We have no idea if Valve will ever do a proper second revision of the Steam Controller, we've seen hints before and now we have more info on what it could have been.
This new information has appeared in the form of a patent application, one originally made in 2018 but only as of last month did the application seem to go public. It seems to take some ideas from another Valve patent from 2011 which never made it into a released product.
What it shows isn't a huge departure from what we already have, the design is mostly the same but there's a few key differences. The biggest being that you can swap around the left stick for a proper D-pad with an RFID sensor to detect which is attached. You can see one of the example mock-up pictures below:
Another difference is that it showed the ability to switch between different backplates: one with four buttons in total (two each side) and another like the current Steam Controller with one each side. It would have some sort of receiver on the back, much like the D-pad, to know which is connected. Personally, I found the backplate buttons to be one of the best parts of it, super handy to save your hand some stress for intense gaming sessions to just tap what you're already holding.
On top of that, it also seems to indicate it would have some form of on-device storage. The way it's described, somewhat sounds like it would store some of the configuration information in the controller itself. That certainly would be handy for carrying it around and perhaps for places were you don't have any net to still load them up for your favourites.
Valve, make it so. The Steam Controller was a wonderful piece of hardware, allowing many people to enjoy many more games with comfort. It's a piece of tech that needs a second revision.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
ElectricPrism Apr 12, 2020
Valve is a Bee Hive of many independent game developers and engineers.
The same people who made the Index Controllers likely didn't change their passion of interest in Human Input Devices.
And since Valve operates by committee to those of you who have read the Valve Employee Handbook I am not surprised whatsoever that they are working on a Steam Controller v2.
I just hope it has the option of having 2 joysticks. SC grew on me over time, though my only wish is for the track-circles to be replacable.
* RGB power state LED instead of a single color like PS4 controllers to indicate different players.
* Build quality that doesn't feel as cheap. Idk the plastic feels... weird. And the Xbox one controller is good example of what to aim for in this regard.
If you remove these unique features and put back the analogue sticks, what do you get? Something like an Xbox or PS gamepads or Logitech or whatever? What's the point, we have those already.
Modularity, that's another thing. I wouldn't mind to have the ability to switch/add a dpad when needed, since this one of the most recurring complaints about the SC, but remove the trackpad...what, why?
How does it work on Linux? You plug it and it just works or you have to tweak?
Could you make different profiles on Linux for each game?
Of course. Most of the time you don't want to change anything and if you do, it's super easy.
I should have about 500h in all kinds of games with it. Including Hollow Knight and Rocket League.
It is a pity that the controller is not manufactured any more. The prices on Amazon are already alarmingly high. :'(
When you have played with the controller as long as I have, it is difficult to retrain your muscle memory. Especially with games like Hollow Knight. By using the grip buttons you can play in a way that you often grasp around the controller and also use your small and middle finger. This way I don't get a hand ache so fast when I play hardcore controller games like Hollow Knight.
BrazilianGamer Apr 13, 2020
If you remove these unique features and put back the analogue sticks, what do you get? Something like an Xbox or PS gamepads or Logitech or whatever? What's the point, we have those already.Yeah, why make a copy? The dual trackpads method of doing FPS's is excellent, with the gyro switched on for extra-precision aiming. Reduces RSI, too.
Lucky thing that even with heavy use, our four Steam Controllers are still great, except for the D-stick's plastic coating grip dots wearing away over time. Fingers crossed they stay that way, we'd love to try a new Steam Controller out, because the first batch was/is incredible.
All I need for a new release of Steam Controllers is better availability/shipping in Canada, whether from the Steam client or not. After the first 3-6 months post-release, even EB Games and other indie video game stores had so little stock and there was no online purchasing options otherwise. In order to get the next two Steam Controllers it was necessary to send friends who were already going to the U.S. to buy some for us. :(
Last edited by namiko on 13 April 2020 at 6:08 pm UTC
My first impression is GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!! SANTA GOD LOVES ME!!!!!I've always gotten that question during the extremely rare appearances the survey has made on my system in the past.
The second is to remember that a week or so ago, I had a Steam survey come up and --- just before it got my info --- it asked whether I used the range extender for the Steam controller USB dongle (I said "yes"). I thought it might be part of info gathering about maybe a new SC. Now it seems all but certain, with this news.
*Stops celebratory running down street naked* Hmm. Not me, and I've gotten surveys at least once a year, sooooo ... that means SANTA GOD LOVES ME MORE! *Takes back off running down the street, naked. The sound of approaching sirens grows louder.*
Last edited by Nanobang on 15 April 2020 at 1:49 pm UTC
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