Leak Teases New Steam Controller

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Key Takeaways

  • Valve may release a new Steam Controller called Ibex, resembling popular console controllers.
  • The new controller may be designed to work seamlessly with the successful Steam Deck.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation upon hearing about the potential return of Valve’s hardware division. The Steam Controller, much like the phoenix, seems to be rising from its ashes, and I for one, am intrigued.

A new leak has provided a hint as to what the rumored new Steam Controller will look like. The rumored Steam Controller looks to have had a major overhaul from the prior iteration, which may help it to find more success than its predecessor.

Valve has consistently attempted to create gaming hardware and accessories, some attempts being more successful than others. The Steam Deck stands out as one of Valve’s notable triumphs beyond their PC gaming platform, with both versions of this device proving popular for the company. Unfortunately, not all ventures have been victorious for Valve; products such as the original Steam Controller and the Steam Machine were eventually discontinued by the company.

Recently, there’s been some fresh information suggesting that Steam is developing a revised Steam Controller, known as Ibex, internally. This revelation comes from a trusted source within Valve and popular YouTuber, Brad Lynch. He discovered a render model thumbnail hidden in the SteamVR drivers on the platform. Although the render isn’t overly detailed, it shows several modifications compared to the original design. The most apparent changes include rearranging the buttons, adding a secondary control stick, and incorporating two touchpads. In terms of appearance, the Ibex Steam Controller shares some characteristics with modern console controllers such as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, but due to the inclusion of the touch pads, it appears taller in the render.

Digging Into Steam’s Second Controller

Some gamers might ponder why Steam would introduce a fresh controller given that the initial one didn’t last long. The reason could be connected to the advent of the Steam Deck. Although the Steam Deck is a standalone portable gaming device, launching a new controller that seamlessly syncs with it could attract fans who prefer connecting their Steam Decks to a TV or external monitor. This move might also explain why the new Steam controller shares certain design elements with the Steam Deck’s controls, such as the two touch pads that enhance precise movement in games originally designed for mouse control.

Previously, Lynch stated that the Steam Controller is being prepared for large-scale manufacturing within Valve’s facilities. Given the recent inclusion of the controller in the SteamVR thumbnail, it seems possible that the company might soon announce its official launch, including pricing and release date details. Since Valve has reported a significant rise in controller usage on Steam, it appears they want to capitalize on this momentum. For now, Steam enthusiasts can only wait and hope for an announcement from the company in the near future.

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2024-11-28 03:43