Leak Hints at Upcoming Steam Controller Release

A recent leak has stirred up excitement about what the rumored new Steam Controller might bring to the table. It seems Valve is reimagining their previous design significantly, which could lead to a much better reception than before.

Valve has experienced varying success in creating gaming hardware and peripherals. Among their achievements, the Steam Deck stands out as a highly successful venture beyond their primary gaming platform, with both versions selling impressively. Yet, not all of their creations have been hits. The original Steam Controller and the Steam Machine, for example, ended up being discontinued.

Now, fresh indications tease the development of a revamped Steam Controller, intriguingly codenamed Ibex, born within the corridors of Valve’s own Steam platform. The scoop comes from Brad Lynch, a well-known YouTuber and Valve insider, who stumbled upon a render model thumbnail buried within the SteamVR drivers. Though not overly detailed, this image highlights significant changes from the original. Most notably, the button layout has been altered, a second control stick has been introduced, and dual touch pads have been added. The Ibex design echoes familiar elements from current console controllers like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, yet the Steam version appears taller due to the touch pads.

Some might question why Steam is investing in a new controller after their previous attempt didn’t pan out. The answer could lie in the existence of the Steam Deck. While the Steam Deck is designed to be a standalone portable gaming device, a new controller could enhance the experience for those who prefer gaming on a TV or external monitor. This is likely why the new Steam controller incorporates aspects of the Steam Deck’s controls, such as the twin touch pads, facilitating precise input in games originally optimized for a mouse.

Lynch has suggested that this Steam Controller is already being prepped for mass production in Valve’s factories. The inclusion of the render in SteamVR hints that an official announcement could be on the horizon, detailing the controller’s specs, cost, and release date. Given Valve’s acknowledgment of a substantial increase in controller usage on Steam, the company seems poised to capitalize on this momentum. For now, the gaming community will have to remain patient, but it looks like Valve might reveal something exciting soon.