So you probably have seen Valve putting the steam controller up for pre-purchase!
Before discussing the video let's look at the history of the steam controller. Valve has put a ton of work into this thing. As with many of their other (successful) products and services, this project started as a vision. They wanted to take PC gaming to the living room - the "steam machine" initiative (which I will address another day - spoilers: I don't have high hopes). But they realized that the traditional controller had its limitations, and wanted to translate the functionality of a mouse and keyboard into the form factor of a controller. What we have now is the final culmination of their work, what they had delayed their steam machine release for-
The first prototype. RIP touchscreen
The second iteration, after taking criticism from various testings. Notice (although it's goddamn obvious) the removed touchscreen, and the added buttons.
The final model. Notice that the D-pad has been replaced with an analog joystick (this is important!). Also notably the left trackpad now has a cross-shaped indentation - however the right trackpad is now smooth.
It's being released (for those who preorder) on October 16, at a price point of 49.99 freedom units.
This makes or breaks whatever Valve plans to do next.
Before discussing the video let's look at the history of the steam controller. Valve has put a ton of work into this thing. As with many of their other (successful) products and services, this project started as a vision. They wanted to take PC gaming to the living room - the "steam machine" initiative (which I will address another day - spoilers: I don't have high hopes). But they realized that the traditional controller had its limitations, and wanted to translate the functionality of a mouse and keyboard into the form factor of a controller. What we have now is the final culmination of their work, what they had delayed their steam machine release for-
The first prototype. RIP touchscreen
The second iteration, after taking criticism from various testings. Notice (although it's goddamn obvious) the removed touchscreen, and the added buttons.
The final model. Notice that the D-pad has been replaced with an analog joystick (this is important!). Also notably the left trackpad now has a cross-shaped indentation - however the right trackpad is now smooth.
It's being released (for those who preorder) on October 16, at a price point of 49.99 freedom units.
This makes or breaks whatever Valve plans to do next.