Steam Controller returns to the living room with updated trackpads and a focus on repairability

Analysis of the new Steam Controller: price, advanced hardware, and the promise of bringing a full PC to the living room screen.

A relaunch with a purpose: bringing the PC to the living room

Valve repeats the Steam Controller formula, keeping the name but with the ambition of making it easier for those who play on PC from the living room. The idea was born from the success of the Steam Deck, which popularized the use of trackpads as primary input and paved the way for new variations of the concept.

Even with the delay of the Steam Machine, the vision of a living room PC inspired by the community has already consolidated for many users. Those who use Linux with setups like Moonlight for home PC streaming know the value of having a controller with higher input fidelity on the sofa.

This review details how the Steam Controller fits into this ecosystem, what its technical advancements are, and how it performs in non-Windows environments. We also explore the role of community support and what it means for the practical life of the device.

Hardware and design: what has changed

The controller maintains a symmetric Sony-style layout, with an emphasis on back buttons and trackpads that echo the Steam Deck. The differentiator is the pair of functional trackpads and the high-quality set of sticks.

The stick modules are from the K-Silver JS13 Pro+ line, known for lasting longer under intense use compared to cheaper controllers. The trackpads remain the central point of input, now integrated with capacitive technology from Cirque, developed with support from Valve.

Ergonomics, sensors, and use cases

Ergonomics have been improved: the buttons and triggers maintain a smooth response feel, while the grips are designed to be comfortable for long periods. A new option is the gyroscopic controls, which can be activated for pointing functions, useful both in games and on the desktop.

Furthermore, the device offers a user experience that facilitates the transition between gaming and desktop navigation, something similar to using a mouse in an easy-to-use mode, especially when connected to a large screen in the living room.

Connectivity, software, and open support

Among the connectivity options, the controller can operate via Bluetooth or USB-C, with a working base that does not require a dedicated dongle, but includes a magnetic puck for charging and a stable wireless connection. The promising battery can last for long periods of use, according to the manufacturer.

A crucial point is software support: Steam Input has been opened and ported to SDL (Simple DirectMedia Library), which makes it easier for developers and users to take advantage of the device without relying on specific proprietary drivers. On Linux, operation has its own nuances, but the community offers paths to use the controller with non-Steam games through tools like Proton, while also supporting the use of the device as a gamepad without Steam running.

Price, availability, and what it means in practice

The Steam Controller has a starting price of $100. Compared to other options, it is priced higher than some standard controllers, but is justified by its repairability, the differentiator of the trackpads, and the integration of high-durability sticks.

A point to consider is the role of Steam as a compatibility layer: to turn the device into a pure gamepad, many experiences still rely on Steam Input. On Windows, it is possible to use Desktop mode with Steam open; for game mode, Steam is usually necessary. On Linux, compatibility is more direct, but not everything works exactly the same way as on Windows.

Conclusion

The return of the Steam Controller represents an interesting step in the quest to make the living room PC more natural to use. With robust hardware, a focus on repairability, and support for open standards, it offers a viable alternative for those who already live the idea of a PC in the living room, near the sofa. The question remains: to what extent can reliance on platforms like Steam limit or expand this experience in each user's daily life?

Comments? Would you be willing to incorporate a full PC into your living room with this type of controller? What challenges do you imagine facing when relying on Steam Input for games and apps on the desktop? Share your expectations and experiences in the comments below.

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