Steam Machine delays are getting me down, but Valve could be extremely cool and release its controller right now

News
By published

The new controller could keep the Steam Machine dream alive.

Hands holding new Steam Controller in front of woodgrain surface with chess board in backdrop.
(Image credit: Valve)

I hate to admit it, but I'm bummed out about the Steam Machine situation. It's hardly the biggest issue with the gaming hardware scene as we try to weather RAMageddon, and I reckon the ravenous AI industry will cause more issues for us mere gamers this year. Nevertheless, I was bracing for the mini PC to change how we play in a similar manner to the Steam Deck, and at this stage, I'd even take getting my hands on Valve's new controller ahead of time.

The real danger with not sharing a solid Steam Machine price or release date lies with it once again becoming vaporware. That's particularly what happened the first time around with Valve's console-like gaming PC ambitions, as while third-party models by Dell did come to fruition, the core concept quickly faded into obscurity. I fully believe that keeping the conversation surrounding the box alive is what will save Valve this time around, and that might require not releasing the Steam controller in unison with the Machine.

Hands holding Steam Controller with feet wearing socks on floor below.

(Image credit: Phil Hayton)

The longer Valve puts off sharing solid Steam Machine details, the more likely players are to create DIY solutions. Home-made versions of the box have certainly been living in my mind rent-free, but that perhaps makes sense considering I was one of the first to start testing the best Steam Deck docks for the handheld. I do think more and more players are shifting to a hybrid approach to living room gaming in general, though, and providing those setups with the new controller should help soft-launch the idea of upgrading to the machine later on.

Unleashing the new Steam gamepad on the masses before the Machine would theoretically let players invest in the mini rig ahead of time. If someone decides to opt for one of the best PC controllers instead, there's a higher chance that they'll associate their setup with non-Valve ideas. That's not to say that if you pick up an Xbox-style pad, you won't go on to buy the SteamOS-powered box and continue to use that, but getting a taste for those Valve design elements and features might be enough to tempt plenty of you into upgrading the 4K capable system when it becomes available.

The same applies if you've dragged a full-blown PC to your gaming TV space, too. Yes, the Steam Controller will effectively let you use your rig just like a potentially more powerful version of the Machine, helping bridge the gap with perks like touchpads and the low-latency wireless puck. You might think that'd then leave players with no desire to buy the eventual system the pad is made for, but I reckon it could do the opposite and lead to an eventual shift to unifying Valve's hardware.

PC player using Steam Controller to lay Hollow Knight Silksong on PC.

(Image credit: Valve)

Effectively, releasing the Steam Controller right now would send the right signals to PC players and console users alike. If you've already dipped your toes in the waters of Valve hardware with the handheld, you might not get the importance of launching the pad ASAP. But, it's a chance for the storefront giant to show people who'd normally automatically opt for a PS5, Xbox Series X, or the Switch 2 that they know their stuff when it comes to good hardware, which could help demonstrate that the Steam Machine is worth the wait.

Looking for ways to play classic games? Swing by the best retro consoles and best retro handhelds for emulation devices and more.

TOPICS
Phil Hayton
Phil Hayton
Hardware Editor

Phil is the Hardware Editor at GamesRadar+ who specializes in retro console setups, choosing the latest gaming handhelds, and navigating the choppy seas of using modern-day PC hardware. In the past, they have covered everything from retro gaming history to the latest gaming news, in-depth features, and tech advice for publications like TechRadar, The Daily Star, the BBC, PCGamesN, and Den of Geek. In their spare time, they pour hours into fixing old consoles, modding Game Boys, exploring ways to get the most out of the Steam Deck, and blasting old CRT TV visuals into their eye sockets.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.