Valve recently revealed a range of new hardware, including the Steam Controller. Here’s a complete guide covering everything you need to know, such as when it might be released, how to pre-order, its technical specifications, and other important details.
We’ll also discuss whether you can purchase the Steam Controller on its own, which is especially important if the Steam Machine release is pushed back. Because of component shortages – driven by large orders from AI companies for things like memory – the final price of the Steam Machine remains uncertain.
This change will also impact the Steam Frame VR headset, as it works with the Steam Controller.
Curious if the Steam Controller can be used with consoles other than PC? We have the answer for you.
But as for when the Steam Controller will come out, read on!
When is the Steam Controller release date?
The Steam Controller release date is “early 2026”, according to Valve.
We can expect the device to be available between January and April of 2026. The Steam Controller will launch with the Steam Machine, as it’s included with the console, but initial quantities might be limited, especially if existing controllers are used to fulfill Steam Machine orders.
Because of the current high cost of RAM, the Steam Machine might be delayed. Valve wants to make sure it can sell the device at a price customers will find reasonable.
Whether the Steam Controller would be delayed alongside it remains to be seen.
Once we know more, we will update you in due course.
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Can I pre-order the Steam Controller?
No, you cannot pre-order the Steam Controller.
You can add the Steam Controller to your Steam wishlist to receive a notification when it’s back in stock, or to be ready to purchase it immediately if Valve decides not to offer pre-orders again.
Just like with the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, it’s currently unclear if Valve will use a reservation system for this new product, similar to how they handled the initial launch of the Steam Deck.
Because the controllers don’t rely on hard-to-get parts, Valve should be able to make enough of them for a wide release.
Can I buy the Steam Controller separately?
Yes, the Steam Controller can be bought separately.
You don’t have to buy a Steam Machine to get a Steam Controller. This has been true since the first Steam Controller came out in 2015.
Okay, so it totally clicks now. A lot of us have really powerful gaming rigs already, way better than the Steam Machine itself. But we still want to use that cool Steam Controller, and that makes perfect sense! It’s about getting the best of both worlds – a powerful machine and those unique controller features.
Valve might need to manufacture enough Steam Controllers for the Steam Machine before offering them for individual sale, but it’s currently unclear if that’s the plan.
Can I use the Steam Controller on PlayStation, Xbox or Switch?
Unfortunately, the Steam Controller isn’t compatible with consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch (or the upcoming Switch 2).
According to Valve’s Steam Controller product page, the controller only functions with PCs or devices that have Steam or the Steam Link app installed. This covers computers running Windows, Mac, or Linux, plus tablets and smartphones.
Even so, it’s a large audience, and on PC, you can integrate games from other platforms into Steam. This lets you use Steam’s controller configuration tools to customize your controls perfectly.
What is the Steam Controller? Specs explained
The Steam Controller is essentially a Steam Deck with the screen and computing internals removed.
The Steam Deck has all the standard controls you’d expect – buttons for A, B, X, and Y, a directional pad, analog sticks, and shoulder and back buttons. What really sets it apart from other handheld gaming PCs, though, are its two trackpads.
These trackpads simplify playing games normally done with a mouse, like strategy games.
While you can use a controller’s analogue sticks to play first-person shooter games, they generally aren’t as accurate as using a mouse or trackpad. Thankfully, this controller features high-quality magnetic thumbsticks (TMR), which are very durable and prevent stick drift thanks to constant calibration.
The controller features gyro aiming, made possible by its built-in gyroscope. This allows for very accurate control, similar to using a mouse, and feels a bit like using the Wii Remote on a Nintendo Wii – though the Steam Controller works in a unique way.
The Steam Controller can detect when and how you’re holding it, thanks to touch-sensitive areas on the handles and thumbsticks. This allows for customized controls – for instance, you could set gyro-aim to only work when your thumb is resting on a specific analog stick.
You can connect the Steam Controller to your devices either wirelessly through Bluetooth, or with the included charging base, which provides a more stable connection and faster response time.
For a detailed breakdown of what exactly makes up the Steam Controller, check out the specs below:
Steam Controller specs
Controls and Input
- Gamepad controls – A B X Y buttons, D-pad, L & R analog triggers, L & R bumpers, View & Menu buttons, Steam & QAM buttons, 4x assignable grip buttons
- Thumbsticks – 2x full-size magnetic thumbsticks (TMR) with capacitive touch
- Haptics – 4x haptic motors, 2x LRA haptic motors in trackpads for HD tactile feedback, 2x High output LRA haptic motors in grips for HD game haptics including rumble
- Trackpads – 2x 34.5mm square trackpads with haptic feedback, pressure-sensitive for configurable click strength
- Gyro – 6-axis IMU
- Grip Sense – 2x capacitive areas along back of Steam Controller handles
Connectivity
- Steam Controller Puck – 2.4GHz Wireless connection, ~8ms full end-to-end, 4ms polling rate (measured at 5m). Up to 4 Steam Controllers per Steam Controller Puck. Steam Controller Puck connects to PC via USB-C
- Bluetooth – Bluetooth 4.2 minimum, 5.0 or higher recommended
- USB – USB-C tethered play
Power
- Charging – Steam Controller Puck charging interface, USB-C connector
- Battery – 8.39 Wh Li-ion battery (35+ hours of gameplay). Battery life for tracked gameplay with Steam Frame is reduced
Size and Weight
- Size – Steam Controller: 111mm x 159mm x 57mm. Steam Controller Puck: 50mm x 28mm x 9mm
- Weight – Steam Controller: 292g, Steam Controller Puck: 16g
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2026-01-21 21:06