If you're after a tightly integrated Steam Controller, maybe the new Wireless HORIPAD for Steam might be for you. And good news, it's finally releasing in the USA.
Originally announced back in June it was previously only available in Japan. At least now it's coming to the USA on December 16, many more people will be able to order it. This makes it significantly easier for everyone else too, since importing will be simpler.
Quite a feature-filled controller with 4 extra buttons (2 on the front at the bottom, 2 on the back) to program to do whatever you want. Unlike a lot of other controllers (I'm talking about you 8bitdo), you can actually change the extra buttons via Steam Input too. It also has Capacitive Touch thumbsticks, gyro, and dedicated Steam function buttons.
HORI say it will give you about 12 hours of battery via Bluetooth, and can be used while plugged in and charging too. They claim full support of the Steam Deck, but curiously only say the wired mode via Xinput is for Windows 11/10 - likely they just haven't done any testing on desktop Linux.
There are some things it doesn't have though including:
- No rumble.
- A built-in battery.
- No headset jack.
You can pre-order it on Amazon. Priced at $59.99. More on their website.
I'm a little torn. I don't need another controller, but I love tech, and it's a nice idea to have all the dedicated Steam buttons making it a great fit for my Steam Deck gaming when docked. Being able to actually have full support though of all the buttons directly via Steam is a big selling point for me. I've never really cared about rumble personally.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Quoting: tmtvlWhat is it with these weird alien distorted gamepads? My hands are mirror images of each other, why aren't these gamepads symmetric? Also: no touchpads, no Steam controller.the goal is to make the most used buttons/stick more acessible than the others.
probably.
they assume we arent into fighting games...
IrisNebula about 2 hours ago
In any case, it's a great start towards having 3rd party controllers that fully support the Steam Input API available in the market. Let's hope it starts a trend.
Last edited by IrisNebula on 6 November 2024 at 10:09 am UTC
about 2 hours ago
I currently use a Dualsense controller for my gyro needs due to it being easily available and working out of the box under Linux without 3rd party software requirements or limited remapping support. But the lack of back buttons is definitely a con.
While 4 back buttons would be nicer, at least I could see use for the one below the joystick. And with it now being easier to get, I might consider it.
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