The cat is out of the bag: the new Steam Controller arrives next week with a retail price of $99/€99/£85/$149 AUD. While initial reports suggest the May launch will only feature a single, all-black colorway to match your existing noir setup, gaming accessory giant Dbrand is stepping in to provide much-needed variety.
Dbrand Announces Custom Skins for Steam Controller
In true Dbrand fashion, the company has announced a massive lineup of 44 fresh skins designed to liven up the new hardware. Reflecting on the history of the device, the company noted: "The original Steam Controller came out 11 years ago and was a bit of a cult classic. We've never met a cult we didn't want to be a part of, so we're getting in on the ground floor."
The new collection offers various styles to suit different tastes:
- Full Coverage Wraps: Complete skins that cover the entire device.
- Accent Skins: Designs that only cover the lower portion or touchpads.
- Premium Leather Wraps: High-end textures priced at approximately $25.
- Color Block Designs: Simpler options like 'Kinda Purple' starting at $12.
While some designs, such as the "Real Black Leather," might feel a bit tacky to certain users, the accent skins provide a practical way to add a pop of color to the touchpads without overwhelming the device.
Personalizing Your New Steam Controller
Beyond just aesthetics, these Steam Controller skins are built with durability in mind. Each skin is marketed as scratch-proof and designed for easy removal. Crucially, Dbrand claims that removing a skin won't leave your brand-new controller covered in sticky adhesive residue—a vital feature for those who enjoy swapping looks frequently.
This flexibility is especially useful as we await further hardware from Valve. The company has re-committed to a 2026 release window for the Steam Machine, which was revealed alongside the new controller. However, given the ongoing global memory supply crisis, many enthusiasts are remaining cautiously optimistic about seeing that tiny gaming machine in person.
Until then, Dbrand's colorful options ensure your setup won't look like just another sea of identical gamepads.