New Steam Controller 2 and VR controller designs got leaked

It better still support AA batteries like the first one did. The alternative would be a downgrade.

Quoting: kuhpunkt

Quoting: chickenb00I pass: the trackpads do not have prime real estate where your thumbs will naturally rest on the controller.

Why do you rest your fingers anywhere? I have mine on the sticks or the buttons the whole time.

Our thumb's natural rotation is like 70° which normally is where the joysticks are placed. This proves maximum rotation for our thumb down to 0° and up to 90°.
For trackpads to be used optimally, they need to reside in the optimal spot on the controller. Steam Controller 1 does this: trackpads are in the place of prominence for max comfort. Steam Deck pads require we rotate our thumbs and flex them, which is fatiguing and not ideal for accuracy.

It's funny that people are assuming it's big. There's no scale, so we really won't know until we can compare it to something.The main thing I missed with the previous steam controller was the D-pad, so I'm happy this thing has one. The D-pad simulation with the right trackpad just didn't do it for me.

Quoting: melkemindIt's funny that people are assuming it's big. There's no scale, so we really won't know until we can compare it to something.The main thing I missed with the previous steam controller was the D-pad, so I'm happy this thing has one. The D-pad simulation with the right trackpad just didn't do it for me.

I also love the addition of a D-Pad. Also, two thumbsticks.

Good point on the scale. On the other hand (!), if I can shift my hands up and down the controller in a natural way, it might work ok even if it is larger.

No question, will buy.

My two Steam Controller 1’s getting a bit old.

Hoping some of the games that dropped Steam Controller support after Valve said the first one was on its last day’s bring it back.

While Steam Input is handy mapping things to the thumb pad. Gets so tedious doing it for every single game.

I'm looking forward to throwing out my PS4 DS4 controllers and XBONE controllers.

Call me lazy, but I would just prefer to not have to compile a kernel module and make sure the DKMS aligns with the latest kernel.

I will happily buy one of these when they come out, and then if it passes the test 3-5 more.

I am also considering buying a HORI or set too -- aka: https://amazon.com/Wireless-HORIPAD-Steam-Midnight-Black-Deck/dp/B0DLLKRFG8/

The DS4 Bluetooth always had bad range (Maybe my fault?) and a noticeable delay and the XBONE RF was optimal but still a PITA.

I have 3 steam controllers sitting next to the 8 others, but their problem is that the singular joystick yeets FPS games for me. The 2 joystick will resolve this problem I have complained about for years.

If Valve is listening, I guess I would kindly ask for some visual customization options -- it's nice when each person can distinguish their controllers from the others when beer or food is involved and controllers are scattered across the living room.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how this evolves. Looks kindof chonky like Xbox Y2K BFC (Big Fucking Controller ;P) but to be honest having the trackpads there could be amazingly charming like the Xbox 360 controller + the keyboard pad -- kindof reminds me of that.

I'm really looking foreward to this.

If this has gyro and 4 grip triggers, I'm gonna buy this so fast valve's accountants are gonna wonder how a money transfer exceeded the speed of light. I am incredibly glad they didn't listen to the people who wanted the touchpads gone.


Last edited by WMan22 on 28 November 2024 at 4:34 am UTC

It looks like the Steam Deck without the screen (and slightly rotated touch pads) 🤷‍♂️.

I do think the Deck Controls are better than the Controller. If only there was a way to disable the touch pad while using the sticks, kinda like the way laptops could disable the touchpad while typing to prevent accidental touches. That would be really cool.

I'd probably get one, more because it hopefully is the same as the deck controls, so switching from holding the Deck to the Controller would be effortless.

While I'm excited about it, I also have the suspicion that once bought and used for few days, I will revert to the old one. It feels...unwieldy somehow.

The touchpads look crammed in place (and why square, maybe for simple manufacturing reasons?) and too far away from the buttons. For occasional usage they'd be fine, but if the right touchpad is your main control method then your right thumb will have a very bad day in conjunction with those too far placed buttons.

I think the touchpads should be the main feature on a Steam Controller, that's what it makes a Steam Controller in my mind. I mean, for gaming using mostly the joysticks there are already far better alternatives out there, like the Xbox or PS controllers. This feels more like a Jack of all trades, master of none and the fastest way towards Gamer’s Thumb.

But then again, is just a rendering of a likely preliminary concept, so I'll wait for the actual product.

Edit for clarity: I do like the combination of controls depicted above, the right joystick is immensely useful, but what I don't like (or fear) is the unfavorable placement of the touchpads, specifically the right one.
The way I see it, you move the joystick around with comparatively gentle motions, while for touchpad you flick your thumb with more brutal and fast movements (and from pad to buttons), so I think they should be in the most comfortable position available to avoid injury in time.


Last edited by dubigrasu on 28 November 2024 at 7:30 am UTC

This is exactly what I've wanted since I got the Steam Deck. I know some people will still prefer the original Steam Controller, but in my opinion the Deck was an improvement in every area.