The Steam Controller’s main competition isn’t from Microsoft or Sony: It’s from third-party vendors
The article discusses how third-party controller manufacturers are becoming the primary competition for Valve’s Steam Controller, rather than major platform holders like Microsoft and Sony. The author highlights their preference for third-party options such as the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, Gamesir G7 Pro 8K, and EasySMX D10 controllers over official Xbox controllers. These third-party controllers offer features and performance that gamers find superior to traditional first-party offerings. The shift reflects a broader trend where third-party peripherals have evolved from being secondary options to viable, often preferable alternatives to official hardware. For PC gaming specifically, this diversity of controller options provides players with greater choice and customization possibilities. The author notes that using premium third-party controllers makes switching to standard Xbox controllers feel like a downgrade, indicating a significant preference shift in the gaming community.