Valve has been keeping the gaming community on its toes with the upcoming release of its new Steam Controller. Multiple leaks, early reviews, and even deleted listings have already given fans a glimpse into what to expect from this latest iteration of the controller before its launch in Japan.
A few days ago, a YouTuber known as Techy Talk shared a review video of the Steam Controller, offering insights into its design and suggesting that it might be priced at $99. This was just one of several leaks that have surfaced, each adding more details about the device.
Another significant leak came from a Japanese publication called 4Gamer. According to Wccftech, the site accidentally published an early review of the controller before quickly removing it. Despite the removal, the review provided some key information, including the confirmation that the Steam Controller is set to launch in Japan on May 4. The publication also shared images of the controller and its packaging, giving fans a visual preview of what to expect.
While these leaks continue to circulate, Valve has officially confirmed several details about the new Steam Controller. Here are the confirmed specifications:
Key Features of the New Steam Controller
The Steam Controller comes equipped with a wireless transmitter that allows for a quick and stable connection to the device. This transmitter also doubles as a magnetic charging station when attached to the controller, ensuring a secure and tactile connection.
One of the most notable features of the controller is its two trackpads located at the front. These trackpads are designed to function like large clickable buttons and offer haptic feedback along with pressure sensitivity. They can act as a mouse, a trackball, or a D-pad, providing players with a versatile control experience. Valve has stated that the trackpads are intended to enhance the experience of fast-paced first-person shooter (FPS) games.
In addition to the trackpads, the controller includes analog sticks that are magnetic and use TMR technology, making them more durable. There are also four haptic motors in total: one in each trackpad and one on each side of the back grips.
The haptic feedback on the grips, referred to by Valve as “Grip Sense,” enables gyroscopic functionality through capacitive touch. This means that players will feel the vibrations and movements during intense gameplay, such as when defeating tough bosses.
Improvements Over the Original Steam Controller
Compared to the original Steam Controller, which was available between 2015 and 2019, the new model places a stronger emphasis on gyroscope accessibility and motion control. This improvement allows for better tracking of movements, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Additionally, the new controller offers improved haptics and increased durability.
With so many details already revealed, it seems that by the time the Steam Controller officially launches, there may not be much left to uncover.
