The new Steam controller refuses to look normal, but it's hiding some innovation even Sony's DualSense doesn't have

Someone using the Steam controller to play Hollow Knight

(Image credit: Valve)

Along with a new VR headset and a new Steam Machine, Valve has just announced a brand new version of the Steam Controller. That's right, a successor to one of the weirdest gamepads ever made is officially launching, and if you were expecting Valve to cool it with the quirky designs, you're going to be disappointed. This PC controller might look amorphous and a bit weird, but as someone who reviews these gaming peripherals, I'm very intrigued.

The new version of the Steam Controller isn't quite as bizarre as the one that launched back in 2015, but it does keep a few of its signature quirks. For starters, it has two trackpads like the ones you'd find on the brand's Steam Deck (or a laptop), but most players will be glad to know that this iteration of the Steam Controller doesn't leave out the thumbsticks.

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In fact, Valve has opted for the latest standard, TMR thumbsticks, which allow for much better accuracy, faster polling times, and immunity to stick drift. The new Steam Controller has symmetrical thumbsticks like PS5 controllers do, and while that probably isn't a direct jab at Sony or Microsoft's markets, I think PlayStation's DualSense might be in Valve's crosshairs in other ways.

The PS5's DualSense is still arguably in a league of its own when it comes to haptic feedback, trigger resistance, and innovative game feel features. I could write you a whole other article about how I'm disappointed with the way those things have been implemented this generation, but the specs and features of Valve's new controller tell me these are things Gabe Newell's company wants to try and improve on against the competition.

A big emphasis of this controller has been put on capacitive touch sensors, which are a thing that VR controllers like the ones for Sony's PSVR 2 headset already use. These allow the controller to detect when you're touching parts of it, potentially meaning different inputs can be interpreted depending on how you use the controller.

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The new Steam Controller — (Image credit: Valve)

For example, capacitive sensors in the thumbsticks can allow gyro aiming to become active, and this is something we've already seen in the Steam Deck and Hori's Steam Controller. The grips of Valve's new controller also have these capacitive sensors in them, which opens up new versatility for you to activate features like gyro in a way that suits you.

Haptic feedback is present too, which could allow for enhanced feel and more accurate vibration. It seems like Valve is going beyond the traditional rumble we see in some of the best Xbox Series X controllers though. The brand has included 2x high-output haptic motors in the grips, as well as 2x LRA haptic motors in the trackpads, which could make using them a lot more tactile than a traditional mouse pad on a laptop. Supposedly, these will have pressure sensitivity for configurable click strength.

Elsewhere, the new Steam Controller looks like it'll do the basics well alongside these innovative features. A Lithium-ion rechargeable battery will give you a quoted life span of 35+ playtime hours, and a companion "puck" will let you connect with ease and charge as you play.

Perhaps most importantly for me, as someone who loves using back buttons, this gamepad has four that you can assign to your liking, and they're integrated into its grips. In combination with the trackpads, that leaves a lot of room for extra functionality.

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Two players using the Steam Controller with a white steam deck — (Image credit: Valve)

In terms of connectivity, Valve has opted for a proprietary type of wireless connection, which is oddly similar to PlayStation's own brand of Bluetooth it uses for its official controllers. Valve has also given the new controller USB tethered connectivity, as well as standard Bluetooth, to help it connect to any device that can run Steam.

Perhaps the most fitting companions for this controller will be the new Steam Machine Valve has announced beside it. The new generation Steam box focuses less on modular upgrading and more on being a moderately powerful device for PC gamers who want a secondary gaming device in another room. It also seems as though the new Steam Controller will have some compatibility options with the new Steam Frame, Valve's upcoming VR headset.

Looking for a bit more feedback in your games? Check out the best PC racing wheel, the best PS5 steering wheel, and the best Xbox Steering wheel.

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One of my earliest memories is playing SuperMario64 and wondering why the controller I held had three grips, but I only had two hands. Ever since I've been in love with video games and their technology. After graduating from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Journalism, I contributed to the Scottish Games Network and completed an Editorial Internship at Expert Reviews. Over the last decade, I’ve been managing my own YouTube channel about my love of games too. These days, I'm one of the resident hardware nerds at GamesRadar+, and I take the lead on our coverage of gaming PCs, VR, controllers, gaming chairs, and content creation gear. Now, I better stop myself here before I get talking about my favourite games like HUNT: Showdown, Dishonored, and Towerfall Ascension.

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