty niche uses.
I wouldn’t call it mid, but the trackpads are the main selling point, if you don’t need them, then it’s a pretty pointless purchase (outside of just wanting it because it’s Valve). An Xbox controller is way, way more comfortable for joystick usage.
Linux compatibility is a big one for me. I had to buy a USB dongle for my Xbox controller and it still would sometimes randomly disconnect or get input lag