Valve has officially unveiled its much-anticipated Steam Controller, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of gaming peripherals. Set to launch on May 4, 2026, this new addition to Valve’s hardware lineup comes with a promise of enhanced compatibility and performance, although the Steam Machine and Steam Frame will remain on the back burner for now. Initial reviews have begun to surface, offering enthusiasts a comprehensive look at the controller’s features, comfort level, and overall functionality.
In its initial announcement last November, Valve emphasized that the second-generation controller is designed to work seamlessly with “anything running Steam.” However, recent reviews have shed light on a crucial limitation: the controller’s compatibility does not extend to other gaming platforms or launchers. This revelation has sparked discussions among gamers who often switch between various ecosystems.
Steam Controller Gamepad Requires Steam Input
The controller, along with its accompanying ‘puck,’ can operate without the Steam client installed, but this functionality is limited to basic trackpad and keyboard operations. To unlock the full potential of the gamepad, including the use of both analog sticks, users must have Steam Input activated, which necessitates that the Steam client be running in the background.
According to a review by Gamers Nexus, while the controller can access the Steam on-screen keyboard, this feature is contingent upon the Steam client being open. Additionally, it does not function over the Windows lock screen, which means players cannot conveniently log in from their couch without resorting to the standard Microsoft on-screen keyboard.
For those looking to play non-Steam games using the Steam Controller, it’s essential to launch these titles through Steam. While adding non-Steam games to one’s library is a straightforward process, it does detract from the anticipated plug-and-play experience across multiple gaming platforms on Windows.
One notable limitation arises with Xbox’s Game Pass service, a popular choice among PC gamers alongside Steam. The Steam Controller does not natively support console devices such as Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch, although there have been instances of Steam being run on a Switch.
PC Mag’s review highlights that the Xbox app allows users to add its game binaries to Steam, but this means players must own the game on Steam to utilize Valve’s controller. While tools like UWPHook exist to facilitate the addition of these games to a Steam library, they do not provide Steam Input support.
On a positive note, this challenge may find a resolution through community-driven initiatives, similar to what occurred with the original Steam Controller. A program called GlosSI was created to enable Steam Input at a system level, although it has not seen updates since 2024. The gaming community may yet find a way to extend support for the new Steam Controller, fostering innovation and collaboration among players.
