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Valve's New Steam Controller Launches May 4 at $99

Valve's New Steam Controller.
Steam Controller (Image credit: Valve)

Valve has officially confirmed the release date and price for its new Steam Controller. The device will go on sale on Monday, May 4, at 10 AM PT, and it will retail for $99.


The controller was first revealed back in November 2025, alongside the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame VR headset.


What the Steam Controller Brings to the Table

Here is a quick breakdown of what is packed into the controller:

  • Dual trackpads replacing standard analog sticks, designed to replicate mouse-like input for PC games

  • TMR magnetic thumbsticks for improved responsiveness and long-term durability

  • Capacitive touch support on the thumbsticks, enabling motion-based input

  • High-definition haptic feedback motors capable of handling complex waveforms

  • Grip-enabled gyro controls that can be toggled and remapped freely

  • Four rear grip buttons for additional inputs without moving your thumbs

  • A dedicated Steam button for quick access to the library, store, settings, and Steam Chat


According to Valve, the controller is compatible with any device running Steam or the Steam Link app. That includes Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs, tablets, smartphones, Steam Deck, and Steam Machine hardware.


The controller also comes with a dedicated Puck, which doubles as a charging dock and a 2.4 GHz wireless receiver.


How Does the $99 Price Hold Up?

Honestly, $99 might sound steep at first. A standard PS5 DualSense goes for $75, and the Xbox Series X controller sits at $70. But once you look at what the Steam Controller is actually competing with, the price starts making more sense.


Here is how it stacks up against the premium controller market:

  • Steam Controller: $99

  • Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con: $99

  • PS5 DualSense Edge: $199

  • Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: $199 (often on sale for $149)


The TMR magnetic thumbsticks alone are a notable selling point. Traditional thumbstick designs used by Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are well-known for developing stick drift over time. Magnetic sticks are significantly more durable, and they are usually found in controllers that cost much more. For context, the Asus ROG Raikiri II features the same TMR technology but comes in at nearly double the price of the Steam Controller.


Yes, there are more affordable options out there. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and the GameSir G7 Pro both use similar joystick tech and cost $69 and $79 respectively. But neither of them includes Valve's trackpads.

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