Steam Controller: positive reviews and how to secure yours before launch

Reviews highlight ergonomics, over 30 hours of battery life, and the charging puck; learn how and when to buy.

Valve's Steam Controller is approaching its launch, with reviews already published to provide an idea of what to expect. Pre-orders open on May 4th at 1:00 PM (ET) via the official Steam Controller store. As it is not subject to the RAM shortages that have affected consoles and virtual reality headsets, availability may be better than other devices on the market.

How to buy

The purchase process is simple: pre-orders open on May 4th at 1:00 PM ET on Valve's official Steam Controller page. Availability may vary, as stock is still uncertain, but there is no such RAM limitation that has affected other items on the market.

What critics are saying

Reviews are generally more positive than negative, especially in comparison to the original 2015 model, which was famous for its mouse-mimicking touchpads.

The new controller features two analog sticks, a standard set of face and shoulder buttons, optional back buttons, and two trackpads similar to those on the Steam Deck for mouse inputs when needed.

One point highlighted by the press is the charging puck that attaches to the bottom. It allows you to charge while you play by connecting via USB. The controller can also connect via Bluetooth or cable, and in all configurations, the experience has been stable.

The battery lasts over 30 hours on a single charge, and the charging puck prevents interruptions during gaming sessions.

Limitations and context of use

Despite the favorable tone, some observers point out that the device works primarily with Steam games. Games from other ecosystems, such as Xbox Game Pass, are not supported. Furthermore, some critics mentioned that using the touchpad for games that require a mouse is not always ideal, especially without proper profiles.

For example, Bo Moore from IGN tested Crusader Kings 3 and Against the Storm, titles without native controller support, and said the experiences were playable but not very efficient or enjoyable, leading him to give up after a few minutes, even with community-created profiles for the Steam Deck.

Conclusion

Even with these limitations, the Steam Controller appears as an attractive option for those who have a large library on Steam and want to play from the sofa from time to time.

Now we want to know: which feature of the Steam Controller do you intend to test first — the ergonomics, the trackpads, or the charging puck? Leave a comment on how you plan to use the controller in your setup.

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