{"id":6837,"date":"2026-04-28T12:46:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T11:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/innovatenews.site\/index.php\/2026\/04\/28\/valve-opens-steam-controller-sales-next-week-what-to-know-ahead-of-ordering\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T12:46:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T11:46:21","slug":"valve-opens-steam-controller-sales-next-week-what-to-know-ahead-of-ordering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/innovatenews.site\/index.php\/2026\/04\/28\/valve-opens-steam-controller-sales-next-week-what-to-know-ahead-of-ordering\/","title":{"rendered":"Valve opens Steam Controller sales next week \u2014 what to know ahead of ordering"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The topic Valve opens Steam Controller sales next week \u2014 what to know ahead of ordering<\/strong> is currently the subject of lively discussion \u2014 readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.<\/p>\n

This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies\u2019 decisions and competitors\u2019 reactions can quickly change the picture.<\/p>\n

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There\u2019s probably no easier way to get PC gamers excited than to tell them that new Steam hardware is on the way. So imagine how close everyone\u2019s heads nearly came to exploding last year when Valve announced not just one, but three new products it was cooking up: the Steam Machine game console, Steam Frame wireless VR headset, and a new Steam Controller \u2014 the first update in over a decade. And while we\u2019re still waiting to learn when those first two will land, Valve has started sharing the details on the Steam Controller\u2019s imminent arrival.<\/p>\n

according to the data Valve, sales of the Steam Controller open in one week, on May 4, at 7am Eastern\/10am Pacific. The gamepad will set you back $99.<\/p>\n

Compared to the old 2015 model, we\u2019re getting a huge redesign, with relocated trackpads, a dedicated D-pad, and the addition of a second thumbstick. The whole layout should feel right at home to anyone who\u2019s spent some time gaming on a Steam Deck, attempting to mirror that configuration. That also means that tons of games are already optimized to take advantage of these controls.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have the option to game wirelessly with the help of the Steam Controller\u2019s magnetic charging puck. It doubles as a wireless adapter, or you can just leave it attached for a secure, wired connection. Even if you forget it, there\u2019s a hardware USB-C port on the Controller itself, plus built-in Bluetooth.<\/p>\n

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Everything\u2019s sounding pretty hot so far \u2014 so what\u2019s the catch? Well, there\u2019s that steep cost of admission, and at $99 this solution is quite a bit pricier than most wireless PC controllers \u2014 although admittedly, it\u2019s hard to find a good option with trackpads.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s maybe more concerning is the limited compatibility. The Steam Controller is made to work with Steam, and Steam alone. So while this will work just fine with PC games you play through Steam, as well as with the Steam Deck and upcoming Steam Frame and Machine, but it\u2019s not a generic Bluetooth controller you can use with non-Steam PC games. And that includes Android, as well \u2014 while you can connect over Bluetooth to your phone or tablet for playing via Steam Link, you won\u2019t be using this with native Android games.<\/p>\n

Even with those restrictions in mind, we imagine Valve\u2019s new Steam Controller will prove quite popular \u2014 especially once the rest of the company\u2019s new hardware arrives, ready to support it.<\/p>\n

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