The new Steam Controller is an impressive bit of equipment—and if you're itching to get your hands on one, there isn't too long left to wait. According to Valve, the dual-trackpad-equipped beastie will be available to purchase on the Steam store starting Monday, May 4.
Global Pricing for the New Steam Controller
Pricing varies significantly by region. Valve has stated that these pricing differences are down to distribution costs, import duties/tariffs, and marketing conditions—a summary of many challenges currently facing the tech industry.
Depending on where you are located, you can expect to pay the following:
- United States: $99
- European Union: €99
- United Kingdom: £85
- Australia: AUD 149
- Poland: PLN 419
While the price tag might be slightly higher than some hoped, it is somewhat more reasonable than expected given the unique design of this hardware.
Innovative Design and Gameplay Features
The Steam Controller is a sizable beast featuring two large, haptic-enabled trackpads and twin TMR sticks. It also includes a traditional array of face buttons and triggers, alongside four sizeable buttons on the rear of the grips to allow for extreme customisability.
There are very few gaming devices that can truly mimic a mouse, but this controller features gyro controls to bridge that gap. While it may not be the fastest option for competitive gaming due to a standard 250 Hz polling rate, it is built for a different kind of player.
Built for Comfort and Longevity
Our reviewer, Jacob, enjoys his sample very much, calling it a "comfy pad for comfy gamers." It is an excellent choice if you are the type of person who likes to recline on a couch or game in bed.
The device is also designed to keep you playing for longer sessions. With a 35-hour battery life, you shouldn't have to use the included charging puck too often. While the original Steam Controller was a bit of a disappointment, this new design really works.
