The ahrdware news keeps coming from Valve. In addition to the announcement of its new VR headset the Steam Frame and it’s SteamOS console, the company has revealed the long-awaited Steam Controller 2.
The Steam Controller 2 is similar to the original controller from a decade ago in general design, but there are some big changes.
The new version of the Steam Controller gets rid of the old touchpads and layout in favor of two new track pads below the joysticks. It also features four grip buttons and even gyro motion controller.
For connection, the controller comes with a “puck” that not only acts as a wireless transmitter for the device but charges it when you aren’t playing. The controller also supports direct wire connections and Bluetooth with support for the new Steam Machine, Steam Frame VR headset, Steam Deck, and any other device running Steam.
You can check out full specs of the new controller, below. The Steam Controller 2 is expected to release in early 2026, though no pricing or firm date has been announced.
Steam Controller 2 Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Gamepad Controls | A, B, X, Y buttons D-pad L & R analog triggers L & R bumpers View & Menu buttons Steam & QAM buttons 4× assignable grip buttons |
| Thumbsticks | 2× full-size magnetic thumbsticks (TMR) with capacitive touch |
| Haptics | 4× haptic motors total * 2× LRA haptic motors in trackpads for HD tactile feedback * 2× high-output LRA haptic motors in grips for HD game haptics, including rumble |
| Trackpads | 2× 34.5 mm square trackpads with haptic feedback Pressure-sensitive for configurable click strength |
| Gyro | 6-axis IMU |
| Grip Sense | 2× capacitive areas along the back of Steam Controller handles |
| Steam Controller Puck | 2.4 GHz wireless connection ~8 ms full end-to-end latency, 4 ms polling rate (measured at 5 m) Supports up to 4 Steam Controllers per Puck Connects to PC via USB-C |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 minimum (5.0 or higher recommended) |
| USB | USB-C tethered play |
| Charging | Steam Controller Puck charging interface (USB-C connector) |
| Battery | 8.39 Wh Li-ion battery ≈ 35+ hours of gameplay* (*Battery life reduced for tracked gameplay with Steam Frame) |
| Size | Steam Controller: 111 mm × 159 mm × 57 mm Steam Controller Puck: 50 mm × 28 mm × 9 mm |
| Weight | Steam Controller: 292 g Steam Controller Puck: 16 g |
Are you going to buy a Steam Controller 2 when it releases? Leave your thoughts down in the comments and join the official Insider Gaming Discord server.
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Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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