Valve have confirmed on Twitter that the Steam controller will cost $49.99 in the US, roughly the same as a PS4 or Xbox One controller, and will arrive sometime in November.
The Steam Controller – available in November –
receive updates and pre-order information here:http://t.co/jYafff1Sz7 pic.twitter.com/PZRNVSfHbw— Steam (@steam_games) March 27, 2015
There is no word on whether this controller will work outside of the SteamOS/Steam Machine, there may be potential for Valve to incorporate compatability with Windows or Mac in the future to try and take the crown from the popular Xbox 360 controller.
The controller is set to boast a number of features including dual trackpads, HD haptic feedback, dual-stage triggers, back grip buttons, and fully customisable control schemes.
Dual trackpads
The Steam Controller‘s dual trackpads enable the high-fidelity input required for precise PC gaming in the living room. Allowing for 1:1 absolute position input via virtual controls like a trackball, adaptive centering joystick, or steering wheel, these surfaces can be programmed to serve up whatever a game needs.
HD haptics
Haptic force actuators on both sides of the controller deliver precise, high fidelity vibrations measured in microseconds. Feel the spin of a virtual trackball, the click of a scroll wheel, or the shot of a rifle. Every input, from the triggers to the trackpads, can offer haptic feedback to your fingertips, delivering vital, high-bandwidth, tactile feedback about speed, boundaries, thresholds, textures, or actions.
Dual-stage triggers
With a satisfying digital click at the end of the trigger pull, dual-stage triggers can be used as analog, digital, or both types of input at the same time. Put your iron-sights on the sweep-in, and then fire with the reliable feel of a tactile switch, all on the same trigger.
Ergonomic control
Each of the Steam Controller’s input zones and buttons has been positioned based on frequency of use, required precision, and ergonomic comfort.
Source: Steam
TSBonyman
I get the feeling the new controls will take a bit of getting used to for anyone like me who has been using a dual stick controller for years but it’s definitely something i would like to try out. Who knows, this concept might make it’s way to consoles too eventually.
MrYd
That kind of looks a bit rubbish, really. Obviously the photos can be deceiving, but it certainly looks like it’ll be fat and uncomfortable to hold. Taking lessons from MS there? (Although it must be said that the PS4 controller could have done with going on a diet before release too)
And only 1 stick? Even the XBox controllers can manage 2 (even if they do put the left stick in the wrong place).
Kennykazey
Hey, the Xbone controller is far more comfortable to hold than the DS4 in my opinion! It rests better in the hands.
As for stick placement, concider this; the dualshock was originally designed without sticks, and they simply fitted them on where they could (it worked out fine). The Xbox, Gamecube and Wii U controllers were all designed with sticks in the first place and all decided to put the left stick above the D-pad. I think it may be part of the reason why the dualshock design is still a bit unbalanced in terms of how it rests in the hands.
I don’t mind either way, but the idea of putting the left stick in the primary position is sound as it’s used more than the D-pad.
But I find it amusing that they’re marketing it with triggers we’ve seen before… On the Gamecube. Still, it’s probably a worthwhile mention given how different they are from analogue ones.
MrYd
I think your logic is a bit weird there. The left stick is used more than the D-pad? Yep, I’d agree with that.
So that means it should be where it is on the DS4, surely? Right where your thumb is. And if you need to press the D-pad, your thumb quickly moves into position. If it’s the other way round, you’re holding the thing at a wonky angle, and you have to move your thumb the other way to hit the D-pad.
Why that makes a difference, I don’t know. I guess hands are naturally better at grabbing things than letting go? So moving your thumb inwards to get to the D-pad (the PS way) is easier?
As for the MS and Nintendo, I’m guessing one of them wanted to do it differently to Sony? Leaving a 50% chance of the other being different too. There’s certainly no advantage to having it that way.
The DS3 is still the most comfortable to hold (not being massive and heavy), and the DS4 is a bit fat. And has those horrible stiff sticks. (At least the rubber issue from that first batch seems to have been resolved though – and I did end up with a spare controller out of it ;)
wonkey-willy
have to agree matey!
the Xbox controller albeit a bit chunky,just feels great to use.its layout is perfect.
the dual shocks sticks are too close together and the lack or triggers can lead to some frustrating call of duty sessions.
although Sony picked up on these faults and redesigned the ds4, even that still feels uncomfortable.
i did chuckle at the comments on the steam twitter feed.
“WTF STEAM THIS ISNT CALL OF DUTY SHIT THIS IS PC KEEP IT THAT WAY”
“No, just “NO.” That thing is a horrific abomination.”
Pixel_nme
Over my many years of using Xbox and Playstation controllers i much prefer the Playstation ones,i prefer the position of the sticks i think the DS4 is the best version yet,not to big or small nice stiffer sticks much better shoulder buttons,i can use an xbox pad but it just feels not as natural to me with it’s placement of the sticks,the original Xbox pad was an abomination with it’s size and weird button placement,360’s pad was a big improvement but wasn’t very impressed when i had Xbox One with the sticks and the bumper buttons of the pad just horrid compared to the 360’s.
As for the steam controller glad i don’t have to use one urgh.
JR.
I think they’re both great but I’ve only had an XB1 (my first XB console) and familiarity means that I buy all multiplats on PS4 and only play exclusives on XB1. I don’t have any issues with the XB1 pad (skewiff sticks takes a little getting used to) but I do prefer the PS pad. Saying that, having used to DS4 a lot over the past few months, going back to the DS3 feels really odd. I guess it’s just a case of getting used to something.
freezebug2
The DS3 is definately the most comfortable and natural feeling controller. I quite like the DS4 controller apart from the share and options button placement which can be a frustration for my size 10 thumbs/pork sausages which always hit the touch pad instead of homing in on the required target!
I have to actually look at the DS4 to be able to press either share or options button whereas the DS3’s select and start are sited perfectly for repeated selection success.
cnutard
Personally, I too believe a dual shock is the controller of choice, and for one simple reason: because of the placement of the sticks, it’s actually possible to play quite a few games one handed. So, whenever I have my smoke in hand and want to take a drag, I still have the ability to drive my car in GTA ;)
JR.
Forgot to add, one thing I do hate on the XB1 pad is the clicky L1/R1 buttons. It’s just not right.
Pixel_nme
yeah the L1/R1 buttons just didn’t feel right.
Starman
I like how they’ve called it “HD” haptic feedback. I thought high definition was just a term for displays. Don’t think I could get used to it but it seems a good comprise for PC gamers.
Kennykazey
There’s also HD audio, but I don’t know what the requirements are.
Starman
I saw an advert for a HD hair colour a while back. I think its just become a fancy marketing term that they don’t actually understand.
dave87fez
Good God, it looks horrendous. Paint it blue or red and you’ve got something a two year old would pretend he’s steering a car with
TheShepanator
Love the hilarious marketing guff; “high-bandwidth feedback”
beeje13
While it’s cool that they’ve tried to innovate, I can only see it as a niche product. I would like to try one though.