Apr 28, 2026 11:05:00

The Steam Controller, a game controller from Steam, has been released, featuring magnetic sticks and a trackpad, but some users have reported issues with it working with games other than those on Steam.

Valve, the company that operates the game distribution platform Steam, has announced that it will release the official Steam game controller, ' Steam Controller ,' on May 5, 2026, Japan time.

Steam Controller

https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamcontroller?l=japanese

The Steam Controller was announced in November 2025 along with the Steam Machine gaming PC and the Steam Frame VR device. While the Steam Machine and Steam Frame have been delayed , the Steam Controller is scheduled to be released on May 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time (May 5, 2026 at 2:00 AM Japan Time).

The Steam Controller looks like this: The analog sticks and buttons are arranged symmetrically, similar to a PlayStation controller, and the ABXY buttons on the right side are in the same order as on an Xbox controller. A trackpad is located below the analog sticks.

The bumpers and triggers are labeled L1, L2, R1, and R2, following the format of a PlayStation controller.

The back of the grip features L4, L5, R4, and R5 buttons.

The analog sticks use a magnetic system, which is said to provide improved feel, responsiveness, and reliability.

It features four haptic motors internally. Additionally, gripping the handle activates gyro controls.

The Steam Controller's button layout is compatible with Steam Deck and optimized for thousands of Steam Deck-enabled games. Furthermore, all buttons are customizable in Steam settings.

The Steam Controller comes with the 'Steam Controller Puck,' which doubles as a wireless dongle and charging adapter. The Steam Controller Puck attaches to the Steam Controller magnetically, and while attached, it functions as a wired USB connection while simultaneously charging.

You can also connect via a wired connection using a USB Type-C cable without using Steam Controller Puck.

The Steam Controller can be used not only on Windows, macOS, and Linux, but also on tablets and smartphones running the Steam Link app. However, according to Tom's Hardware, who had an early look at the Steam Controller,

there were limitations , such as the inability to use the controller for menu operations in non-Steam games like Fortnite.

The Steam Controller is scheduled for release on May 5, 2026, Japan time. In Japan, it will be available for purchase through KOMODO STATION , which handles Steam hardware.