The Steam Controller finally has both a release date and a price tag, which has many gamers hyped up. Releasing on May 4th, 2026, the Steam controller will retail for $99, which is close to a pro controller cost. I could question why the controller is so expensive, but with all the inputs and games it can adapt to, I would not be surprised. Let’s check out the full features.
Is it worth it?
Some of the features of the Steam Controller are as follows:
- Magnetic thumbsticks (TMR)
- Full set of inputs to play your whole Steam library
- 4x haptic motors for high definition rumble
- 8.39 Wh battery; 35+ hours of gameplay on a single charge
- Steam Controller Puck (USB cable included) enables plug-and-play low-latency wireless connection & easy magnetic charging
Some outlets have already reviewed the controller, and this quote is from The Verge.
“You do not need a Steam Machine to use the new Steam Controller. It should work with any computer that runs Steam, and as a generic controller for phones too. People have been asking for a successor to the cult classic original Steam Controller, or rather, the Steam Deck’s controls shrunk down into a gamepad, ever since the Deck came out. Some Verge readers got pretty excited in 2022 when Valve’s hardware team revealed it would enjoy making that dream come true.”
That’s the good news that you don’t need the Steam Machine. As it should, but that’s pretty much all we know so far, and we might get our hands on one to do an unboxing. Because I am using the 8-bit Do Xbox controller, which tends to lose connection at times. Stay tuned next week when it drops for a possible review, but are you going to wait for the Steam Machine and Goggles to get them all at once? Comment below. – Beast Out –
With that price tag I do hope that controller can withstand the new era of gamers. The amount of times I’ve seen some of these newer controllers develop stick drift early after purchase makes me weary of the 99$ price tag 😭
So far, what I have heard is that it is not compatible with the Xbox Game Pass App which is a bummer. But I am sure they will do an update soon.