Steam Controller

The Steam Controller has been designed to put your entire Steam library at your fingertips across a wide range of supported devices. Built specifically for Steam and fully configurable through Steam Input, the controller can be used with PCs, laptops, Steam Deck, Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and other compatible devices running Steam or the Steam Link app. Traditional gamepad controls are combined with precision trackpads, motion controls, capacitive inputs, and assignable grip buttons so different game genres can be played with a control setup that suits each title.

A flexible wireless experience is provided through the included Steam Controller Puck, which functions as both a 2.4GHz wireless transmitter and a magnetic charging station. Bluetooth and USB-C connections are also supported for additional flexibility. Next-generation TMR magnetic thumbsticks, HD haptic feedback, a 6-axis IMU, Grip Sense technology, and dual pressure-sensitive trackpads have been incorporated to provide precise and responsive control.

Extended gaming sessions have also been considered in the design. Thumbsticks, buttons, bumpers, triggers, and rear grip buttons have been positioned for comfortable access, while a 35+ hour battery life is provided by the integrated 8.39 Wh Li-ion battery. Through Steam Input, controller configurations can be customized, shared, or selected from community configurations created for thousands of Steam games.

Key Features

TMR Magnetic Thumbsticks

Two full-size magnetic thumbsticks are included and are built using TMR technology. Improved feel, responsiveness, and long-term reliability are provided, while capacitive touch support can be used together with motion controls.

Steam Controller Puck

The included Steam Controller Puck is designed to serve two purposes. A fast and stable 2.4GHz wireless connection is provided, while the controller can also be magnetically connected to the puck for charging. Up to four Steam Controllers can be connected through a single puck.

High-Definition Haptic Feedback

Four haptic motors are integrated into the controller. Two LRA motors are placed in the trackpads for HD tactile feedback, while two high-output LRA motors are positioned in the grips for detailed game haptics and rumble effects.

Grip Sense Gyro Control

Grip Sense has been introduced as a capacitive input along the rear handles. Gyro aiming can be enabled or disabled simply by holding or releasing the controller, and the Grip Sense areas can also be mapped like other controller inputs.

Dual Precision Trackpads

Two 34.5 mm square trackpads are provided with haptic feedback and pressure sensitivity. Click strength can be configured, while additional precision can be provided for games traditionally designed around mouse and keyboard controls.

6-Axis Motion Control

A 6-axis IMU is built into the Steam Controller for motion-based input. Gyro control can be combined with capacitive thumbsticks and Grip Sense for more precise aiming and movement.

Four Assignable Grip Buttons

Four rear grip buttons are included and can be individually assigned through Steam Input. Additional commands can therefore be accessed without requiring the thumbs to be removed from the thumbsticks or trackpads.

Full Steam Input Customization

The Steam Controller has been designed around Steam Input. Controls can be remapped and customized for individual games, while community-created configurations can be used and shared. Input parity with Steam Deck allows configurations for thousands of games to be made available.

Multiple Connectivity Options

A 2.4GHz wireless connection through the Steam Controller Puck, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB-C tethered play are supported, allowing the connection method to be selected according to the gaming setup.

35+ Hours of Gameplay

An 8.39 Wh Li-ion battery is integrated and is rated for more than 35 hours of gameplay. Battery life is reduced when tracked gameplay is being used with Steam Frame.

Designed Across the Steam Hardware Ecosystem

Compatibility has been designed around devices running Steam or the Steam Link app, including Windows PCs, Linux PCs, tablets, smartphones, Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Steam Frame. Infrared LEDs also allow the controller to be tracked by Steam Frame cameras during VR use.

Dedicated Steam & Quick Access Controls

The Steam button is used as both the power button and a fast way to access the Steam library, store, controls, settings, and other features. A dedicated Quick Access Menu button is also provided for notifications, friends, Steam Chat, shortcuts, and other frequently accessed functions.

Technical Specifications

Controls and Input

Gamepad Controls

• A, B, X, Y buttons
• D-pad
• L & R analog triggers
• L & R bumpers
• View & Menu buttons
• Steam & QAM buttons
• 4x assignable grip buttons

Thumbsticks

• 2x full-size magnetic thumbsticks (TMR) with capacitive touch

Haptics

• 4x haptic motors
• 2x LRA haptic motors in trackpads for HD tactile feedback
• 2x high-output LRA haptic motors in grips for HD game haptics including rumble

Trackpads

• 2x 34.5 mm square trackpads with haptic feedback
• Pressure-sensitive for configurable click strength

Gyro

• 6-axis IMU

Grip Sense

• 2x capacitive areas along back of Steam Controller handles

Connectivity

Steam Controller Puck

• 2.4GHz wireless connection
• ~8ms full end-to-end, 4ms polling rate (measured at 5m)
• Up to 4 Steam Controllers per Steam Controller Puck
• Steam Controller Puck connects to PC via USB-C

Bluetooth

• Bluetooth 4.2 minimum
• Bluetooth 5.0 or higher recommended

USB

• USB-C tethered play

Power

Charging

• Steam Controller Puck charging interface
• USB-C connector

Battery

• 8.39 Wh Li-ion battery
• 35+ hours of gameplay*
• Battery life for tracked gameplay with Steam Frame is reduced

Size and Weight

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

Compatibility

The Steam Controller can be used with any compatible PC or device running Steam or the Steam Link app. Supported device categories include:

• Windows PCs
• Linux PCs
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Steam Deck
• Steam Machine
• Steam Frame

On macOS, the Steam Controller is not compatible with some Steam titles because those games rely on Apple’s Game Controller framework. No timeline has been provided for when this issue may be resolved.

Conclusion

The Steam Controller has been designed as a highly customizable wireless gaming controller for the Steam ecosystem. TMR magnetic thumbsticks, dual pressure-sensitive trackpads, Grip Sense, 6-axis gyro controls, four assignable rear buttons, HD haptics, multiple connection methods, and more than 35 hours of battery life are combined in a single controller. With extensive Steam Input support and compatibility across Steam Deck, PC, Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and other supported Steam devices, a versatile control system is provided for traditional gamepad titles as well as games originally designed around mouse and keyboard input.