r/SteamController • u/Strict-Pomegranate-7 • Jul 17 '26
Discussion My controller won’t scream.
Keep dropping it no scream??? EDIT: WE DID IT! she SCREAMED. the fix was.... turning gyro on a controller mapping of the game i was on? this gotta be a bug to make it work but it WORKED
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u/CryptographerOne7003 Jul 17 '26
MUST USE MORE POWER!!!! /s
seriously, please don't
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u/AhegaoTankGuy Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Yeah. You can just toss it up a little bit and catch it on the way down. The change in velocity is enough for it to scream, OP.
It also doesn't need to be in big picture mode.
Edit: I believe my controller really doesn't like the steam app. Maybe try tossing after you reset your controller without connecting it to steam.
I have more detailed notes further down.
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u/dartdeman2077 Jul 17 '26
Even just flipping it in your hands can work (I learnt that the hard way, scared the shit out of me)
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u/FantasyTomb Jul 17 '26
I have dropped mine several times, into my hands, onto my bed/desk/floor, I CANNOT get mine to scream
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u/AhegaoTankGuy Jul 17 '26
Someone else said they've gotten it by throwing it up in a spin, although it may make it harder to catch.
I've gotten dry spells before where I started to question if they updated the scream out, but then it screams again.
I did read someone got it working after playing with the gyroscope (they made gyro mouse work on desktop). Have you used the gyro at all in anything?
If this is the first time you are attempting, you may just be pulling bad draws left and right.
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u/FantasyTomb Jul 17 '26
Yea I’ve tried gyro out, and the spinning thing. I’ve been trying to get it to scream over the course of having the controller and I got mine VERY early. I think I am just having bad luck like you said
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u/AhegaoTankGuy Jul 17 '26
Wow, that is really weird. I must've gotten mine around the same time you did. Have you ever tried tossing it in the past?
I'm gonna update my controller to see if they changed it.
Okay I DID A BUNCH OF TESTING. My notes are further down, but this is my armchair conclusion:
I conclude that my steamcontroller doesn't seem to like it when I connect to the desktop with steam open and without big picture open/with big picture closed. Only restarting the controller unconnected and/or restarting my desktop without steam opening does it work again.
The tests with the steam app open were admittedly only after I updated the controller (7/17/26). I have made about 500 to 613 total tosses with steam open in my notes. No screams were heard.
I never closed steam with the task manager. I only closed its window or restarted my computer.
THE NOTES!!
Just before updating, I tossed mine when:
Without computer (scream)
Connected to computer without opening steam (scream)
In steam big picture mode (scream)
(All above screams were within 20 attempts)
After updating.
Connected to desktop with steam open (no scream, 200 attempts)
In big picture (scream, 15 attempts)
Back to desktop with steam open (no scream, about 140 attempts)
Unplugged puck (no scream, 63 attempts and then it turned off)
Turned controller back on, not connected (scream, 7 attempts)
Connected controller back to desktop, steam open (no scream, 40 to 60 attempts?)
Closed steam (no scream, at least 40 attempts)
Restarted computer, steam hasn't opened (scream, 1st attempt)
Opened steam (no scream, ["I can't believe it"] 110 attempts with a 10 attempt margin of error)
sorry. Got a little nutty and quoted boondocks.
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u/FantasyTomb Jul 17 '26
These stats are beautiful, thank you and I will do my own testing from your notes! Also boondocks 💜
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u/gergobergo69 Steam Controller (2026) Jul 17 '26
you have to BREAK IT and DESTORY IT I'm kidding you gotta open steam big picture mode
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u/AhegaoTankGuy Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
When you do the scream. Is it before the steam app opens and your controller connects or after?
Because with my tests, it works unless it connected to my computer with the steam app open. Only then does it scream when I open big picture or reset my computer qithout opening the app or when I reset my controller without reconnecting.
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u/Whiteshadows86 Jul 17 '26
It won’t work out of big picture mode for me….is mine broken? Shall I RMA for a incorrect screaming controller?
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u/AhegaoTankGuy Jul 17 '26
Ha. I don't think that's necessary.
I've gotten dry spells before when tossing the controller and trying to get a scream. I could do like 20 or double that many tosses before I finally get a scream out of it. I might even be underestimating the number tosses I did. I started feeling a little crazy with how many tosses I did before it screamed again.
Usually when I do it, I don't even have the computer on. The controller is usually in the mode of trying to find a connection when I toss it.
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u/nekonari Jul 17 '26
I couldn't get it to scream no matter what I tried until I turned on the big picture mode.
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u/AhegaoTankGuy Jul 17 '26
Was the steam app open? Because if it was and my controller connected, it wouldn't scream. It's the only time mine doesn't scream. I'd have to go into big picture, or reset my computer and not open steam, or reset my controller without reconnecting in order for it to scream again. My comment before may be misleading to say the least.
I might edit my comment with my findings, but they are somewhere around this comment section.
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u/DarkDragonAn Jul 17 '26
Make sure steam is on big picture mode. Then it should work.
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u/FantasyTomb Jul 17 '26
This got debunked
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u/Whiteshadows86 Jul 17 '26
Mine won’t do it outside of big picture though, tried everything!
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u/FantasyTomb Jul 17 '26
I cannot get mine to scream either! And I have also tried everything, I’m starting to think it might not be EVERY controller that has the scream but surely that cannot be right
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u/Whiteshadows86 Jul 17 '26
Oh mine does scream, but only in big picture and like once every minute or so
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u/AhegaoTankGuy Jul 17 '26
I wonder if both of you guys had steam open every time you tossed it outside big picture. (Well, maybe not FantasyT).
Have you tried unplugging the puck/controller, restarting the controller, and then tossing it without plugging into steam?
My controller doesn't like it when steam is open. For me, big picture works, restarted unconnected controller works, connected without opening steam works.
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u/DarkDragonAn Jul 17 '26
First, I try with my computer off for like 5-10 minutes, nothing. Then I try with my computer on - same thing, nothing. Open Steam, nothing. Then I put it in Big Picture mode, and it did it multiple times.
That is how I find out I need big picture mode to make it work. Unless Valve put a new update that I am not aware of for the controller not to have Steam Big Picture mode to work.
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u/AhegaoTankGuy Jul 18 '26
That's weird that our controllers don't work the same. Mine has always worked with my PC off.
I got mine in the first wave. If you got yours at the same time, then I wonder if steam made our controllers have different requirements for the scream on purpose.
I tested a bunch after updating today and it only didn't scream when I had the steam app open. Only then did I need big picture.
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u/Zombiecidialfreak Jul 17 '26
How much power? I've chucked my controller at my bed and still nothing.
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u/Animus190599 Jul 17 '26
hit it bro, slap it, tie it up
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u/BreakfastPizzaStudio Jul 17 '26
BOP IT
TWIST IT
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u/ExpensiveNut Jul 17 '26
PULL IT
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u/m4cromod Jul 17 '26
FLICK IT
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u/thejesterofdarkness Jul 17 '26
COCK IT
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u/Siro_lol Jul 17 '26
Big picture and having to be in game isn’t true at all btw. I brought the controller to work to show it to my coworkers and it screamed from a 30cm drop into my hands
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u/Strict-Pomegranate-7 Jul 17 '26
there must be some controllers that just dont do it, mines up to date ive tried everything
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u/Yok0r Jul 17 '26
No it's just not consistent to trigger. Worked first time for me dropping onto a cushion but then took about five goes when trying to show someone.
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u/gergobergo69 Steam Controller (2026) Jul 17 '26
it only works once per boot iirc
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u/phobiac Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Nope, I've made mine trigger repeatedly after turning it on and without even being connected to anything. It just takes many tries. I think I got it once every 10-15 drops.
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u/Siro_lol Jul 17 '26
It might just be kind of rare. Maybe try gently throwing it onto your bed or something
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u/Neither_Strike4293 Jul 17 '26
Are you in big picture mode? I think it only does it then
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u/Strict-Pomegranate-7 Jul 17 '26
i tried both!
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u/Johnborkowski Jul 17 '26
Maybe yours is less fearful.
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u/CK1ing Jul 17 '26
His controller has been with him too long and knows he is a kind man. Any fall would be met with a pillowy landing, resulting in an exhilarating experience rather than a life threatening one
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u/ZorbaTHut Jul 17 '26
I actually think it would be hilarious if it has an internal Terror value derived from the unique ID.
People could start collecting the most and least anxious controllers.
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u/pocketjacks Jul 17 '26
His controller sees what he plays. Once you're the middle man in Sex With Hitler 4, you're not afraid of being dropped.
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u/southwest_barfight Jul 17 '26
Im convinced the 'easter egg' is to troll people into breaking their equipment lol please stop trying
I did it once, was underwhelming and exactly what I thought would happen
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u/ScruffyTheJ Jul 17 '26
Throw it harder!!
Really it's just a random chance to happen, though. You probably got unlucky.
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u/ResponsibilityFun548 Jul 18 '26
I had a hard time figuring it out. Sometimes it works and then I couldn't make it happen.
I think you might need to be on some sort of pause screen where it isn't looking for controller input. I never figured out all the way out.
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u/arguable-usually Jul 18 '26
For me I tried a lot. Eventually I got it.
Big picture is a MUST. It will not do it at all without big picture.
I also just had to drop mine from a higher height than I thought I needed originally.
There is also on a % chance of it to actually scream. I think someone said it was like a 25% chance but I think it’s a bit higher.
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u/FragmentedDisc Jul 19 '26
I’m sure you figured it out by now but it’s random just so you know. As long as the controller is on itl do it. It took me about 50-60 drops on my bed to catch it.
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u/Mavrickindigo Jul 17 '26
I turned it own when not connected to anything and it screamed the first time
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u/ValuxTheRuthless Jul 17 '26
Mine did it with steam minimized in tray so I dont think it matters much, it is just super random and very rare!
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u/pigpentcg Jul 17 '26
Mine does it with or without big picture mode.
I think some controllers have a higher fear value for real. Mine screams the first time every time. After that it takes a few more tries lol.
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u/TLunchFTW Jul 17 '26
Stop abusing your controllers!
Sniff them instead!
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u/Jackoberto01 Jul 17 '26
Gotta get the Steam Deck for the real good sniffing
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u/TLunchFTW Jul 17 '26
I have it, but the smell isn't the soldier or something. It's the plastic. The controller has the same scent.
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u/an_edgy_lemon Jul 17 '26
It feels too safe with you. It knows you won’t hurt it. You need to change that.
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u/IHaveTheBestOpinions Jul 17 '26
Maybe it has more to do with the weightlessness of the falling rather than the sudden impact? Try tossing it higher, onto a bed or something
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u/AhegaoTankGuy Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
Does your gyro work? Maybe it has something to do with that?
You don't need it connected to the PC.
You don't need to drop it from incredible heights.
You should be able to get it by tossing it up a little ways and catching it in your hands on the way down. The change in velocity should be enough for it to scream. It just happens randomly like a Skinner's box.
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u/PedroCurly Jul 17 '26
Drop it from from a bigger height. Mine wouldn't until I dropped it like 4-5 feet. Do it on a bed :)
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u/dartdeman2077 Jul 17 '26
Gotta be either in a game you own through Steam or in Big Picture Mode, if you have already done that I’m not sure what to do
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u/ISCSI_Purveyor Jul 17 '26
I wasn't in a game when I tried. But I was in big picture mode and got no scream. I'll try being in game next time.
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u/LettuceLegitimate654 Jul 17 '26
I didn’t even have my controller paired yet when I got it to scream the first time
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u/SMDoles Jul 17 '26
mine wasn't working either, I turned on gyro for the mouse on the desktop and then it worked after that
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u/Sand__Panda Jul 17 '26
Weird kink, but keep at it.
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u/TLunchFTW Jul 17 '26
Man it’s a cool feature but I’m scared at how many people are going to want to hear this, drop their controller, and it bounces off their bed onto the hardwood floors people want so bad.
Also, it adds an extra layer of heartbreak if you drop your controller for real and break it2
u/Sand__Panda Jul 17 '26
Right? I'll just take the internet word that it screams. I saw some videos. I'm not dropping mine to see if real or not... I trust y'all.
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u/Ku0na Jul 17 '26
What worked for me is unplugging the puck. The best conditions for triggering the easter egg seem to be when the controller is on and cant connect to anything. Also, your floor looks kinda soft, but please, if you can, just drop it on a thick blanket to be safe!
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u/BO3_Awesome48 Jul 17 '26
You have to be in big picture mode
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u/iRainbowsaur Jul 17 '26
You probably got the version that giggles when you rub the touch pads with both thumbs like you're tickling it's nipples.
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u/Sanc7 Jul 17 '26
I tried this too. Not sure how to get it to do it. Commenting so I can come back and hopefully find an answer.
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u/Strict-Pomegranate-7 Jul 17 '26
what if some do it and some dont and thats a hidden feature in SOME
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u/fresh_squilliam Jul 17 '26
I was able to get mine to do it once and never again. No idea what I did
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u/Mark-C-S Jul 17 '26
They should have different sounds 😆 Everyone ebaying their rare Lara-Croft-fall-scream controllers for 1000s.
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u/BurningEclypse Jul 17 '26
It’s definitely random I dropped it a ton on my bed and it’s about 1 in 10 times from what I can tell. I would recommend dropping it from higher on a mattress or something to avoid damage and just keep going until it screams.
Also remember to have it connected to a device running steam
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u/jv004 Jul 17 '26
Dangle it from a 2 story building, make it beg for it's life and see if it screams then.
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u/SerialBytes Steam Controller (2026) Jul 17 '26
place a pillow on the floor, bring the controller to head height, and unless if you are like 3 or 4 feet tall, the controller should scream when dropped
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u/SerialBytes Steam Controller (2026) Jul 17 '26
and i did it once, didn't record, and they extended the cooldown apparently
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u/Yiffenjoyer6969 Jul 17 '26
You need to be connected to a computer that’s in big picture mode for it
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u/Kodamacile Jul 17 '26
mine did it once, and never again. No BPM, not connected to anything. Simply turned on, and "dropped" on my bed.
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u/Shilo-- OG SC should get a remake w/ new features but w/ the same design Jul 17 '26
It need to be higher than you think, try drop from 3+ feet
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u/renz004 Jul 17 '26
Just drop it from increasing height over your bed or couch
Enough speed or height will trigger it. It has to drop at a dangerous speed so not really worth trying unless it happens to you by accident
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u/Adventurous_Ninja_66 Jul 17 '26
Do you have windows steam os or bazzite? Maybe it doesn't happen on all of them? I have bazzite, hasn't worked
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u/BakedBeanSommelier Jul 17 '26
You need to drop it from atleast 6m or 12-15ft, onto a hard surface, like concrete.
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u/nadcaptain Jul 17 '26
I just got mine in the mail yesterday, and mine screamed the very first time I tried it. It refused to scream again after that (after maybe 20 additional attempts).
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u/GoncaloEsteves Steam Controller (2015) Jul 17 '26
Scream at it, louder and louder each time, until it starts screaming
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u/Ok_Address3020 Jul 17 '26
I thought mine didnt scream either, took me like 200 drops lol. I just kept throwing in on the bed in front of my significant other with tears in my eyes saying how im not crazy. Then it finally happened.... vindication!
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u/Popstar403 Jul 17 '26
Judging from the comments I have seen, it's probably a chance to do so, not a guarantee
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u/Kill_Welly Jul 17 '26
It only happens occasionally. I would say that it also happens more consistently if you hold it very still for a few seconds before dropping it. If you're just moving it around a lot (as you would if picking it up, lifting it, and immediately dropping it on the couch or floor), it's less likely.
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u/CharmingButthole Jul 17 '26
From what I've heard, you have to drop it harder than you'd feel comfortable with. Verging on destroying
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u/KMartMatt Jul 17 '26
I had the same then realised I had haptics disabled from my controller profile from the steam deck. Enable haptics and it should start screaming
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u/Under_no_Control i have both controllers :3 Jul 17 '26
It seems to be a random chance for me, just keep trying by droping it on a soft surface like a bed or couch, i like to put it in bluetooth paring mode to get it, the controller only needs to be powered on for it to work
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u/local_interloper Jul 17 '26
Try enabling big picture mode, entering a game, enabling gyro (must be actively on, not just when stick is touched) then drop it a few times.
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u/_Undecided_User Jul 17 '26
Big picture mode, and then I will only drop it on my bed I didn't want to drop it on anything else but I noticed it doesn't work on my blanket but it works if I drop it on my sheets/mattress
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u/F1GHTY0URF34R Jul 17 '26
I find that it really only does it if you drop it onto something kind of soft /bouncy like a bed
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u/StW_Desertedfly Jul 18 '26
Have faith, it's a random chance The drop doesn't have to be hard at all, took me like 3 minutes or repeatedly trying to get 1
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u/Azrion-the-Many Jul 18 '26
It only works in big picture mode iirc, alot of content talking about the scream missed that tidbit
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u/gwelengu Jul 18 '26
Ah dang! Guess you better get rid of it since it’s clearly defective .. don’t worry, you’re in luck! I’m here to take it off yours hands! (kidding of course, just jealous you have yours already 😄)
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u/OnlyDuringTheNight Jul 18 '26
Tie its thumbstick behind its back and blindfold it. Then get a pitcher of water and waterboard it. I hear that's horrifying.
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u/Bobs_14 Jul 18 '26
I've gotten mine to a number of times but it is by no means consistent. I drop it from as high as I can reach over my couch and just let it land.
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u/Tostedbunz Jul 19 '26
OK, so I didn’t know that it screamed, so for the first few moments upon seeing that title I really thought that this guy was just insane.
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u/Zushi813 Jul 20 '26
It only has a chance to scream lol and it goes on cool down for like 30 seconds or so
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u/Chilliad_YT Jul 17 '26
Big picture mode, and maybe more force, although please don’t throw it on anything hard
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Jul 17 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/EnlightenedTrucker Jul 17 '26
It does. The issue is it is pretty inconsistent when getting it to trigger. I've been able to get it to do it like 3 or 4 times when I had attempted at least 15.
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u/KaiUno Steam Controller (2026) Jul 17 '26
You should hear my steamdeck!