Valve’s new $99 Steam Controller is being praised as one of the best gaming controllers in years, earning a CNET Editors’ Choice award thanks to its comfort, advanced controls, and seamless integration with the Steam ecosystem. It mirrors the layout of the Steam Deck, making it ideal for players who want to dock their Steam Deck to a TV and play from the couch like a console.
The controller includes dual analog sticks, triggers, rear paddle buttons, gyro aiming, and large capacitive touchpads. Reviewers say it feels even better than the Steam Deck itself, with strong haptics and a premium, weighty design similar to an Xbox controller but more comfortable.
One of the standout features is its magnetic wireless charging puck, which also acts as a low latency wireless receiver. It connects faster than Bluetooth and can support up to four controllers at once, making couch multiplayer cleaner and easier.
The review says the Steam Controller makes Steam Deck gaming finally feel like a true living room console experience. It also works with PCs, Macs, and Linux systems, not just Steam Deck.
Valve also confirmed that the long rumored Steam Frame VR headset and Steam Machine console are still planned for release later this year, but delays were caused partly by hardware and RAM shortages. The controller launched first because it was the most affordable and ready part of Valve’s upcoming hardware lineup.
Overall, the review calls the Steam Controller a major success and says it could become an essential accessory for Steam Deck owners.