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For months, we've been asking why, if Valve is having so much trouble pricing and launching its new Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset, the brand doesn't get the ball rolling by releasing its new Steam Controller. Now, it seems like that might just be on the cards, as a new discovery on SteamDB hints that Valve is preparing to give us more information on the upcoming PC controller.
The SteamDB file was found by reliable VR leaker Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) on Twitter/X under the name "steam_controller_unboxing_2026", which seems to have been uploaded but not made publicly available yet. Any attempt to enter the SteamDB App ID code into the site's URL nav bar at the time of writing is met with a message telling you that "this video has not been processed for streaming".
Valve has “secretly” uploaded a Steam Controller unboxing video (unwatchable right now)I think we will see its launch very soon.. pic.twitter.com/SCjl7p3RqvApril 20, 2026
My fellow hardware editor Phil reported last week on the fact that public records showing a shipment manifest in the US hints that Valve could be sitting on a small mountain of Steam Controller stock. With both of these stories happening in back-to-back weeks, it does leave a speculative breadcrumb trail that points toward Valve finally launching its new Steam Controller.
All three bits of Valve's new hardware family were intended for an "Early 2026" launch, but RAM shortages, manufacturing issues, and pricing difficulties have caused significant delays to the arrival of the Steam Frame and Steam Machine.
Not only that, but we haven't had any official word from Valve about either new platform since a February blog post that explained why an "Early" 2026 launch wouldn't happen. For all intents and purposes, the brand seemed optimistic about launching its new hardware at some point in 2026, but as we approach late April, we're still waiting for official word
As my pal Phil argued shortly after that February blog post, it'd make sense for Valve to bite the bullet and launch the controller for now. Doing so will show good faith to excited PC gamers, stake a claim in the gamepad market, and keep the hype for Valve's new VR and living room console ecosystem high. Not to mention, give Steam Deck users something to pair with their handheld.
Mind you, Valve still has a lot to communicate, even when it comes to the controller. We still don't know what price it'll land at. Even if it won't suffer from the same sort of RAMflation as the mini PC and VR headset, its pricing in a very competitive gamepad landscape could be pivotal to its success, and point toward how Valve is valuing its upcoming hardware.
Looking for a gamepad for another platform? Take a look at the best Xbox Series X controller, the best PS5 controller, and the best Switch 2 controller.
