Valve has unveiled a second-generation Steam Controller that brings the Steam Deck’s control scheme to a standalone gamepad. The controller features dual haptic trackpads, TMR-based analog sticks, gyro motion controls, and four rear grip buttons.
The device pairs with a magnetic “Steam Controller Puck” that serves dual purposes. It acts as a charging cradle and a low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless receiver with around 8 ms end-to-end latency. One puck can support up to four controllers connected via USB-C to a PC.
Valve lists the battery life at up to 35 hours per charge. The controller also supports Bluetooth connectivity for use without the puck, though this will likely result in higher latency compared to the 2.4 GHz wireless option.
The analog sticks use TMR (tunneling magnetoresistance) sensors instead of traditional potentiometers. This technology detects magnetic field changes to determine stick position, similar to Hall effect sensors, which should eliminate the drift problems common in standard controllers. The sticks also feature capacitive touch sensing.
The layout positions the D-pad at the top left with the left stick placed lower, matching PlayStation controller design. Four rear buttons labeled L4, L5, R4, and R5 sit on the back of the device.
The controller does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Players who want audio will need to use wireless headphones connected to their PC or console, or rely on separate Bluetooth dongles.
Valve designed the controller with native Steam Input integration. This system allows per-game profiles, action layers, gyro aiming, virtual menus, and trackpad-as-mouse mappings. The trackpads enable mouse-like precision in games that typically require keyboard and mouse controls.
The original Steam Controller launched in 2015 with dual trackpads and one analog stick. Valve discontinued it in 2019 after selling off remaining inventory. That controller built a dedicated following for its precision and customization options, but faced criticism for its ergonomics and loud trackpad clicks.
The Steam Deck, released in 2022, proved that dual trackpads paired with gyro controls could work for both PC and console games. The new controller separates this input scheme from the handheld device, targeting PC players who want Steam Deck-style controls on their couch or desk.
What about non-Steam games?
The controller’s behavior outside of Steam remains unclear. The original Steam Controller offered fallback modes for non-Steam games, but Valve has not detailed whether this version includes similar functionality. Tools like GlosSI could potentially enable Steam Input features in games from Epic, Xbox Game Pass, and other platforms.
Valve has not announced pricing or a specific release date. The controller is available to wishlist on Steam.
