Will Greenwald describes the controller as “much more solid, comparable with an Xbox gamepad in heft and grip curve.” This statement captures the essence of what many gamers seek — a reliable, ergonomic controller that feels substantial in their hands. The Steam Controller features two regular analog sticks, face and shoulder buttons, optional back buttons, and two trackpads, making it fully customizable and compatible with almost every game in the Steam library.

The original Steam Controller was released in 2015 but was met with mixed reviews. It was considered a noble failure—an ambitious attempt that didn’t quite hit the mark. Valve seems to have learned from that experience, incorporating feedback from the community profiles of Steam Deck users into this new iteration.

Key features of the Steam Controller include:

• A unique charging puck that allows for easy charging while playing.
• More than 30 hours of battery life on a single charge.
• Support for up to four controllers with its charging puck.

Jessica Conditt notes how “the puck snaps onto the belly of the controller for charging,” highlighting its user-friendly design. This simplicity could make it a preferred choice for gamers who often juggle multiple input devices, including VR headsets and gaming PCs.