I bought Valve’s new Steam Controller with my own money for a solid week of PC gaming — and you only need to know about one genuine downside
Valve has released a new Steam Controller, targeting PC gamers as a refined gaming peripheral. The controller features an ergonomic design with adjustable stick positions, convenient magnetic charging, and extensive compatibility through Steam Input and community-created control layouts that support practically any PC game.
The device performs well within the Steam ecosystem, offering a mostly flawless experience for gamers using the Steam app. However, the controller has notable compatibility limitations with third-party applications and services, most significantly with titles running through Microsoft’s Xbox PC app, which don’t function properly when used with the Steam Controller. Additionally, users may encounter mismatches when playing older PC titles, requiring workarounds or adjustments.
According to Windows Central’s review, the Steam Controller’s primary downside is its reliance on the Steam ecosystem and limited compatibility outside of it. While the controller is comfortable once users adjust to its design and stick positions, potential buyers should consider whether they primarily game through Steam, as the peripheral’s compatibility issues make it less versatile for players who use multiple gaming platforms or third-party launchers.