Game reviews / Steam Controller
Steam Controller
2026 · PC · SteamOS · macOS · Gaming hardware · Controller peripheral
3 scored sources · 3 countries contributing scores
Review consensus
Valve’s second-generation Steam Controller is a specialized but impressively versatile PC gamepad. Its dual trackpads, gyro controls, programmable rear buttons, TMR sticks, long battery life, and deep Steam Input integration make it unusually capable for strategy, management, simulation, and mouse-driven games played from a couch. It is also comfortable and substantially more refined than the 2015 model. However, the $99 price is high, the controls can feel stiff or awkward in conventional games, Steam remains central to its usefulness, and configuration still requires patience. It best suits PC players who enjoy customization and relaxed living-room gaming rather than competitive controller specialists.
Limited geographic coverage. Treat this score as an early indication.
Last researched: 2026-09-11
Pros
- Excellent Steam Input customization and PC integration
- Trackpads and gyro make mouse-oriented games playable from a couch
- Comfortable design with useful rear buttons and strong battery life
- TMR thumbsticks and charging puck improve durability and convenience
Cons
- Expensive compared with simpler conventional gamepads
- Trackpads and gyro controls have a learning curve
- Less tactile and responsive for competitive play
- Non-Steam games may require workarounds or extra configuration
Review sources
5 sources found across 4 countries. This is not exhaustive worldwide coverage.
- GamesRadar+ · United Kingdom
- Destructoid · United States
- Gamereactor Sweden · Sweden · 80/100
- PC Gamer · United Kingdom · 83/100
- CGMagazine · Canada · 90/100