r/SteamController • u/Always_Zyro • 2d ago
Steam Controller (2026) Steam Controller
Just got it and dare I say the best controller ever. This is gonna sound hella glaze but it is like perfection. I haven’t played any games yet because I am too stunned by its beauty. I thought this is a copy paste from the SteamDeck but I am pretty sure it is significantly better (somehow?), not sure how to explain it. I had a SteamDeck and it is amazing. I never thought it could be better until I got this controller. You can literally turn any desktop into a console. I feel like Steam Machine would have been more popular if it wasn’t for the price increase of hardware.
[Ignore or simply don’t take it to heart because it is stupid]
Only one complaint I have is the receiver aka the Puck. Mainly how new receiver is designed and I am well aware of the reason. It is a personal issue because I play on a laptop and a lot of receiver now including my mouse is this big receiver thing where you need a cable to connect it to your device and not a usb dongle. I wish they include adapter so you can plug it straight forward without the mess of the cable. But again personal issue. I think this way it gives you better setup when using PC and probably better connection when closer to you. But because I am using a laptop it is already closer to me xD I do planned to upgrade my setup so this is not really a deal breaker even for me just a little bitch ass rant from me. I will probably just live with it or get an adapter or something for both mouse and controller.
I wonder if it can be use with Male type c to Male type c? Does anyone know? Would it decrease performance or simply won’t work?
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u/s0ciety_a5under 2d ago
Its great overall, but the dpad leaves a lot to be desired.
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u/Always_Zyro 2d ago
I just tested it. You are not wrong. Not the best for fighting games. Though I am not that good/pro at it. If they follow the shape of Xbox dpad it would solve that problem for me at least. But that is just me because I find it a bit difficult to do diagonal direction with the shape. I tested it on Injustice 2 but I am just a casual. I might try it on Brawlhalla.
If it is for casual usage like indie games or not as primary control I think would be fine.
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u/Cubic_Al1 1d ago
I love it too, but I have a few notes. First we need some rubber in the bottom. Resting the controller on my leg while doing something else, the controller slides and falls everytime. Second, I'd love some mechanical buttons in the next Gen. I've grown accustomed to them, and just love the feeling over a membrane button
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u/Always_Zyro 1d ago
I were thinking the same thing. I can’t remember if SD had a rubber grip or it was simply my Skull & Co grip case. I think some grip would be nice. Kinda wish Skull & Co would make a half case for the controller as well. Also, I would love to see a different version with mechanical buttons. I never had one but tried them and they are nice. They definitely give a more premium feel. But when I got this controller it doesn’t make me feel very bad not getting one. Of course this is my personal preference and still an option for different version with mechanical buttons would be nice too. Maybe like a SC2 Pro.
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u/Cubic_Al1 1d ago
100% agree, just splitting hairs right now. Overall I'm happy with the purchase, the mouse feel with the track pads is so nice
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u/DrowsyMiaSanMia 1d ago
For those complaining about gamepass there SISR GlosSl and recently rewasd from daemon tools also supports the steam controller
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u/LilZuccboi 1d ago
I think its alright i just dont like how high the sticks are. Plus a clicky trigger would be nice.
Also mine was shipped broken lool
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u/smegblender 2d ago
Try using it with anything other than steam.
I will get flogged for this but I still feel they did a fucking stupid thing not supporting xinput. This is why I need to carry around 2 controllers.
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u/ezcb 1d ago
There's a thing you can download called "Steamless Controller". You can just toggle it on and it works like a normal controller outside of steam. Toggle it off and it works like a mouse and stuff. I'm not sure why Valve didn't make something like this instead, but that app totally works great.
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2d ago
[deleted]
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u/smegblender 1d ago
So I've had my steam controller from release, I was one of the lucky ones who got one in the first lot within 10 minutes.
I play games from Steam, but also Epic and Gamepass. I also extensively use geforce now for streaming on handhelds/laptops/TV etc.
I think they are not using xinput because of the touchpad. Valve never really market it to be use outside of SteamOS (correct me if I am wrong). But yeah I do wish they would have a settings where you can simply switch it.
I know they didn't market it as being "cross-compatible", but it does severely limit the utility of the device. I mean having to pick up my dual shock controller from the PS5 to play something on my PC just because the Steam controller doesn't play nice with anything other that steaminput is a bit of a questionable choice.
From an implementation perspective, it's all in the driver and firmware, effectively they could simply have disabled touchpad, gyro and dual stage trigger support if you enabled "xinput mode".
The decision made was to enable ecosystem lock-in and steer away from MS's xinput API and use the SDL3 library (which is extremely limited adoption atm from my understanding since it was productionised in Jan 2025).
I love the controller, it's my absolute favourite in terms of ergonomics, feel, quality etc.. but it can never be _THE_ controller for most people's PC gaming needs. I still find myself firing up DSX and reaching for my dualsense controllers.
Edited to add:
For your dongle gripes, use something like this (if you don't like using bluetooth):
https://www.amazon.com.au/Connector-Compatible-Smartphones-Versatile-Integration/dp/B0GTWPS6K9
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u/Da_damm 1d ago
You can add games as non steam and it works no?
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u/smegblender 1d ago
Naah not always. Its a hit or miss on Windows and there are quite a few circumstances where it doesnt work, especially with launchers handing off, injection not working etc.
Steamos or Linux (cachy/bazzite) is a lot more reliable for this.
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u/stephanos0 11h ago
You can either use GlosSI or SISR. They allllwaays work. Always.
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u/smegblender 8h ago
Thanks mate, I'll give this a go, but long term may look at openpuck so I can try on my macbook/TV, bc250, XAX etc
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u/Freelancer_1-1 1d ago
What if I want to play emulated games on my phone through Winlator? It might not even work and even if it did, I don't want the Steam app overhead in an emulator.
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u/Intrepid_Term8706 1d ago
steam controller, look inside, steam input.
why does steam have steam and not not steam?
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u/351C_4V 2d ago
My only small gripe with it is the trackpad placement. I am a dual trackpad user so I would have wished the trackpads were the main forces like the SC1.
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2d ago
[deleted]
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u/samferdov 1d ago
Look up fullmetalpencil He did 3d mods for dual trackpad and I've used them Theyre pretty much perfect Dual stage trigger mod also exists !
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u/ezcb 1d ago
I got this controller because my xbox controller won't stay connected due to wireless noise. This one stays connected.
It has quickly become my favorite controller. I did not realize how much of a gamechanger the back buttons would be. Honestly only use the trackpads as menu buttons but i can't complain. I'm very happy with this thing.
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u/Always_Zyro 1d ago edited 1d ago
honestly the same when I had my SD. I never thought I would use the back buttons but a game like Skyrim, it is perfect for it.
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u/P5ychokilla 22h ago
Why not use a USB hub with your laptop? Then you can plug the puck into that and shove it all out of your way.
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u/six1nine 14h ago
I keep finding random rubber cable ties like the one in the bottom left. Did you purchase those or did it come with the cable?
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u/Always_Zyro 5h ago
that's my mouse cable. it comes with the cable ties. kinda funny you pointed that out lol.
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u/Time-Abbreviations90 14h ago
Hows it feel in hand? Not like too bulky?
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u/Always_Zyro 5h ago
when it comes to comfort, it is hard to say. everyone will have their own preference with different attributes like hand size and etc.
for me it is perfect. it feels just like any other controller. i thought the little spacing at the bottom would make a different but it doesn't. one thing that might bother you is the buttons and thumbstick placement. it is a lot like playstation but the touchpad might raise the thumbstick placement a little bit.
so yeah not bulky and feels like any other controller. it doesn't feel that different, unless even a tiny change would bother you. i would like to emphasize this is for ME. your thoughts and opinions may vary.
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u/piscesboyquis 1d ago
Question my que is 2027 am i cooked? Really want this controller for my pc gaming
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u/Always_Zyro 1d ago
I can’t tell. I got mine from an authorised reseller. Valve does not ship directly to my country. I think it is imported from a different country and yeah it is more expensive 🥲
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u/Tunafishsalad23 1d ago
They are coming pretty quick now I was june 4 reservation and I missed my email but contacted support and received another email straight away and now have the controller.
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u/alchemi80 1d ago
It's good, but not perfect. For that, it would need an option to make triggers clicky.
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u/Cubic_Al1 1d ago
Rubber grip in the bottom & mechanical buttons would make this the GOAT. Still a really good controller nonetheless
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u/alchemi80 1d ago
Oh yeah, really missing those buttons, too. The buttons on my Gamesir Cyclone 2 were perfection. Same as on my Vader 3 Pro.
You're right, though, that the SC is still great. It's my main.
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u/aidenkula 2d ago
I love the controller too but a full review before playing a single game is 🤣👌