Steam Hardware

If it's anything like the steam deck it's fine, if a bit stiff.

I personally don't think it's ugly, just plain, maybe. And while I would say "you don't watch your hands while you game", I do like a classy and/or nice looking controller. I kind of wish Valve would decide on a more striking look, but I suppose this look IS a statement of their values and priorities.

It is. But that's the compromise for trackpads.

The important question is; does it feel good to game on?

Sounds like you're a sucker who falls for scams

If you are playing games where trackpads are useful, there's not really another option, so it's automatically a good value. I know my steam deck experience would have been a whole lot worse without those, and I would probably never consider a gaming handheld without them. But for the gaming I do with an xbox controller, I currently just use it for some video games at my computer (where I have access to a mouse anyways), and maybe split screen with family. I think my Gamesir Cyclone 2 controller (at half the price) is an unambiguously better deal for that, in the premium controller space. If I were using it mostly for couch gaming, that might put the Steam controller in a better position, or if I were mostly playing games that support whatever haptic trigger things Sony has, that controller might be in a better position.

One of the other more unique features is the tracking in the Steam Frame. It would be cool if they could standardize that sort of thing so it would work with other headsets. I wonder if they've considered that.

The old video is so much better. Showing why this controller is different. Feels like a missed opportunity.

I have the 8bitdo Ultimate 2 and I'm still gonna get this (eventually, once I get a gaming PC), because the dpad is pretty bad for precise 2D games. And the back buttons don't gel with me as nicely.

The main problem is that I'm using it for waking Switch 2 and I doubt the Steam Controller could do that, but if it's easy to customise, someone out there might make it work. If that's the case, instant buy.

Yeah, I definitely think how much you value this controller is directly proportional to how much of the full Steam Deck control scheme you use. As a heavy user of the Deck's touchpads to the point I'll never consider another handheld without them, this is still a day one purchase for me even at $99, but I'm not going to recommend it to anyone without huge caveats.

In case you haven't already, preload your Steam Wallet and make sure to account for any tax. As someone who got my Steam Deck order in the first 15 minutes it dropped, payment processing was the biggest barrier then. They might have fixed it since, but they also might not have. Good luck!

I can't test it exactly right now as I'm on vacation, but from memory the 8BitDo Ultimate 2c is significantly quieter, and also more precise and long-lasting thanks to hall effect sticks. I got one for 21 bucks, it's really solid.

No idea about the buttons but the joystick ought to not be loud. Check the video reviews if you want to judge how it sounds

I figured it would be at least $100. PS5 controllers are like $70, and this has 4 paddles, bigger battery, magnetic charger\high speed dongle, touch sensors, track pads, and the thumb sticks are like 2 generations ahead of sonys.

It's more like a cheaply priced "pro controller" than an expensive normal controller.

designed for HTPC control

If you want more than gaming (like YouTube), wouldn't it make more sense to get a wireless keyboard with an integrated touchpad, like the recently announced Framework Wireless Touchpad Keyboard?

I have an OG Steam Controller as well as a Steam Deck and I never ever thought to myself that for HTPC tasks would I want a controller in my had over a good wireless keyboard and mouse/touchpad.