Valve Unveils New Steam Controller: Price, Release, and Features

by : Mark Rosewater

Valve has officially revealed the cost and availability date for its latest Steam Controller. Priced at $99 in the United States, pre-orders for this device commence on May 4th at 10 a.m. PDT. This pricing positions Valve's offering as a premium option in the controller market, surpassing the cost of Sony's DualSense ($74) and Nintendo's Switch Pro Controller ($89.99), and double the price of its 2015 predecessor, yet remaining more affordable than high-end PC gamepads such as Scuf's Envision wireless controller ($169.99) and deluxe models like Sony's DualSense Edge and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (both $199).

Despite its higher price point, the new Steam Controller has garnered positive feedback, with early reviews describing it as a nearly flawless PC gaming input device. Valve also provided international pricing, including CA$149 in Canada, €99 in the EU, £85 in the U.K., AU$149 in Australia, and 449zł in Poland, all inclusive of VAT where applicable. The controller is expected to ship immediately following its May 4th release. While the Steam Controller is rolling out, updates on other hardware like the new Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset, announced last year, are still awaited.

The design of the new Steam Controller has been lauded for its ergonomic comfort and intuitive interface, making it a highly recommended accessory for PC and Steam Deck users. This strategic release of the controller before the Steam Machine, as discussed by Valve hardware engineer Steve Cardinali, suggests a focused approach on refining individual components of their gaming ecosystem. This decision highlights a commitment to delivering a polished user experience, ensuring that each piece of hardware meets high standards before a broader rollout.

The introduction of the new Steam Controller signifies Valve's ongoing commitment to innovation in PC gaming, striving to provide players with advanced tools that enhance their interactive experiences. This initiative underscores the importance of technological progress in the gaming industry, fostering an environment where superior design and functionality contribute to a more engaging and accessible gaming future for everyone.

Steam Controller: A Comprehensive Review
by : Roberta Williams
Steam Controller: A Comprehensive Review
The latest Steam Controller offers a distinctive blend of trackpads and gyro controls, providing a comfortable and intuitive PC gaming experience from the couch. While not designed for competitive play, its innovative input methods and repairability make it a compelling option for casual gamers seeking convenience and versatility. Its price point positions it above budget alternatives but below high-end competitive controllers, appealing to those who value a seamless, relaxed gaming setup.
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Valve's New Steam Controller Set for May 4 Release
by : Reiner Knizia
Valve's New Steam Controller Set for May 4 Release
Valve has announced the release date for its new Steam Controller, featuring dual trackpads and TMR sticks, set for May 4. Priced at $99 in the US, the unique design offers enhanced customization and a comfortable gaming experience, particularly for casual play, with an impressive 35-hour battery life. This iteration aims to improve upon its predecessor, offering a more refined and effective gaming peripheral.
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Valve's Steam Controller Launches Solo Amidst RAM Shortages
by : Jane McGonigal
Valve's Steam Controller Launches Solo Amidst RAM Shortages
Valve is releasing its Steam Controller on May 4, ahead of the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, due to a global RAM shortage. This strategic decision allows the controller to launch independently, bypassing the increasing component prices affecting other hardware. The company aims to meet anticipated high demand while addressing the broader implications of the tech industry's AI-driven memory crisis.
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Arc Raiders Unleashes Massive 'Riven Tides' Update with New Map and Enemies
by : Mark Rosewater
Embark Studios has launched 'Riven Tides', the largest update for Arc Raiders to date. This extensive content drop introduces a brand new beach-themed map, the "Riven Tides," alongside a unique treasure-hunting activity called "Beachcombing." Players will also encounter the formidable new "Arc Turbine" enemy and participate in a limited-time "Last Resort" event, promising a refreshed gameplay experience for all Raiders.
Viture Beast XR Glasses: The Future of Portable Gaming Displays
by : Hideo Kojima
Discover the Viture Beast XR Glasses, an innovative wearable display that transforms your gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch 2 and other devices. Offering a massive virtual screen, high resolution, and impressive portability, these glasses redefine mobile entertainment, despite their premium price and minor usability considerations for public wear.
Paramount Seeks FCC Approval for Middle Eastern Investment in Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition
by : Guillermo del Toro
Paramount has formally requested the Federal Communications Commission's approval for equity investments from three major Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds. These funds are crucial to financing Paramount's massive $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The company emphasizes that these investments are for non-voting equity shares, ensuring that voting control remains with David and Larry Ellison and RedBird Capital, who collectively will hold all voting shares.
From Hollywood Spotlight to Serene Farm Life: Kate Jackson's Journey
by : Mindy Kaling
Renowned actress Kate Jackson, famed for her role in 'Charlie's Angels,' has transitioned from the glitz of Hollywood to a tranquil farm life in Virginia. Despite leaving the entertainment industry, she recently reunited with former costars at PaleyFest, expressing an openness to future acting or directing opportunities while prioritizing her role as a mother.