Featured Image Credit: Valve
Topics: Steam, Valve, Steam Deck
Steam might be one of the biggest digital gaming stores going but it’s also still keen to dip its toe into the hardware scene.
While it’s not directly competing with console manufacturers like PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo we have seen a few hardware releases over the years.
The Steam Deck is a big one, arguably paving the way for a new era of handheld gaming that PlayStation and Xbox were keen to continue with the PlayStation Portal and Xbox ROG Ally respectively..
With a second iteration of the Steam Deck reportedly on the way we’ve had a first look at a new Steam controller to go with it, albeit an edited version.
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On XCancel user SadlyItsBradley shared an AI generated image of the new controller which was modelled on an actual leaked image. AI was used to “just in case [the original images] reveal any sensitive info from the source.”
AI slop aside the new controller sounds very advanced, with your standard button layout as well as touchpads like those found on the Steam Deck so you can use a mouse cursor. Bradley also said it’ll be able to “detect how far your hands are from the handles using a simple capsense feature."
This new controller will be comparable with PCs and probably the Steam Deck. You’d use a controller for the Steam Deck when it’s connected to your TV if you bought the adaptor. I’ll be honest though I’m not entirely sure why you’d want a Steam controller for anything other than the touchpads.
An Xbox, PlayStation and even Nintendo Switch Pro controller will work with a PC provided it supports bluetooth, and I’ve been using my standard Xbox controller with my Steam Deck with no issue whatsoever.
But if your goal is to play games that need or at least run better with a cursor, like real-time strategy games, which will probably be worth picking up.
Reactions to the new controller have been a bit mixed with many criticising it for being too bulky whereas others think it looks quite comfortable.
Some comparisons to Xbox’s infamous Duke controller were made which I found quite funny, but for the most part the general consensus is “yep, that’s a Steam controller alright,” for better or for worse.
It’s unknown when this shiny new controller will be in our hands, but whether you’re playing on PC or Steam Deck it might be one for you.