- cross-posted to:
- gaming@lemmy.zip
- steamdeck@sopuli.xyz
- cross-posted to:
- gaming@lemmy.zip
- steamdeck@sopuli.xyz
Edit: official blog post here
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i know this is gonna get buried under the other 143 comments, but i just need to vent excitment, FUUUUUUUCK YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
Im gonna be in class during the launch so i really hope lecture doesnt go over anything important when im ordering it. Oh my god im so excited i can hardly contain it, there are some games I wanted to play only on my deck cus they worked better with controller
I am a little worried that if i dont get it right as it lauches im gonna miss it, but at least my one fear of it being dropped at like 6 am or something has been put to rest
In case you haven’t already, preload your Steam Wallet and make sure to account for any tax. As someone who got my Steam Deck order in the first 15 minutes it dropped, payment processing was the biggest barrier then. They might have fixed it since, but they also might not have. Good luck!
Oh well that makes me feel much better as I’m still holding on to like $200 from Christmas so that shouldnt be an issue, gonna get the preloaded on the 4th so all I have to do is hit refresh, gonna do an internet speed test to see if the college WiFi or my hotspot is faster (prolly my hotspot)
Gotta prep
Available for purchase May 4th, 10AM Pacific
Does this mean there will be no preorder? It will go for sale on that date and ship immediately?
Seems so. Would make sense too, as Valve has reportedly already received a lot of stock.
Can’t wait to check the page and see they don’t sell it at my country, than day dream of the day they will let me buy their hardware.
You can check now. I get pricing in euros so assume it’s available and someone else in the thread said they got a “not available”.
This item is not available for purchase in your region
Such joy.
As someone who spent $150-$200 on the Xbox Elite controller just to get the rear paddles, $100 for this with the rear buttons and the track pads seems like no problem at all. Imo it’s incredibly fairly priced as compared to the competition, considering the features and emphasis on repairability.
If you are playing games where trackpads are useful, there’s not really another option, so it’s automatically a good value. I know my steam deck experience would have been a whole lot worse without those, and I would probably never consider a gaming handheld without them. But for the gaming I do with an xbox controller, I currently just use it for some video games at my computer (where I have access to a mouse anyways), and maybe split screen with family. I think my Gamesir Cyclone 2 controller (at half the price) is an unambiguously better deal for that, in the premium controller space. If I were using it mostly for couch gaming, that might put the Steam controller in a better position, or if I were mostly playing games that support whatever haptic trigger things Sony has, that controller might be in a better position.
One of the other more unique features is the tracking in the Steam Frame. It would be cool if they could standardize that sort of thing so it would work with other headsets. I wonder if they’ve considered that.
I’ve had my steam deck LCD and then OLED from the start. I absolutely love those 4 paddles on the underside and the gyro customization you can do. Setting those paddles up to do things like reload or throw grenades or whatever is just so much nicer than taking your thumb off a thumb stick or reaching up at R1 and L1. Right now I’m mostly just playing Enter The Gungeon and I set my back paddles up to release, flip tables, and dodge roll. I’d hate not having those paddles, so this will certainly be my next controller purchase. Bonus points to it that LinusTT was a bit of a bitch boy about the controller.
Bro just get an 8bitdo for 4x less… Back paddles and great quality
Sounds like you’re a sucker who falls for scams
Sounds like you need to brush up on the definition of a scam.
Overcharging for something that’s clearly identified isn’t a scam, and your idea of what qualifies as “overcharging” isn’t universal.
You sound like you’re butthurt about others having disposable income and choosing one product over a cheaper option. I’ve had my elite controller for 5+ years. There are cheaper options out there but the elite is the most comfortable controller for my hands.
Sounds like you don’t know what a scam is. A scam is when something is promised but not delivered, not when you think something is overpriced.
Loved my elite series 2 until the covering started peeling off the back plate. Replaced the back plate but something is off and it now loses power/connection when not plugged in. Spent $30 on the replacement back shell. Then I spent $30 on an 8bitdo that works well enough. I never used the back paddles on the elite, they were too easy to accidentally trigger, so I din’t miss them.
$100 is steep. I’ve been exited to use this controller for my Bazzite system, and I was mentally prepared to pay ~$75 for it, but I really wasn’t expecting it to be as expensive as it is.
With that said, I’ll probably still be buying one. Because while there are other good (and cheaper) controllers out there, this is the only one with dual trackpads and that’s been designed for HTPC control.
designed for HTPC control
If you want more than gaming (like YouTube), wouldn’t it make more sense to get a wireless keyboard with an integrated touchpad, like the recently announced Framework Wireless Touchpad Keyboard?
I have an OG Steam Controller as well as a Steam Deck and I never ever thought to myself that for HTPC tasks would I want a controller in my had over a good wireless keyboard and mouse/touchpad.
The OG steam controller is great for HTPC use and the keyboard on it is very useful, while not as quick to type as a real keyboard.
There is still no price for the framework WTK but it still would be higher cost with a good controller than the Steam Controller.
I figured it would be at least $100. PS5 controllers are like $70, and this has 4 paddles, bigger battery, magnetic charger\high speed dongle, touch sensors, track pads, and the thumb sticks are like 2 generations ahead of sonys.
It’s more like a cheaply priced “pro controller” than an expensive normal controller.
Just for fun fact and history, the introduction videos for the first Steam Controller and the new one on Valve’s channel (direct YouTube links and the Invidious alternative:
- Introducing the Steam Controller Published on Jun 4, 2015: YouTube or Invidious
- Steam Controller: Official Overview and Quick Start Guide Published on Apr 27, 2026: YouTube or Invidious
It’s been
10almost 11 years. (Edit: Apparently I can’t do simple math.)The old video is so much better. Showing why this controller is different. Feels like a missed opportunity.
$150 CAD is gonna be an instant wait for sale from me, dawg.
In actual conversion it should’ve been 135 not 150
The overly inflated price for Canada and tax up to 15% in some provinces on top of that… 170$ basically.
Is shipping free at least?
Likewise. Its 1/3 of what a deck has sold for.
This item is not available for purchase in your region
gracias válvula
I see the same thing when I look at the store page, but in my wishlist I see a release date (adjusted to my timezone)
Oof, 25 CAD more than a Joy Con 2 and 35 CAD less than a XB Core 2
I don’t like the 99,- price either, but the joy cons are too expensive even when compared to that, imho. I love the idea of them but wow are those ever uncomfortable for me, it just feels like a different class to me.
I also loved the OG Xbox BIG CHUNGUS, so, you know, different tastes for different people
Yeah, it means I’m buying only one rather than multiple.
I’m hoping that a lot of more games will make use of the touchpads this time, even if only by publishing a custom mapping
Oof, 25 CAD more than a Joy Con 2 and 35 CAD less than a XB Core 2
There a fine 8bitdo game pads that are less fancy but work really well for way less. https://www.8bitdo.com/ultimate-2c-wireless-controller/ is a good deal, especially for people who are tight on money or simply don’t play that often to care for higher end stuff.
Good alternative for a standard controller but for dual track pads, Valve is the only option. Gotta pay the niche tax.
Also no gyro controls, back buttons… Several other things you miss out on
Note that if you’re only after Gyro and Back buttons, 8BitDo’s Ultimate 2 Wireless also has these features, and they work fully with Steam after a firmware update.
If you’re looking for dual touchpads then yeah, Valve tax.
Gyro doesn’t work on Linux for that controller unless you’re using Bluetooth. You need the proprietary software.
It does, I use it exclusively with the 2.4g dongle on Linux.
You do unfortunately need the proprietary software for the initial firmware update (it works in a VM), but afterwards all you need is to ensure your distro has the proper Udev rules installed and to hold B when booting the controller.Ah so they still haven’t fixed the issue where it reverts from XInput mode every time. Glad at least it works now, though.
I don’t like that this has a built-in battery as that effectively gives it an expiration date. The original Steam Controller uses standard AA batteries.
Ergonomics will make or break this for me.
I will say that if it uses the same/similar configuration tool as the original Steam Controller, it will be very versatile.
Theyre pairing with ifixit, so you’ll be able to replace it.
Also, on the flipside, I’m upset the Frame controllers will use AA batteries because you won’t be able to recharge them and will have to fuck with AA batteries, lol
There are rechargeable AA batteries. I prefer this over built-in batteries because I can swap the batteries out immediately instead of waiting for the controller to charge. It is also cheaper and easier to replace the batteries when they eventually begin to wear out.
What kind of rechargeable AA batteries do you use? I’ve tried a lot over the years for wiimotes/other controllers, but the battery life is kinda terrible.
The new steam controller is supposed to have 35 hours of battery life, I seem to remember my rechargeable AA powered controllers only getting like 2-4 hours per charge. They might have gotten 4-6 hours when they were new, but it wasn’t much better. Seems like even if the steam controller battery deteriorates to 50% capacity (17.5 hours) that would still be far better than my results with rechargeable AA batteries.
I’ve been using rechargeable batteries for 30 or so years. The old NiCd batteries weren’t great, but the newer NiMh ones are quite good. Anything I have that uses AA or AAA gets rechargeable.
They do weaken and go bad over time, but I get more than 5 years on average.
Highly recommend Ikea batteries. They are cheap (1€ one), ok battery life, and they last a lot of charges cycles.
I use Eneloop batteries. They are widely regarded as the best quality and I have never had a problem with any of them.
The only controller I have that uses AA batteries is an Xbox controller. I am a fairly light gamer, so I have never measured how many hours they last, but I have no complaints about battery life. I often get more than a month of use before needing to charge them, so I would easily guess at least 10-20 hours of battery life.
I did some reading on it after posting my comment, it sounds like there’s been a pretty major improvement in rechargeable AA batteries in the last 10 years. Capacity has improved by 70+%, and much less power is lost during standby. So it’s probably worth trying again, I had just been avoiding them due to how poor the performance was back then.
I also use eneloops and the same eneloops I used since I got my Steam Controller back in 2015 and would also use on my 360 controller still go about a month before needing a charge.
Watch the Gamers’ Nexus video on the controller. Looks like the battery is extremely easy to replace. Remove a few screws, pop the back of the controller off, and pop the battery out of its housing. No glue or adhesive afaik
So not hot swappable
No but it seems to have like 40 hours on a good charge and can charge and play at the same time with the puck. So I kinda doubt it will be an issue. And it’s fully replaceable with no glue and just a few screws? That seems completely fine to me.
The old configuration menu was better, the original one before Big Picture got the revamp for the Steam Deck. The new one looks less intimidating at a glance, but is way harder to navigate and requires far more steps to do what the old one could do quite simply.
10 more minutes, I wish yall the best of luck
I can’t get it to even start the purchase confirmation, it gets stuck before that
I just spammed order on the payment details and managed to get mine
Took me an hour to get my order through. Delivery estimate slipped from 3-5 days to 6-10 days while I hammered the button. At least I managed to get the order through.
It seems to be sold out now, at least here in Europe.
I am so hyped! I really hope that they will have two controllers for me in stock.
I have been waiting for this day since the launch of the original Steam Controller. The only problem I had with the old one is the missing second thumb stick, which won’t be a problem any more!
One feature that would have really gilded the lily for me would be a headphone jack. Not one that works at a typical “bluetooth latency”, but an instant wireless protocol like the WiiU was able to achieve.
I think that at that price, I’ll wait until my current Xbox controller and old steam controller I currently use dies or it’s on a heavy discount before I pick one up.
£58 seems reasonable. They seem to have the got the digits typos though, shows at £85 for me.
Is it just me or is this hella ugly?
It is. But that’s the compromise for trackpads.
The important question is; does it feel good to game on?
i think the Steam Controller (2015) incorporated the track pads and had a good aesthetic. Really, all it needed was a real d-pad.
That old thing had just one analogue stick, and like you said, no D-Pad.
The new steam controller has the same layout as the Deck, sacrificing no button or input options.
I disagree, I’ve always thought it was pretty ugly. Too bulbous looking. The new one looks like a “normal” controller, but oversized to accommodate the track pads. Still not a looker, but at least it isn’t so bulbous. Also, glossy plastic can smd.
I lost the dongle to mine. i cry evry tim
I personally don’t think it’s ugly, just plain, maybe. And while I would say “you don’t watch your hands while you game”, I do like a classy and/or nice looking controller. I kind of wish Valve would decide on a more striking look, but I suppose this look IS a statement of their values and priorities.
I was hoping they would do a transparent version, since it does kind of look like a mad cat’s controller that you give to your kid brother while you have the proper controller, really lean into it.
Although no doubt dbrand will have a skin for it.
I really liked the design of PS4 controller, it had a neat, small, handy feel, this looks bloated, large, idk
Unlike popular console controllers, which have games designed specifically for them, the Steam Controller was created to play games originally made for mouse and keyboard, not a controller.
The goal was to have a single controller that lets you play your entire Steam library. So it has all the buttons and axes expected by XInput-based games, but compared to the other controllers it sacrifices simplicity in favor of flexibility. It has four additional buttons on the back and dual trackpads on the front, which makes it considerably larger.
I think if you had the back buttons act as modifiers changing input layers, you could play a MMORPG with this which requires you to have 20 abilities on hotkeys. I haven’t looked into Steam Input in years, though.
