Valve's Steam Controller will release on May 4 for $99 in the US, offering customizable controls for PC, Mac, mobile devices, and Steam Deck. The device marks Valve's entry into the controller market without an accompanying Steam Machine console.
Valve's Steam Controller arrives Monday, May 4, priced at $99 USD, with international pricing set at $149 CAD, $149 AUD, £85 in the UK, and €99 in the EU.
The controller communicates exclusively with Steam and the Steam Link app, enabling compatibility across PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and the Steam Deck handheld console. Valve originally planned to bundle the controller with its Steam Machine console, but hardware delays forced the company to delay that release indefinitely.
Unlike general-purpose PC controllers, the Steam Controller requires users to launch games through Steam to function. This differs from competitors like the Sony DualSense or Nintendo Switch Pro, which work natively across multiple platforms and services.
The device's primary differentiator is its customizable control scheme. Reviewers note the controller offers a level of configuration unavailable on competing gamepads, with extensive remapping and sensitivity adjustment options. This functionality mirrors capabilities found on the Steam Deck.
Valve's Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset—originally announced alongside the controller—remain without confirmed release dates. The company has prioritized getting the controller to market independently.
Early hands-on reviews suggest the Steam Controller is changing how some users approach couch gaming, particularly when paired with Steam Deck. However, many PC gamers already rely on established third-party controllers with Steam's native support, potentially limiting the Steam Controller's addressable market.
The May 4 launch at 1 PM ET marks the first major hardware release from Valve's living room gaming initiative in its current form.
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