Valve is set to release its latest hardware entry, the Steam Controller, on Monday, May 4. Priced at $99 in the United States, the gamepad is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Steam ecosystem, offering compatibility across PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and the Steam Deck via the Steam Link app.
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The controller mirrors the ergonomic design of the Steam Deck, featuring dual trackpads situated beneath a pair of high-precision TMR thumbsticks. Early impressions highlight its reactive feel and comfortable grip. One unique design touch is the included magnetic charging and connection puck, which snaps directly onto the bottom of the device for easy docking.
It is important to note that this is not a generic PC controller; it is built specifically for Steam. While users can play non-Steam titles like Fortnite, overwatch, or Minecraft, they must first manually add those launchers to their Steam library to enable controller support.
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While the controller is arriving on schedule, it was originally intended to launch alongside the new Steam Machine console and the Steam Frame VR headset. Valve previously retreated from an “early 2026” release window for those devices, simply stating a hope to ship them sometime later this year. Consequently, the Steam Controller will be the only piece of this new hardware trio available for the foreseeable future.
