Steam Controller launch live — hands-on report, and where to buy yours today
Steam Controller orders go live very soon
Today (May 4) marks the launch of the Steam Controller. Valve’s second stab at a dedicated PC gaming pad will be available starting at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST, and it’ll cost $99 / £85. And it already looks like a real contender for the top spot in our best PC gaming controller guide.
As the name suggests, this PC controller is “built for steam” and is compatible with not just the best gaming PCs but also gaming laptops, the Steam Deck OLED, and, naturally, the upcoming Steam Machine.
It offers all the basic controller features, including magnetic thumbsticks, haptic motors for rumbles, and 35+ hours of battery life on a single charge. Plus, it also packs two trackpads and mappable back buttons. It’s not a cheap pad at $99, but if you’re a serious PC player, it looks essential.
Steam Controller orders open in just a matter of hours, and Tom’s Guide is here to guide you through launch day, helping you lock in your controller, and also bringing you the latest news and our hands-on impressions after spending a first weekend with the Steam Controller.
Steam Controller - quick links
- Steam Controller: $99 @ Steam (Live at 10 a.m. PT)
- Steam Controller: check stock @ Amazon
- Steam Controller: check stock @ Best Buy
Steam Controller - retailer listings
That's one powerful puck!
The Steam Controller comes with an extra in the box, the snappily named, Steam Controller Puck. This little device is a wireless transmitter that serves two purposes. Firstly, it provided a fast/stable connection for your controller, allowing you to use it as a wired pad (if you don't want to use wireless Bluetooth, or USB). It also serves as a charging station, with your Steam Controller snapping onto the puck with a click.
We've got our hands on a Steam Controller
My colleague Tony Polanco has spent the weekend with a Steam Controller. I swear I'm not jealous (okay... I totally am)! His initial impressions are pretty darn positive, and he even declares that it "lives up to the hype." If you're on the fence about whether to add one to your cart later today, be sure to read his article right now.
Here's our Steam Controller unboxing!
One of my favorite parts of getting new gaming hardware and accessories is the first unboxing experience, but if you don't mind having that moment spoiled ahead of time, check out our Steam Controller unboxing video linked above!
Steam Controller is just hours away!
Consider this is your four hour warning! The Steam Controller will be available to purchase at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST, as of the time of this post, that is just four hours away. So, if you're already sold, make sure you set a reminder, stock levels are unknown and you don't want to miss out. Of course, you can just stick with this live bog, and I'll be sure to alert you the moment the order button is live.
Console players, this one ain't for you!
If you own a PS5 or Xbox Series X and you're eyeing up the Steam Controller, don't be fooled into picking one up. This is a dedicated PC gaming controller, and isn't compatible with Sony or Microsoft's gaming consoles. It's designed solely for use with Valve's Steam platform, and Steam-dedicated hardware (like the Steam Deck and the upcoming Steam Machine). Console gamers will need to stick with their DualSense or Xbox controller because the Steam Controller is for the PCMR only.
Steam Controller costs how much?
The biggest question you're probably asking about the Steam Controller is the price, and fortunately, Valve has confirmed this key detail ahead of the order floodgate opening in just a little over four hours time. The pad will cost $99, or for the folks in my native U.K., it'll run you £85. That makes it more expensive than a PS5 DualSense or Xbox Controller, but it is cheaper than either console's "Pro" pad.
Welcome to our Steam Controller live coverage
Hello! PC gamers rejoice, today is the day that Valve launches its new Steam Controller, a premium pad designed specifically (and exclusively) for PC gaming, and here at Tom's Guide we'll be guiding you through launch day. In this live blog you'll find the latest news, our hands-on impression and the important buying info.
