Valve Demonstrates New Handheld Gaming Controller, Will Be Compatible With Steam for Mac

Valve has released a video demonstrating its Steam Controller, a handheld gaming controller that will eventually be compatible with many Steam games, including popular titles like Portal, Counterstrike and Team Fortress.

The Steam Controller is designed to work with all the games on Steam: past, present, and future. Even the older titles in the catalog and the ones which were not built with controller support. (We’ve fooled those older games into thinking they’re being played with a keyboard and mouse, but we’ve designed a gamepad that’s nothing like either one of those devices.) We think you’ll agree that we’re onto something with the Steam Controller

The Steam Controller includes a touch screen in the center of the device with a pair of trackpads around the outside using "super-precise" haptic feedback and "dual linear resonant actuators" to deliver a range of force and vibration feedback sensations.

The Steam Controller is currently in beta and is designed to work primarily with the Steam Machine set-top box. It will also work with any PC version of Steam, including Steam for Mac.

Top Rated Comments

Gemütlichkeit Avatar
130 months ago
Such a cool design. Major props to Valve for breaking the mold.

----------

Ew, Steam.
-said no one, ever.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SPNarwhal Avatar
130 months ago
So... this is like a combination of a keyboard/mouse and a controller that isn't actually as good as either.

Gotcha.

Works better than a controller for keyboard and mouse games, so it does have a purpose. Plus, it being inferior to a standard controller is opinionated.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bungiefan89 Avatar
130 months ago
So... this is like a combination of a keyboard/mouse and a controller that isn't actually as good as either.

Gotcha.
Oh dear, we need to sit down for a talk... #SomeoneIsWrongOnTheInternet

This isn't by any means a replacement for the keyboard and mouse; it's an option for PC gamers who want to play on the couch in front of their big-screen TV instead of on their computer monitors. It's also for people like me who prefer to use a mouse and keyboard for some PC games (Deus Ex: Human Revolution, StarCraft 2, PlanetSide 2) and prefer to use a controller for other games (Crysis 2, Skyrim, Dishonored).

Valve wants to expand their Steam service into the livingroom instead of the seclusion of one's bedroom or laptop. And in order to do that, they have to have a controller that not only works with every PC game, (like the Steam controller does) but one that's made by them and not a third party like Microsoft or Sony or Logitech. So, they made their own controller with an incredibly bold and modular design.

But if you don't like it, you don't have to use it! ;)

----------

The Six Axis already works pretty good out of the box in OSX, better than in windows. I actually haven't been able to use it in windows at all. I also have GamePad Companion that I can use to remap all the keys. That was only $5 so that's better than having to go out and buy another gamepad when I already have a perfectly somewhat already working one.
Sixaxis works great in OSX? Hmmm... I should try that out.
And yeah, I hear you on your second point. I already have a perfectly functional wired Xbox 360 controller that works great when I use Windows 7 through bootcamp. So I don't have a real need for the Steam controller (which could very well cost upwards of $70 for all I know *insert joke about Steam sales here*) but I'm still excited about the fact that it's provided as an option for gamers to use. :)
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
9000 Avatar
130 months ago
Ew, Steam.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Renzatic Avatar
130 months ago
It'll probably work for most games, but for competitive FPS, mouse is still going to win. This is essentially turning mobile phone control back onto a controller..

This has something touchscreens currently don't: haptics. Playing games on your iPhone is just you sliding your thumb across a perfectly flat piece of glass. There's no feedback whatsoever. This controller? Some way, some how, it manages to give you what you expect despite being perfectly flat. I bet something's clicky in it.

Don't believe me? Just listen to what the Team Meat guy has to say about it (http://tommyrefenes.tumblr.com/post/62476523677/my-time-with-the-steam-controller). If you can play Super Meat Boy on this thing without any issues, it's a good controller.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Michael Goff Avatar
130 months ago
So... this is like a combination of a keyboard/mouse and a controller that isn't actually as good as either.

Gotcha.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Multi Display CarPlay 1

All-New Apple CarPlay Launching Later This Year With These 5 New Features

Friday September 29, 2023 11:29 am PDT by
At WWDC 2022 last year, Apple previewed the next generation of CarPlay, promising deeper integration with vehicle functions like A/C and FM radio, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, personalization options, and more. Apple said the first vehicles with support for the next-generation CarPlay experience would be announced in late 2023, but it has still not shared any additional...
BMW Logo iPhone 15 Pro

Warning: BMW Wireless Charging May Break iPhone 15's Apple Pay Chip

Sunday October 1, 2023 6:14 am PDT by
If you have an iPhone 15 and drive a BMW, it might be best to avoid charging the device with the vehicle's wireless charging pad for now. Over the past week, some BMW owners have complained that their iPhone 15's NFC chip no longer works after charging the device with their vehicle's wireless charging pad, according to comments shared on the MacRumors Forums and X, formerly known as Twitter. ...
iPhone 15 Pro lineup

Apple to Address iPhone 15 Pro Overheating Issue With iOS 17 Update

Saturday September 30, 2023 9:28 am PDT by
Apple plans to release an iOS 17 update to address a bug that may contribute to the reported iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating issue, according to a statement the company shared today with MacRumors and Forbes reporter David Phelan. Apple also says some recent updates to third-party apps have overloaded the system and contributed to the overheating issue. The report notes that...
iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 Details: Action Button, USB-C Port, Face ID, and More

Wednesday September 27, 2023 1:34 pm PDT by
Significant changes are expected to arrive with Apple's fourth-generation iPhone SE, in terms of both design and hardware, MacRumors has learned. The iPhone SE 4, known internally under the codename Ghost, is expected to receive a new design derived almost entirely from the base model iPhone 14. According to our sources, the iPhone SE 4 will use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis...
iPhone 16 Side Feature

iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: Preliminary Weights and Dimensions

Friday September 29, 2023 12:34 pm PDT by
MacRumors has obtained preliminary information on the weights and dimensions planned for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The information corroborates previous reports suggesting that the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will feature larger displays. iPhone 16 and 16 Plus Current information suggests that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will maintain the same...
uk bank account apple wallet 2

Apple Wallet's New Bank Account Feature Likely to Expand to U.S.

Friday September 29, 2023 8:11 pm PDT by
Starting with the iOS 17.1 beta released this week, iPhone users in the U.K. can add debit and credit cards from select banks in the country to the Wallet app and view their available balances and latest transactions for those accounts. Apple calls this feature Connected Cards, and it's currently available in the U.K. only, but there is now evidence to suggest it will expand to the U.S. in...
iPhone 15 Pro Cameras

Apple Says iPhone 15 Pro's Titanium Frame Does Not Contribute to Overheating Issue

Saturday September 30, 2023 11:10 am PDT by
Apple today said it plans to release an iOS 17 software update with a bug fix for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating issue, and the company has since shared additional details about the matter with MacRumors. Importantly, Apple said the issue is not related to the titanium frame. Contrary to a report this week, Apple said the iPhone 15 Pro's design does not contribute to...