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A recent leak has given us a glimpse of what the rumored new Steam Controller might look like, revealing a major redesign compared to its predecessor. This overhaul could potentially lead to greater success than the original version.
Valve, known for its ambitious hardware ventures, has seen varying levels of success over the years. The Steam Deck stands out as one of Valve’s triumphs outside its iconic PC gaming platform, with both iterations of the device selling exceptionally well. However, not all endeavors have been as successful; for instance, the original Steam Controller and the Steam Machine were eventually phased out.
Fresh insights suggest that Valve is gearing up to launch a revamped Steam Controller, currently dubbed Ibex, according to details found in Steam’s own systems. YouTuber and Valve enthusiast Brad Lynch uncovered a render model thumbnail within the SteamVR drivers, giving us a sneak peek into this new device. The thumbnail, although not overly detailed, showcases several key changes. It sports repositioned buttons, a second control stick, and two touch pads. This new design bears a resemblance to other popular console controllers like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, although it appears taller due to the incorporation of touch pads.
Exploring the Second Steam Controller
Some might question why Valve is revisiting the controller market after the first attempt fizzled out. The answer likely ties back to the Steam Deck. While the Steam Deck is a versatile portable gaming machine, rolling out a new controller that integrates smoothly with it could cater to those who prefer a traditional gaming setup on larger screens. Notably, the new controller seems to borrow design elements from the Steam Deck, particularly the dual touch pads, which aim to emulate more precise movement, reminiscent of mouse controls.
Lynch suggests that the Steam Controller is on the path to mass production at Valve’s facilities. The addition of the thumbnail to SteamVR hints that Valve might soon unveil this device officially, along with its pricing and release details. Given Valve’s recent statement highlighting a surge in controller usage on Steam, the timing seems right to seize on this momentum. For now, fans will have to remain patient, but hopefully, Valve will have some exciting news to share soon.
