The controller is set to go on sale on May 4th at 1PM ET, priced at $99 in the US, £85 in the UK, and €99 across Europe. Early impressions are already positive after hands-on testing with both Steam Deck units and desktop PCs, with reviewers noting a strong overall experience.
If you want to explore detailed impressions, you can check out The Verge’s coverage, including:
- Valve’s new Steam Controller review
- Why the Steam Controller matters
- Steam Controller AMA
No Steam Machine Needed
Unlike earlier expectations, the new controller doesn’t require a Steam Machine to function. It works with any system running Steam and can even act as a general-purpose controller for mobile devices. This makes it far more flexible than previous hardware tied closely to Valve’s ecosystem.
Interest in a refreshed controller has been building for years, especially after the success of the Steam Deck. Many users have wanted a standalone controller that replicates the Deck’s controls in a more traditional gamepad format - and this release largely delivers on that idea.
Steam Machine and Steam Frame Still in Progress
As for Valve’s other hardware projects - including the Steam Machine living room console and the Steam Frame headset - the company isn’t ready to share updates just yet. According to Valve developer Pierre-Loup Griffais, work is ongoing, with more information expected in the future.
What We Know So Far
While reviews of the controller are largely positive, some features couldn’t be fully tested due to the absence of supporting hardware like the Steam Machine and Steam Frame. Still, Valve has shared a few additional insights:
- Replacement parts will be available, with continued support from iFixit
- The company has produced a large initial batch, though demand could still exceed supply
- Manufacturing isn’t fully automated this time around
- Additional battery indicators may be added within Steam
- Adjustable speaker volume could be introduced in future updates
- Some experimental features, like touch-sensitive bumpers, were removed due to cost and reliability concerns
- Pricing has been affected by rising global shipping costs
Steam Deck Availability Remains Uncertain
For those still hoping to purchase a Steam Deck, supply challenges continue. Valve says it’s working to improve availability, but global conditions have made production and distribution more difficult than before.
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