Steam Controller (2nd generation)
Game controller by Valve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The second generation Steam Controller is a game controller developed by Valve for use with personal computers, running Steam on Windows, macOS, Linux, smartphones, tablet computers or SteamOS. Like the first generation, the controller was designed not only for games developed for controllers, but also for games designed to be played with keyboard and mouse. It was released on May 4, 2026.[2]
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| Codename | Ibex / Triton[1] |
|---|---|
| Developer | Valve Corporation |
| Type | Gamepad |
| Released | May 4, 2026 |
| Introductory price | |
| Input |
|
| Power | 8.39 Wh Li-ion battery |
| Dimensions | 111 × 159 × 57 mm (4.4 × 6.3 × 2.2 in) |
| Weight | 292 g (10.3 oz) |
| Predecessor | Steam Controller (1st generation) |
| Website | store |
Development
On November 19, 2024, several news outlets reported on inside information that a new generation of Steam Controller was in the works.[3][4] On November 26, 2024, a render of the device first leaked online.[5]
On November 12, 2025, Valve announced a newly designed Steam Controller alongside the second iteration of Steam Machine and the standalone VR headset Steam Frame.[6] The base price of US$99 was announced on April 27, 2026, with sales starting shortly before 10:00 PDT (UTC−07:00) on May 4, 2026.
On May 6, Valve released controller and puck CAD files under a free license (Creative Commons BY-NC-SA) for modders' use.[7][8]
Design
The design is similar to Steam Deck without the built-in screen. It features all the same control inputs, with two haptic trackpads below each joystick, four grip buttons on the back of the controller, gyroscopic controls, and additional capacitive sensors on the back grips. The analog thumbsticks use tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) to combat joystick drifting issues[9]. The controller features infrared LEDs for positional tracking when used in tandem with the Steam Frame.
The 8.39Wh lithium-ion battery is rated to last for about 35 hours of gameplay[10]. If it needs to be replaced, the controller can be opened with a T6 Torx driver; there are no clips, adhesives, or custom fasteners[11].
The controller is intended to connect to a PC through the use of a proprietary 2.4GHz wireless USB-C "puck" that doubles as a magnetic charging dock. It can also connect via Bluetooth, albeit with substantially higher signal latency[12]. The controller can also recharge and send input by connecting via the bundled USB-C cable itself.
The controller has an Easter egg that plays a Wilhelm scream if dropped from a high enough distance.[13]