Valve’s Steam Controller was a bold experiment, a unique gamepad designed to bridge the gap between PC gaming’s versatility and the comfort of couch-based play. Released alongside the Steam Machines and Steam Link, it promised to revolutionize how we interact with our games. After spending considerable time tweaking, testing, and, yes, occasionally swearing at it, we delve into a comprehensive review to see if this innovative controller still holds up today, and how it compares to traditional gamepads.
What immediately sets the Steam Controller apart is its open-ended nature. It’s designed for PC gamers who appreciate customization and control. This isn’t just another gamepad; it’s a highly configurable input device that reflects the open ecosystem of PC gaming itself. In fact, one could argue that the Steam Controller is the cornerstone of Valve’s living room PC gaming vision, even more so than the Steam Link or the Steam Machines. Without a versatile controller capable of handling the diverse input needs of PC games, the entire concept of Steam Machines would be significantly less compelling.
While remappable controllers are not new to the PC gaming scene – tools like Joy2Key have allowed users to customize button layouts on standard Xbox or PlayStation controllers for years – the Steam Controller takes customization to a whole new level. It’s not just about swapping buttons; it’s about fundamentally changing how the controller interacts with games. This level of deep customization is where the true potential of the Steam Controller lies, offering a paradigm shift in how we interface with our digital worlds.
The secret weapon of the Steam Controller lies in its dual haptic touchpads. These aren’t just touch-sensitive surfaces; they are sophisticated input devices that can be configured in a multitude of ways. Each touchpad offers five distinct input modes, transforming the way you interact with your games:
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Directional Pad (D-Pad): The most straightforward mode, mimicking a traditional D-pad. Ideal for menu navigation, weapon switching in shooters, or any action that benefits from distinct directional inputs. The physical cross shape etched into the left touchpad provides tactile feedback for this mode.
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Button Pad: This mode allows you to map up to four distinct buttons to each touchpad, effectively adding a set of customizable face buttons. This is particularly useful for games with numerous keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys, bringing complex PC game controls closer to a gamepad layout.
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Joystick Move/Camera: Designed to emulate a traditional analog stick, this mode translates thumb movement on the touchpad to joystick input. The further your thumb moves from the center, the faster the in-game action. While initially less intuitive than a physical stick, this mode offers a different approach to analog control and was a precursor to the addition of a physical analog stick in later iterations of the controller.
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Scroll Wheel: As the name suggests, this mode turns the touchpad into a scroll wheel. Swiping clockwise or counter-clockwise registers as scroll wheel input, perfect for weapon selection, inventory management, or any action that benefits from incremental scrolling.
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Mouse: This is arguably the most innovative and impactful mode. The touchpad emulates mouse input, allowing for precise camera control and aiming in games. Valve refers to a setup utilizing this mode in conjunction with a joystick for movement as “Gamepad with High Precision Camera/Aim.” The haptic feedback simulates the feeling of using a trackball, providing tactile cues for aiming and movement. This mode aims to bridge the precision gap between mouse and keyboard and traditional gamepads.
The “Gamepad with High Precision Camera/Aim” configuration is where the Steam Controller truly shines. It offers a unique control scheme that, once mastered, can provide a surprisingly accurate and intuitive experience, particularly in first-person and third-person games. The combination of joystick movement and touchpad aiming provides a level of control that surpasses traditional dual-stick gamepads. However, compatibility can be an issue, as some games lock mouse input when a gamepad is detected. Valve has been working with developers to address this, but it remains a consideration.
Beyond the touchpads, every button on the Steam Controller is fully remappable and configurable. You can assign any of the touchpad modes to any button, even the analog stick. For instance, the analog stick can be configured as a four-button input, enabling the controller to effectively mimic WASD keyboard controls for games like Half-Life 2. Similarly, face buttons can be transformed into D-pads, and vice versa. The possibilities are vast and cater to a wide range of game genres and control preferences.
Further expanding the customization capabilities is “Mode Shifting.” This feature allows you to assign secondary functions to buttons, activated by holding down a modifier button, similar to the shift key on a keyboard. For example, holding down a grip button could change the function of the face buttons, or alter the sensitivity of the touchpad for more precise aiming when using a trigger to aim down sights. This layered approach to control unlocks even more complex and tailored control schemes.
The true value of the Steam Controller isn’t just its technical prowess in remapping. It’s about the experiences it unlocks. While it can certainly handle games designed for traditional controllers, its real strength lies in bringing genres traditionally confined to mouse and keyboard – like point-and-click adventures, 4X strategy games, real-time strategy, city builders, and MOBAs – to the comfort of your living room.
Imagine playing Civilization VI, Cities: Skylines, or classic point-and-click adventures like Monkey Island on your couch. The Steam Controller makes this a reality. It redefines the boundaries of PC gaming, allowing you to enjoy genres previously relegated to desks and offices in a relaxed, living room setting. While not always perfect – text scaling in some games can be an issue on TVs, and virtual keyboards might be needed for text input – these are often minor inconveniences that can be addressed through game updates and community configurations.
The impact extends beyond just genres. The Steam Controller transforms the very nature of PC gaming. Genres like point-and-click adventures, with their emphasis on narrative and relaxed gameplay, become ideal for shared living room experiences. PC gaming, often seen as a solitary activity, can become more social and inclusive thanks to the Steam Controller, inviting others to watch and even participate in games that were once exclusively single-player desktop experiences.
However, the Steam Controller is not without its challenges. The learning curve is real. It takes time and experimentation to become comfortable with its unique layout and customization options. Initially, the controller might feel alien, especially for those accustomed to traditional dual-stick gamepads. The single analog stick, the large touchpads, and even the weight distribution due to the battery placement in the grips contribute to an unconventional feel.
Despite its initial strangeness, the Steam Controller’s interface might actually be more intuitive for newcomers than traditional dual-stick setups. Many people have experience with laptop trackpads, which share conceptual similarities with the Steam Controller’s touchpads. Learning dual analog stick coordination, on the other hand, can be a steeper hurdle for those unfamiliar with console gaming.
The real challenge lies in embracing experimentation. The Steam Controller’s vast customization can be overwhelming. Some users might try a pre-configured template, find it unsuitable, and give up prematurely. Initial control schemes, particularly those emulating joysticks on the touchpads, might not be immediately satisfying. Perseverance and a willingness to explore different configurations are key to unlocking the Steam Controller’s potential.
Fortunately, both game developers and the Steam community have stepped up to create and share custom controller templates. Developers like Paradox have crafted optimized configurations for games like Cities: Skylines, demonstrating the controller’s capabilities in complex genres. The Steam Community further expands this library, providing a wealth of user-created templates for a vast array of games. If Valve’s default configurations don’t quite fit, the community is likely to have a solution.
Final Verdict: Steam Controller – Still Relevant in Today’s Gaming Landscape?
While the Steam Machines and Steam Link might have faded from the spotlight, the Steam Controller remains a significant and innovative piece of gaming hardware. It’s more than just a controller; it’s a versatile input device that elegantly addresses the challenge of bringing the entire PC gaming library to a single, unified control scheme. It’s a testament to Valve’s commitment to open platforms and user empowerment.
Is the Steam Controller going to replace your keyboard and mouse for competitive Dota 2 or Counter-Strike? Probably not for professional play. And will it entirely supplant your Xbox or PlayStation controller for every game? Again, not for everyone.
However, the Steam Controller has carved out a unique and valuable niche. For gamers seeking to bridge the gap between PC gaming and living room comfort, for those who enjoy exploring customization and fine-tuning their control schemes, and for anyone wanting to play PC strategy, simulation, or adventure games from the couch, the Steam Controller remains a compelling and worthwhile option. It’s a controller that rewards patience and experimentation, ultimately opening up new ways to experience PC gaming.
