Who / What
The Steam Controller is a game controller developed by Valve Corporation specifically for use with personal computers running Steam on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, smartphones, and SteamOS. It was designed to bridge the gap between games traditionally played with a keyboard/mouse and those optimized for controllers.
Background & History
Valve Corporation developed the Steam Controller to accompany its Steam Machine initiative, aiming to bring PC gaming into the living room. The controller was first released in November 2015, alongside the initial Steam Machine hardware. After being discontinued in November 2019, Valve announced a second-generation Steam Controller in November 2025, revealing renewed interest in the peripheral market.
Why Notable
The Steam Controller is notable for its innovative dual trackpads, which aimed to provide precision input for games that typically require a keyboard and mouse. It represented Valve's significant push into hardware and living-room gaming ecosystems alongside the Steam Machine. Its design influenced subsequent controller developments by demonstrating new approaches to input methods for PC games.
In the News
In November 2025, Valve announced a second-generation Steam Controller, signaling a revival of the product line after a six-year hiatus. This announcement was made concurrently with new hardware releases, including the Steam Frame VR headset and an updated Steam Machine, highlighting Valve's continued investment in gaming hardware.
