This week, Valve revealed the new Steam Controller, a rather chunky pro controller for any Steam device that has two trackpads just like the brand's Steam Deck. Even though it's been a hot minute since Valve launched a new gamepad, it seems to have already sent ripples out through the rest of the best PC controller market.
GameSir, one of the most prolific controller brands out there, has reacted to the reveal of the Steam Controller by hinting that it might also come out with a product that utilizes laptop-like touchpads:
🐔Speaking of the new Steam controller - did you know that we make touchpad controllers as well?👀What about bringing you guys a new GameSir touchpad controller next year? pic.twitter.com/IJKcaoZ912November 13, 2025
Given that GameSir likes to launch a comparably massive list of products every year compared to other brands in this space, I honestly wouldn't rule out a Steam Controller rival arriving at some point in 2026. The one referenced in the Tweet above is an older device called the GameSir G5, which doesn't seem to be available anymore, but who knows what the future holds.
For those who don't know, GameSir makes some of the best controllers for PC, Xbox, and Switch. This brand prides itself on excellent value for money, often giving gamers some of the very best controller features going at a much lower cost than the big brands. I've reviewed plenty of GameSir's controllers, and despite their sub-$100 prices, they always feel premium and futureproofed.
I've had a look, and the GameSir G5 that GameSir referenced in its tweet doesn't seem to be available anymore. If you can't wait for the release of the Steam Controller, however, I have some alternatives you could consider now:
Wireless HORIPAD for Steam: $51.99 at Amazon
GameSir G7 Pro: $79.99 at Amazon
GameSir Tarantula Pro: $55.99 at Amazon
Valve's new Steam Controller will sport TMR thumbsticks, and GameSir has been one of the leading controller makers this year to implement this technology in all of its new products. GameSir isn't a stranger to immitation, either, since its GameSir Tarantula Pro is essentially an updated version of the DualShock 4, with back buttons and a better feature set.
Elsewhere in the third-party controller market, I'd be curious to see how Hori feels about Valve's new Steam Controller, since just this year it was licensed by Steam to make the Wireless HORIPAD for Steam, which actually has similar capacitive sensors in its thumbsticks that can activate gyro functionality.
Depending on how Valve's new gamepad is received when it hits the shelves in early 2026, we could well see trackpads on more controllers next year, especially if a brand like GameSir is poised to offer up a budget alternative.
The big question that will help answer all of this is whether or not Valve is pricing its controller at a premium. If the new Steam Controller sits at the same level as the high-end pro controllers from other big brands like Razer, PlayStation, and Nacon, it could be as high as $200 / £200.
If Valve is smart and wants to follow its strategy of success from the Steam Deck, then it'll make it more affordable - the question is how much more affordable? I've never seen GameSir launch a controller that goes over $100, with the GameSir G7 Pro being the closest to that mark. I can see Valve charging more than the cost of PlayStation's DualSense since it has four back buttons and pretty advanced features, but I'd like to think buying a Steam Controller separately from either the new Steam Machine or the Steam Frame won't cost more than $150. (Keep in mind, this is just me guessing based on how much other brands charge for similar products).
- Wireless HORIPAD for Steam: $51.99 at Amazon
- GameSir G7 Pro: $79.99 at Amazon
- GameSir Tarantula Pro: $55.99 at Amazon
Hunting down something for your platform? Check out the best PS5 controller, the best Xbox Series X controller, and the best Switch 2 controller.
