Controller producer Hori has introduced a brand new Steam-focused wi-fi controller launching later this 12 months. Hori’s wireless Steam controller is formally licensed by Valve, and each corporations labored collectively to make sure the gamepad and all its options are fully compatible with Steam on desktop and Steam Deck.
Valve discontinued its personal official Steam controller again in 2019, so this new collaboration with Hori is notable. As of now, it is the one controller for Steam that is in energetic manufacturing, which is fairly wild contemplating how huge Steam is.
In contrast to the discontinued Steam controller, which used touch-based trackpads as an alternative of thumbsticks and a singular button format, Hori’s pad provides a extra conventional design much like most different wi-fi controllers. All of the anticipated face buttons, shoulder triggers, and thumbsticks are current, however there are additionally a number of bonus options, together with 4 remappable buttons—two on the entrance and two paddles on the again. It additionally has devoted buttons for the Steam Huge Image Mode overlay and Steam Fast Entry Menu.
Hori’s Steam controller makes use of offset thumbstick placement like the usual Xbox or Nintendo Change Professional controllers. Sadly, the thumbsticks don’t use anti-drift Corridor Impact sensors, however they do have touch-sensitive stick tops just like the Steam Deck’s thumbsticks. It additionally lacks rumble assist. Nevertheless, there are many different options, together with turbo mode and gyro assist.
As for connectivity, Hori’s wi-fi Steam controller helps Steam Enter over Bluetooth or wired USB, so it ought to work natively with Steam and Steamdeck. There’s additionally an XInput mode so you should use the controller on Home windows with non-Steam video games, however that mode solely works with wired connections and disables gyro controls. That stated, Home windows customers can use Hori’s desktop app to regulate settings like stick sensitivity, button mapping, and extra. The controller has an estimated 12-hour battery life in Bluetooth mode.
Hori’s wi-fi Steam controller launches on October 31. To date, it is solely been introduced for Japan. There is no phrase on if or when the controller can be accessible outdoors Japan, however for now, preorders are dwell at Hori’s on-line retailer for ¥7,980, or roughly $50 USD. It is available in white, black, neon yellow, and neon purple colours. We’ll be sure you replace if the controller turns into accessible in North America. Curiously, there may be an an Xbox (wired) controller from Hori that has a really related design.
Within the meantime, in the event you’re on the lookout for our suggestions for extra gamepads that work with Steam, take a look at our record of the very best controllers for PC.
Preventing sport followers also needs to think about Hori’s newly introduced Road Fighter controller. Releasing in August and accessible to preorder from Amazon now, the Hori Preventing Commander Octa is obtainable in two completely different Road Fighter themes: Cammy and Juri. Under, you may as well take a look at some present offers on controllers which are appropriate with Steam Deck, PC, and the console platform listed.
Controller Offers for Steam Deck (June 26)
Xbox Wi-fi Controller Offers (Xbox/PC)