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[LectureMaster]

Steam Controller Review – Valve's New Gamepad Takes All the Friction Out of Playing PC Games on the Couch

With high-end features like TMR sticks, HD haptics, and its unique touchpads, Valve's new Steam Deck offers both an excellent out-of-the-box experience as well as a playground for enthusiasts to tinker to their hearts content. It's one of the best controllers for PC gaming that you can buy.

www.ign.com

---

Verdict

The Steam Controller offers both an excellent out-of-the-box experience as well as a playground for enthusiasts to tinker to their hearts content. If you're just looking for a fantastic controller for playing PC games and navigating the desktop in between them, the Steam Controller handles those duties with aplomb. And if you're a diehard customizer who wants to build out (or just borrow from the community) bespoke button bindings and advanced touchpad controls, it does that too. Most importantly, it does both of these things without sacrificing one experience for the other.

 

[March Climber]

All sounds good. Hoping it can survive some drops here and there in the long run.

 

[Tobimacoss]

Hard disagree, the 8bitDo Ultimate 3E seems to be the controller to beat.

 

[ReyBrujo]

Can't spell ignorant without IGN

Just a joke PC bros, don't get angry

 

[Puscifer]

Hard disagree, the 8bitDo Ultimate 3E seems to be the controller to beat.

Half the battery life
50% more

Nah I'm good. All the extra shit with controllers like 3D rumble, motors in triggers, etc that do nothing but either drain battery life or actively get in my way during a game don't interest me.

 

[CLW]

Will go GREAT with the steam machine when it launches……. In 3077

 

[//DEVIL//]

is the Western media are that ignorant, or do they on purpose not cover anything from China/the East side of the world because it beats the fuck out of the Western-made controllers?

Fuck they don't even cover proper Western controllers

Gamesir G7 pro 8k
Apex 5
Wolvarin V3 pro 8k.

All these controllers above are much better than the steam controller on PC in terms of input latency. What in the actual fuck are these fuckers smocking exactly ?

 

[{insert code here}]

I've been rocking the Raikiri Pro and the OG 360 controller. I'll probably get one but I'm not sure if I'll like it better than these two.

 

[MrTroubleMaker]

 

[Buggy Loop]

Hard disagree, the 8bitDo Ultimate 3E seems to be the controller to beat.

It's got trackpads?

I don't think you peoples understand what a steam controller is

 

[Odinnii]

I'm getting this for the touch pads so I can play non pad friendly games on my TV.

Does Valve have a patent on the design or something? Because I'm surprised nobody tried to copy this design from the steam deck.

 

[//DEVIL//]

It's got trackpads?

I don't think you peoples understand what a steam controller is

No it doesnt. but a gaming controller isnt really about trackpads either lets be honest.

Yes its a great controller and I will buy one at one point. but to say its the controller to beat when there are many controllers out there that outperform it technically is laughable.

 

[StereoVsn]

Generally reviews seem to be pretty positive, which is good to hear.

 

[Buggy Loop]

No it doesnt. but a gaming controller isnt really about trackpads either lets be honest.

You're wrong. For couch gaming it's a huge plus. A must even. The OG steam controller got me through pure PC couch gaming with no keyboard/mouse for a long ass time, played cRPGs with it that had no controller support even.

If you're just playing in front of a PC desktop and the keyboard and mouse is right there, sure, there's less reasons for it, but again as I said, I don't think peoples understand what these controllers are for, it's 100% couch gaming, and you know, for the steam machine..

Yes its a great controller and I will buy one at one point. but to say its the controller to beat when there are many controllers out there that outperform it technically is laughable.

outperform it how? What's missing on the steam controller?

 

[StereoVsn]

It's got trackpads?

I don't think you peoples understand what a steam controller is

Yep, and that is pretty weird since the trackpads are there front and center and have been on a Steam Deck since release.

 

[kevboard]

It's got trackpads?

I don't think you peoples understand what a steam controller is

the track pads, and the size and position changes to the other parts of the controller that they bring as a byproduct, are the reason this controller is a great all-rounder for using a PC on the sofa or to play mouse and keyboard centric titles... but are also the reason it will probably be worse than any decent "normal" controller, when playing games with controller support.

 

[Guardian Monkey]

You're wrong. For couch gaming it's a huge plus. A must even. The OG steam controller got me through pure PC couch gaming with no keyboard for a long ass time, played cRPGs with it that had no controller support even.

If you're just playing in front of a PC desktop and the keyboard and mouse is right there, sure, there's less reasons for it, but again as I said, I don't think peoples understand what these controllers are for, it's 100% couch gaming, and you know, for the steam machine..

outperform it how? What's missing on the steam controller?

audio

 

[Buggy Loop]

audio

Eeewww, audio through a controller?

 

[Guardian Monkey]

Eeewww, audio through a controller?

You must have used some crappy headphones or controller audio.

 

[Tobimacoss]

So this controller doesn't support Xinput, doesn't support iOS, or Android, or other Windows PC stores.

Half the battery life
50% more

Nah I'm good. All the extra shit with controllers like 3D rumble, motors in triggers, etc that do nothing but either drain battery life or actively get in my way during a game don't interest me.

Then a 8bitDo $29.99 controller with TMR sticks should suit you well.

 

[CrustyBritches]

audio

Yeah, I think valve missed out by not using their excellent mic set up from the steam deck, and the lack of headphone jack is disappointing too. Might be a cost or latency issue.

 

[Buggy Loop]

You must have used some crappy headphones or controller audio.

Are you serious here? Controller audio is pure ass, even the 8bitdo ultimate 3e mentionned in this thread is reported to have shit low frequency response.

I have a pair of Focal clear + Bifrost DAC + Jotunheim 2 amp. I ain't ever plugging headphones into a battery powered controller over 2.4G

 

[Puscifer]

So this controller doesn't support Xinput, doesn't support iOS, or Android, or other Windows PC stores.


Then a 8bitDo $29.99 controller with TMR sticks should suit you well.

I already have the ultimate.

 

[Guardian Monkey]

Are you serious here? Controller audio is pure ass, even the 8bitdo ultimate 3e mentionned in this thread is reported to have shit low frequency response.

I have a pair of Focal clear + Bifrost DAC + Jotunheim 2 amp. I ain't ever plugging headphones into a battery powered controller over 2.4G

on your couch?

 

[Bernardougf]

is the Western media are that ignorant, or do they on purpose not cover anything from China/the East side of the world because it beats the fuck out of the Western-made controllers?

Fuck they don't even cover proper Western controllers

Gamesir G7 pro 8k
Apex 5
Wolvarin V3 pro 8k.

All these controllers above are much better than the steam controller on PC in terms of input latency. What in the actual fuck are these fuckers smocking exactly ?

Who is smoking is Anyone that still thinks the western mainstream media opinions or reviews are about "merit" or/and "fairness".

 

[Loomy]

is the Western media are that ignorant, or do they on purpose not cover anything from China/the East side of the world because it beats the fuck out of the Western-made controllers?

Fuck they don't even cover proper Western controllers

Gamesir G7 pro 8k
Apex 5
Wolvarin V3 pro 8k.

All these controllers above are much better than the steam controller on PC in terms of input latency. What in the actual fuck are these fuckers smocking exactly ?

Those controllers are covered and reviewed by people who know what they're talking about all the time. The only reason IGN is touching this is because it's being made by Valve. If Flydigi or someone else made this controller IGN wouldn't be reviewing it. Anyone spending $100 on a controller is going to look at youtube before IGN for reviews.

 

[S0ULZB0URNE]

"9 from 2026 IGN"

Oh noes! It must have something wrong with it.

 

[Buggy Loop]

on your couch?

My basement is in renovation so no "couch gaming", but as usual, as I had setup before the teardown, It'd be an home theater receivers and amps and not cheap ones. Cabinet close to couch.

If I wanted convenience, even a good wireless headphone would probably offer better audio capabilities than anything these controller manufacturers put into their controllers.

But hey, if that's the feature you need, you're welcome to 50+ other options, but likely won't have trackpads nor the capacitive touch detection.

 

[Guardian Monkey]

My basement is in renovation so no "couch gaming", but as usual, as I had setup before the teardown, It'd be an home theater receivers and amps and not cheap ones. Cabinet close to couch.

If I wanted convenience, even a good wireless headphone would probably offer better audio capabilities than anything these controller manufacturers put into their controllers.

But hey, if that's the feature you need, you're welcome to 50+ other options, but likely won't have trackpads nor the capacitive touch detection.

You asked what it was missing I said audio. You have come up with a better replacement with $1000s of dollars of gear and wires all over of your hypothetical system. Cool story Wires McCord.

 

[Buggy Loop]

You asked what it was missing I said audio. You have come up with a better replacement with $1000s of dollars of gear and wires all over of your hypothetical system. Cool story Wires McCord.

You're the one that replied with "you must have crappy headphones" you fucking monkey

Anyone plugging headphones in a controller, sure, more power to you for convenience, don't even fucking dare to come here to say that it's good quality.

 

[Guardian Monkey]

You're the one that replied with "you must have crappy headphones" you fucking monkey

Anyone plugging headphones in a controller, sure, more power to you for convenience, don't even fucking dare to come here to say that it's good quality.

Well yeah, I was obviously talking about wireless, your the one talking about a wired set up sounding better. We can put that in the no fucking shit column, you missed the whole context of the discussion, that you have come back around too.

 

[eNT1TY]

"it's the pc controller to beat." Nah, that would be the Gamesir G7 Pro.

 

[Pagusas]

just wish they'd make it feel as nice as an Elite controller

 

[Buggy Loop]

Well yeah, I was obviously talking about wireless, your the one talking about a wired set up sounding better. We can put that in the no fucking shit column, you missed the whole context of the discussion, that you have come back around too.

And you're wired to a controller.. Wires McCord (how long did it take you to come up with that weak shit?)

All the the cons of wireless, such as latency, with some of the shittiest DAC/amp on the market inside the controllers, a 3.5mm jack with almost no power to drive quality headphones. IEMs at best, at best. Nothing high impedance.

"YOu MuSt haVe Crappy hEAdPhonEs"

No I didn't miss any fucking context.

From a >$200 USD controller vendor

Fix Gaming Controller Audio Quality: PS5, Xbox & PC | Turtle Beach

Fix low audio quality from your PS5, Xbox, or PC controller. Simple steps to improve controller headset sound and troubleshoot common issues.

eu.turtlebeach.com

Solution :

I like their honesty at least.

 

[riko]

is the Western media are that ignorant, or do they on purpose not cover anything from China/the East side of the world because it beats the fuck out of the Western-made controllers?

Fuck they don't even cover proper Western controllers

Gamesir G7 pro 8k
Apex 5
Wolvarin V3 pro 8k.

All these controllers above are much better than the steam controller on PC in terms of input latency. What in the actual fuck are these fuckers smocking exactly ?

Are there objective latency measures of the Steam Controller compared to these?

 

[RoboFu]

is the Western media are that ignorant, or do they on purpose not cover anything from China/the East side of the world because it beats the fuck out of the Western-made controllers?

Fuck they don't even cover proper Western controllers

Gamesir G7 pro 8k
Apex 5
Wolvarin V3 pro 8k.

All these controllers above are much better than the steam controller on PC in terms of input latency. What in the actual fuck are these fuckers smocking exactly ?

Maybe it doesn't matter as much as you think it does?

 

[Durin]

is the Western media are that ignorant, or do they on purpose not cover anything from China/the East side of the world because it beats the fuck out of the Western-made controllers?

Fuck they don't even cover proper Western controllers

Gamesir G7 pro 8k
Apex 5
Wolvarin V3 pro 8k.

All these controllers above are much better than the steam controller on PC in terms of input latency. What in the actual fuck are these fuckers smocking exactly ?

They probably are ignorant, but it does represent many people who just pay attention to first-party controllers, who are stuck on old tech that sucks outside custom features like adaptive triggers.

At least the Steam Controller in most areas beat those, but I never thought they'd hit the prices of Chinese brands that get as close to price competitive as possible. Benefit it least with Steam Controller will be repairability, so any QC issues can be dealt with easier than other brands, plus trackpads are a unique value-add.

I still think 8k polling rate is fucking trash though, such a minor ass difference for something that will actually hurt your frame-rate. Not even a remotely good trade-off.

 

[hououinkyouma00]

Maybe it doesn't matter as much as you think it does?

Yeah, much like all of those expensive gaming mice and keyboards the vast majority (like vast vast majority) of people aren't remotely skilled enough for it to make a real difference in gameplay, and I'd be willing to bet money that even if they think they can tell the difference that it's placebo for the vast majority of people.

Stuff like polling rate are just buzz words that get people's attention even if they don't actually understand what it means.

 

[Nelly_Nel_7.1.3]

Steam Controller Review – Valve's New Gamepad Takes All the Friction Out of Playing PC Games on the Couch

With high-end features like TMR sticks, HD haptics, and its unique touchpads, Valve's new Steam Deck offers both an excellent out-of-the-box experience as well as a playground for enthusiasts to tinker to their hearts content. It's one of the best controllers for PC gaming that you can buy.

www.ign.com

---

Verdict

The Steam Controller offers both an excellent out-of-the-box experience as well as a playground for enthusiasts to tinker to their hearts content. If you're just looking for a fantastic controller for playing PC games and navigating the desktop in between them, the Steam Controller handles those duties with aplomb. And if you're a diehard customizer who wants to build out (or just borrow from the community) bespoke button bindings and advanced touchpad controls, it does that too. Most importantly, it does both of these things without sacrificing one experience for the other.

 

[Codes 208]

It got a high score because the controller doesnt involve water or cheese

IGN's greatest fears

 

[LiquidMetal14]

Why does IGN, as inconsistent and sporadic as they are, merit a thread then there are actually good technical reviews like the GN one doesn't? I think people should understand that IGN may have meant something........20 years ago.....maybe. I wish people would look elsewhere for their go to.

That being said, I recommend you watch the GN video and the breakdown which may be up soon. Good and technical explanation of what the controller is doing.

 

[NormalGamer]

 

[Hero of Spielberg]

I'm buying day 1.

I do hope it feels less hollow than the first one though.

 

[Guardian Monkey]

And you're wired to a controller.. Wires McCord (how long did it take you to come up with that weak shit?)

All the the cons of wireless, such as latency, with some of the shittiest DAC/amp on the market inside the controllers, a 3.5mm jack with almost no power to drive quality headphones. IEMs at best, at best. Nothing high impedance.

"YOu MuSt haVe Crappy hEAdPhonEs"

No I didn't miss any fucking context.

From a >$200 USD controller vendor

Fix Gaming Controller Audio Quality: PS5, Xbox & PC | Turtle Beach

Fix low audio quality from your PS5, Xbox, or PC controller. Simple steps to improve controller headset sound and troubleshoot common issues.

eu.turtlebeach.com

Solution :

I like their honesty at least.

The controller is meant to be a bridge between PC and couch gaming. Would not an important part be audio/chat and within the context of that. You jumped to hardwired, so yeah you missed the context. You are aware there are differentials for wireless standards. Also you can push 25ohm headsets with from a controller pretty easily like some varieties of Beyers. So yeah you can get decent sound out of wireless in that scope pushing away from BT and latency. Lastly your quoting Turtle Beach, LOL, that's not exactly reference standard or really any actually.

 

[balls of snow]

Will get it later on. Having the touchpads is a gamechanger sorting inventories in wrpgs.

 

[mrpants]

Been searching for a controller with touchpad support out of the box, is steam controller the only one that have it? I don't think I saw any other controllers having it.

 

[Sorcerer]

I'm getting this for the touch pads so I can play non pad friendly games on my TV.

Does Valve have a patent on the design or something? Because I'm surprised nobody tried to copy this design from the steam deck.

The first Steam controller flopped badly, in retrospect when it was no longer available, then everybody wanted one. Valve was even open to third making their own but no one bit. They did sell a million in the end but that may have been do the 5-dollar fire sale at the end of the controller's life.
If this is a success than we should see third party versions. Hori and 8-bit do have controllers that fully support Steam Input minus the trackpads.

 

[vaibhavpisal]

It is a niche controller.

For those who wanna use pc on a couch. In desktop environment where mouse and keyboard are next to you, a normal controller would be better.

Unless, this one has top notch everything else. Sensitivity, accuracy, polling rate etc etc.

 

[Sorcerer]

It is a niche controller.

For those who wanna use pc on a couch. In desktop environment where mouse and keyboard are next to you, a normal controller would be better.

Unless, this one has top notch everything else. Sensitivity, accuracy, polling rate etc etc.

It's more of an everyday general controller made for everybody and not pro's it seems. Polling rate is 250. Perhaps a 3rd party can make a pro version with the works, like mechanical buttons, but you probably would be heading into $200 dollar and up territory. People are complaining about the price, but this does have four back buttons and tmr sticks. The elite is 200 and does not have tmr sticks. Sony has replaceable sticks on the Edge but only 2 back buttons for $200. Still there are third party options that are a great value under a $100. If track pads are not of interest a third-party controller would suffice.

 

[vaibhavpisal]

It's more of an everyday general controller made for everybody and not pro's it seems. Polling rate is 250. Perhaps a 3rd party can make a pro version with the works, like mechanical buttons, but you probably would be heading into $200 dollar and up territory. People are complaining about the price, but this does have four back buttons and tmr sticks. The elite is 200 and does not have tmr sticks. Sony has replaceable sticks on the Edge but only 2 back buttons for $200. Still there are third party options that are a great value under a $100. If track pads are not of interest a third-party controller would suffice.

I think a lot of affordable 3rd party controllers get tmr sticks and back buttons. Those alone should not be the reason for high prices.

This controller has a lot of features (touchpads, puck, other oddities like it can ring like a phone etc) that have jacked up the price. Not sure how essential they are.

Still, a nice bit of kit to have IMO.