Here’s everything we know about the Steam Controller.
Valve has locked in the launch details for the Steam Controller, confirming its release date, pricing, and full feature set via its official Steam page on Monday (27 April).
The controller is set to launch worldwide on 4 May, 2026 at 10:00 AM PST / 5 May 2026 1:00 AM SGT, with availability across the U.S., Canada, UK, EU, and Australia, alongside Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan through Komodo Station.
This update also fills in the hardware side of things, outlining how the controller fits into Valve’s wider push alongside the Steam Machine and Steam Fram, both of which are still in the works. Valve notes that its Steam hardware family is expanding in early 2026, with all devices “optimised for gaming on Steam” and built to get more out of existing libraries.
Steam Controller
Release date: 4 May, 2026
Price: US$99
Manufacturer: Valve
When is the Steam Controller launching?
The Steam Controller launches on 4 May, 2026 at 10:00 AM PST (1:00 AM SGT on 5 May 2026). It will be available directly through Steam in major regions, with Komodo Station handling distribution in select Asian markets.
Steam Controller features and hardware details
The Steam page lays out a controller that sticks close to what PC players already expect, while adding a few extras around how it connects and how much you can tweak it.
Steam Controller Puck
The included puck pulls double duty. Valve describes it as “a wireless transmitter that provides a fast, stable connection,” while also acting as a magnetic charging dock that snaps into place. Bluetooth and USB are supported as well.
Next-generation magnetic thumbsticks
The thumbsticks use TMR magnetic tech, aimed at improving feel and long-term reliability, and they support capacitive touch for motion controls. There’s also high-definition rumble, with motors built to handle “complex waveforms for immersive, accurate haptics.”
Grip Sense
Grip-enabled gyro, called Grip Sense, lets players toggle motion aiming by touch, or bind it however they want. Around that, you’ve got the full set of inputs: trackpads for mouse-style control, four rear grip buttons, triggers, bumpers, and the usual face buttons.
Steam Button
The Steam button handles power and quick navigation, while the Quick Access Menu pulls up notifications, chat, and settings.
Steam Input is a big part of the setup here. Valve says the controller will launch with community configurations for thousands of games already in place, with full remapping available. It also works across Windows, Mac, and Linux, plus mobile devices via Steam Link, and pairs with Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame. Battery life is listed at 35+ hours.
Steam Controller technical specifications
Valve has shared the full hardware breakdown for the Steam Controller, covering inputs, connectivity, and battery performance.
Controls and inputs
The controller features a standard gamepad layout with A, B, X, Y buttons, a D-pad, L and R triggers, and bumpers, alongside View, Menu, Steam, and Quick Access (QAM) buttons. It also includes four assignable rear grip buttons.
Thumbsticks
It uses dual full-size magnetic thumbsticks with TMR technology, built for durability and precision, with capacitive touch support for motion-based input.
Haptics
There are four haptic motors in total, including:
- Two LRA motors in the trackpads for detailed tactile feedback
- Two high-output LRA motors in the grips for in-game rumble and haptics
Trackpads
The controller includes two 34.5mm square trackpads with haptic feedback. These are pressure-sensitive, allowing configurable click strength.
Gyro and Grip Sense
A 6-axis IMU powers motion controls, while Grip Sense uses two capacitive touch zones on the rear handles to enable or disable gyro input.
Connectivity
The Steam Controller supports multiple connection options:
- Steam Controller Puck (2.4GHz wireless) with ~8ms end-to-end latency and 4ms polling rate (tested at 5m)
- Supports up to four controllers per puck, connected via USB-C
- Bluetooth 4.2 minimum (5.0+ recommended)
- USB-C wired play
Power and battery
The controller charges through the Steam Controller Puck or USB-C. It is powered by an 8.39 Wh Li-ion battery, rated for 35+ hours of gameplay, though battery life is reduced when used with Steam Frame tracking.
Size and weight
- Steam Controller: 111mm × 159mm × 57mm, 292g
- Steam Controller Puck: 50mm × 28mm × 9mm, 16g
How much does the Steam Controller cost?
The Steam Controller is priced at US$99, with regional pricing at £85, €99, $149 CAD, and AU$149 respectively. Valve says prices vary due to “distribution costs, import duties/tariffs, and market conditions.”
When is the Steam Machine launching?
The Steam Machine still doesn’t have a release date or price. It was originally announced alongside the controller and Steam Frame, but won’t be launching at the same time. Valve has pointed to supply constraints, particularly an AI-driven RAM shortage, as the main reason for the delay.
In an interview reported by IGN, Valve programmer Pierre-Loup Griffais said “we don’t have exact details about the timeline to share today,” but added that the team expects to share more news soon. He also noted that the Steam Controller is being released on its own because it “stands out on its own,” with PC players as the main audience.
On the Steam Machine itself, Griffais compared it to using a Steam Deck docked, but with more GPU power, adding that the delay comes down to logistics and getting units out at scale.
Valve says more updates are on the way..
