The choice of an input device is important for many players. Some swear by mice and keyboards, while others can only really game with a gamepad. Valve’s new gamepad combines elements from both devices and has impressed MeinMMO-Tech author Jan Hartmayer so much that he decided to buy several.
Playing together holds a special place in my gaming soul. The best evenings were always those when I could play and laugh with my friends in front of the TV. In our group, we have a tradition of meeting every few months to play in front of the TV again.
However, a big problem was always connecting multiple input devices. I am a passionate PC gamer and wirelessly access my game library on the TV via Steam Link. However, it has always been annoying to pair four controllers with my PC because:
- The connection kept dropping
- The input was delayed
- The range of the Bluetooth signal was too short
- Games could not differentiate between the connected gamepads
The solution: The Steam Controller, a device designed to overcome exactly these problems. So I wanted to order four pieces at once.
Now we just need the Steam Machine to be released and my Valve setup would be complete:
I should have played the lottery
Monday, 05/04/2026, at exactly 18:00, I was already at the starting line in front of my PC waiting for the sales start of the Steam Controllers. At 19:00 it started. I was incredibly lucky and, along with my partner, managed to snag several copies for 100 euros each. Unfortunately, many others weren’t so lucky and had to find out that the sought-after hardware from Steam was already sold out after 30 minutes.
It is worth mentioning that I bought all Steam Controllers for my personal private use and will not resell them. Because we do not support any scalping, as is done on platforms like eBay! This is not the first time that hardware is being resold at a premium. Already at the launch of the RTX 5090, users started combating offers on eBay with a clever trick.
After the purchase, I was full of anticipation and could hardly wait to hold the input devices in my hands. The delivery was quick, and just four days later, I held the controllers in my hands.
I couldn’t believe my luck when the delivery arrived!
Just plug it in and go!
Honestly, I was a bit excited and wondered if my plan to use all four gamepads simultaneously would work without issues. But my worries were unfounded. After unpacking and a quick firmware update via the included charging dock, I was ready to go.
Normally, I often have issues with dropping Bluetooth signals when using controllers. However, Valve has a solution for that: They use a separate 2.4 GHz connection via the included charging dock.
So, I simply plugged the input device into the charging station connected to my PC via a magnetic connection. Within seconds, Steam automatically recognized the hardware and established a wireless connection by itself. After another 60 seconds, I had all four copies connected and could start testing.
Nice to know: In Steam Big Picture mode, all active Steam Controllers are displayed with battery status in the top right corner, and you get a console interface like on the Steam Deck.
Conclusion: I would buy 4 pieces again!
For me, the following aspects are an absolute highlight:
- Valve has delivered extremely good software. All four copies can be used independently and games on Steam recognize them as different input devices.
- The range is impressive. My PC is behind two thick walls and a closed door, yet the controllers respond without any noticeable delay.
- The trackpads and additional buttons are perfect in combination with Steam Input for creating a control scheme for the gamepad for each game on Steam or importing one from the community.
Although I really like the gamepad, there are still some points that have negatively stood out to me after a few hours of testing:
- The price of 100 euros is not exactly cheap, and for that price, you can get multiple gamepads from other manufacturers.
- The ergonomics are hit or miss: Either it fits like it does for me, or it doesn’t fit at all.
- The controller relies on being used in conjunction with Steam. Outside the platform, it loses many of its functions, such as remapping buttons.
Nevertheless, my plan worked out 100 percent and just last weekend, I was able to game with friends. Finally, I can use my Steam library in a group and enjoy various party games like Stick Fight, Pummel Party, or Worms on the big screen. For me, it was one of the best purchases I have made in a long time! In stark contrast to the worst gadget I ever bought: I willingly bought a “muzzle” microphone for 150 euros and already knew it was a mistake
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