Valve’s recent foray into the realm of gaming controllers has yielded impressive results, particularly with the Steam Controller, which builds on the insights gained from the Steam Deck. The company’s journey in this space began back in 2015 with its first controller, which, while not a complete failure, fell short of expectations.
With the launch of the Steam Deck, Valve redefined the PC gaming experience, paving the way for a renewed attempt at crafting a controller that resonates with gamers. The outcome is a premium offering that enhances the PC gaming experience, albeit with a learning curve for new users.
Design and Comfort
The Steam Controller arrives in a minimalist package that may appear unconventional at first. Its asymmetrical thumbstick layout is reminiscent of both the Steam Deck and the PlayStation 5 controller, providing familiarity for existing users. The design mirrors the aesthetic of the Steam Deck, featuring clean lines, an ergonomic shape, and integrated touchpads.
Weighing in at a comfortable 292 grams, the Steam Controller matches the heft of an Xbox controller with batteries but is slightly heavier than the DualSense. Despite its bulkier appearance compared to its competitors, it offers an unexpectedly comfortable grip, even for those with smaller hands. The buttons are notably responsive, and the touchpad placement feels intuitive during gameplay.
However, potential users should note that the controller lacks a headphone jack, necessitating alternative audio solutions. A standout feature is the Grip Sense technology, which employs capacitive sensors in the grips to detect whether the controller is being held. Initially met with skepticism, this feature has proven effective in activating or deactivating the gyroscope.
Charging and Battery Life
On the connectivity front, Valve has streamlined the process with a clever design that combines the dongle and charging station into a single, unobtrusive puck. This dual-purpose device serves as both a 2.4 GHz wireless transmitter and a magnetic charging dock, designed to safeguard battery longevity and prevent overcharging. Valve claims the controller can last for years without issues, and during testing, the battery life was impressive, rated at 35 hours. Even with all features enabled, the battery consumption remained low, allowing for extensive gaming sessions.
While the Charging Puck is convenient, it operates on a “set it and leave it” basis, meaning users cannot charge the controller while playing. This could be a consideration for those who often forget to place devices on their chargers after use.
Customization and Performance
The Steam Controller offers an impressive level of customization, featuring a comprehensive input set that includes dual trackpads, drift-resistant TMR magnetic joysticks, a gyroscope, four haptic motors, and programmable back buttons. This extensive array of controls ensures that even the most demanding gaming experiences are well-supported.
Valve has clearly learned from past iterations, creating a controller that is both comfortable and user-friendly. The TMR sticks, designed for longevity and reduced power consumption, are a notable innovation that could set a new standard for future controllers.
Users can customize controls on a per-game basis through Steam Input, allowing for complete remapping of every button and trackpad. Community profiles for popular games enhance this flexibility, making it easy to tailor the controller to individual preferences.
Gaming Experience
Testing the Steam Controller across various games revealed a surprisingly seamless performance. Titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Diablo IV worked flawlessly right from the start. While the touchpads may not see extensive use in standard gameplay, they provide a unique advantage in strategy games like Civilization, where their functionality enhances the overall experience.
However, some games outside of Steam may require additional steps for optimal performance, and users without Steam installed will find the controller functions as a USB mouse on Windows and macOS. While this quirk may be inconvenient, it is manageable for most users.
Ultimately, Valve has crafted a controller that excels in comfort, longevity, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for living room PC gaming. While it carries a premium price tag of USD, the technology and features packed into the Steam Controller justify the investment for dedicated gamers.
