Sales of the Steam Controller will begin on May 4 at 7am Eastern/10am Pacific, priced at $99, according to Valve. The controller is specifically designed for use with Steam games and will not function as a generic Bluetooth controller for non-Steam titles.
The upcoming product is notable for its redesign, which includes relocated trackpads, a dedicated D-pad, and an additional thumbstick. The layout is optimized to mirror the configuration of Valve’s Steam Deck, enhancing compatibility with a range of Steam titles.
The Steam Controller will support wireless gaming through a magnetic charging puck, which also functions as a wireless adapter. Users can also connect using a hardware USB-C port. The device features built-in Bluetooth capability, but it will not support native Android games, working only through Steam Link.
The $99 price point positions the Steam Controller at a premium compared to most wireless PC controllers, though it offers unique features such as trackpads. Valve has yet to release dates for the Steam Machine or Steam Frame, which may also impact the controller’s performance in the market.
Despite its compatibility limitations, the Steam Controller is expected to gain popularity, particularly with the future release of additional Steam hardware. Valve anticipates strong interest in the controller from the gaming community.
