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| Steam Controller shown on desktop |
A premature YouTube review has given us our clearest look yet at Valve’s unannounced Steam Controller 2 – and the internet is already debating its premium price.
If you’ve been following the endless drip of leaks about Valve’s new hardware, you know the signs: a mysterious FCC filing, whispers of a “Steam Machine” revival, and cryptic code references in SteamDB. But nothing compares to raw, unfiltered hands-on impressions. And thanks to a YouTuber who jumped the gun, we finally have them.
The channel Techy Talk briefly published a full video review of the upcoming Steam Controller – long enough for eagle-eyed fans to capture, download, and dissect every frame. The video has since been made private (likely due to an embargo violation), but the damage is done. Redditor Left4pillz uploaded a detailed breakdown to a third-party hosting site, preserving the review for posterity.
So, what’s the verdict? Spoiler: the controller is “more than satisfying.” But that $99.99 price tag? That’s where things get interesting.
A Controller Born From Steam Machines (and Leaks)
Let’s rewind. Valve’s original Steam Controller launched in 2015 alongside the first wave of Steam Machines – Linux-based gaming PCs meant to rival consoles. It was weird, wonderful, and divisive. The dual trackpads replaced traditional thumbsticks, and while some PC gamers adored the configurability, others called it a palm-stretching nightmare. The controller was discontinued in 2019.
Fast forward to 2026. Leaks from sources like Wario64 (the legendary deal-hunting X account) have been teasing a second-generation model for months. According to the now-offline Techy Talk review, the new Steam Controller retains that signature trackpad focus – but refines just about everything else.
👀 Watch the cached footage before it disappears:
Streamable mirror of Techy Talk’s Steam Controller review
The video shows a sleek, black peripheral that looks unmistakably Valve – minimalist, slightly chunky, and packed with buttons. But the real story is under the hood.
Dual Trackpads, TMR Sticks, and a Clickier D-Pad
The original Steam Controller’s trackpads were a love-’em-or-hate-’em affair. Techy Talk found the new version much more approachable. By default, the right trackpad acts as a cursor (like a laptop touchpad), while the left trackpad provides smooth scrolling. The YouTuber admitted that while they can’t fully replace a gaming mouse for competitive shooters, they felt “natural” and intuitive for everything else – from RTS games to desktop navigation.
But the biggest surprise? TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) thumbsticks. This is a major leap over the standard Hall-effect sensors found in some pro controllers. TMR promises even higher precision, lower power consumption, and – crucially – zero stick drift. Techy Talk raved about their “silky smooth movements,” noting that the resistance feels consistent and responsive.
The D-pad also got a glow-up. Described as “larger and clicky,” it’s a night-and-day upgrade from the mushy, divisive pad on the 2015 model. For fighting game fans and retro enthusiasts, this alone could be a selling point.
Ergonomics: Comfortable, But Slippery?
One of the original Steam Controller’s biggest criticisms was its odd, convex shape that didn’t fit all hand sizes. The new version appears to have addressed that. Techy Talk said the controller “comfortably sat in my hands” during extended sessions. There’s a gentle contour that cradles your palms better than before.
However, there’s a catch: no rubber grips on the handles. The reviewer noted that during intense gameplay – think sweaty Apex Legends matches or frantic Hollow Knight boss fights – the smooth plastic could get slippery. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a curious omission at the $100 price point.
Feature Set: Four Rear Buttons, No Headphone Jack
In a world where the Xbox Core and DualSense cost $70–75, what does an extra $25 get you? For starters, four programmable rear buttons (paddles). That’s double the Elite Series 2’s removable paddles (which are sold separately) and a huge win for competitive players who want jump, reload, or crouch without lifting their thumbs.
But there are trade-offs. Techy Talk confirmed no 3.5mm analog headphone jack – a feature both Sony and Microsoft include on their standard controllers. Valve seems to be betting that wireless headset users won’t mind, but it’s a noticeable omission for anyone who plugs in earbuds for late-night gaming.
Physical customization is also limited. Unlike the Xbox Elite or PlayStation DualSense Edge, you can’t swap thumbstick heights, change D-pad styles, or replace faceplate components. Valve appears to be offering a single, fixed configuration – albeit a very well-tuned one.
Is the Steam Controller Priced Right?
Let’s talk dollars. At $99.99 MSRP, the new Steam Controller sits in a strange middle ground:
| Controller | Price (MSRP) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Core Wireless | $69.99 | Standard layout, headphone jack |
| DualSense | $74.99 | Haptics, adaptive triggers, touchpad |
| Steam Controller (2026) | $99.99 | Dual trackpads, 4 rear buttons, TMR sticks |
| Xbox Elite Series 2 | $179.99 | Swappable parts, paddles, carrying case |
| DualSense Edge | $199.99 | Modular sticks, back buttons, software profiles |
Techy Talk gave the controller high marks overall, but admitted the price “will be an obstacle for some buyers.” On one hand, you’re getting unique trackpad functionality that no other mainstream controller offers. On the other, you’re paying $25–30 more than the console defaults without getting a built-in battery or headphone jack.
The reviewer did note that for PC gamers who primarily play strategy games, MMOs, or desktop-driven titles, the dual trackpads alone could justify the premium. “It’s not trying to beat an Xbox controller at its own game,” he said. “It’s offering a different way to play.”
What This Means for the Steam Machine and Valve’s VR Headset
Techy Talk’s video didn’t mention the long-rumored Frame VR headset or a potential Steam Machine 2.0 release date. However, leakers have suggested the controller will debut first – possibly as early as next month. Valve has remained silent, but given that a full review accidentally went live, an official announcement feels imminent.
The $99.99 controller pricing could also hint at the Steam Machine’s positioning. If Valve is targeting a more premium, enthusiast-grade living room PC, we might see a $599+ starting price for the full system. That would put it in direct competition with the PlayStation 5 Pro and high-end gaming handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally.
For now, all eyes are on Valve. The company has a history of surprising us – remember the Steam Deck’s launch? – and a new controller could be just the first domino.
The Bottom Line: Wait for the Embargo to Lift
As exciting as these leaked impressions are, take them with a grain of salt. Techy Talk’s video was clearly uploaded before the review embargo expired – a mistake that may have cost them their relationship with Valve. The footage on Streamable is genuine, but final retail units could still see tweaks.
We’ve reached out to Valve for comment and will update this article if we hear back.
In the meantime, if you’re a PC gamer who loved the original Steam Controller’s audacity – or you’re just tired of stick drift – the new model looks like a compelling, if pricey, upgrade. Just maybe wait for the official announcement before pre-ordering.
Source(s): Steam Controller review (cached), Wario64 X account – see original leak tweet here
Steam Controller will apparently cost $99, price mentioned in a review that accidentally went up early. Release/orders may be imminent.
— Wario64 (@Wario64) April 25, 2026
"Also at 99 dollars, it's not cheap, but it's only 25 dollars more than a PS5 controller."https://t.co/FpEAMnrR9Ihttps://t.co/ICDh97UR2g pic.twitter.com/kUuVQ51SA3