Valve Steam Controller Review (2026): Wait for the Steam Machine
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The Valve Steam Controller (2026) offers a modern design and impressive features, but its full potential is hindered by the absence of the Steam Machine. While it boasts excellent build quality and customization options, it is limited to Steam games only. The controller's release comes at a time when other Valve hardware projects are delayed, making it a standalone product for now.
- ▪The Steam Controller features a highly customizable design with numerous inputs.
- ▪It is currently priced at $99 and has received a rating of 7/10.
- ▪The controller cannot be used with PC games outside of Steam.
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| Original publisher | WIRED |
| Canonical URL | https://www.wired.com/review/valve-steam-controller-2026/ |
| Publication time | Fri, 22 May 2026 10:30:00 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-22T10:37:01.295Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-22T10:53:10.788Z |
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| Summary source text | contentText |
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| Indexing | May the item be indexed (stored, ranked, made findable)? | Allowed |
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Basis: Derived from the published RSS/Atom feed. Contact: [email protected]. Reviewed: 2026-07-24.
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Matt KamenGearMay 22, 2026 6:30 AMReview: Valve Steam Controller (2026)Without the context of Valve’s Steam Machine (which is still MIA), this controller can’t fully dazzle players yet.Photograph: Matt Kamen$99 at SteamCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyRating:7/10Open rating explainerInformationWIREDFantastic build quality. Incredibly accurate TMR thumbsticks. Highly customizable inputs. Included puck is a marvel for charging and connectivity.TIREDCan’t use with PC games outside of Steam. Gyroscope tricky to properly calibrate. Thumbsticks sit slightly too high.
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