Steam Controller Worth A Pre-Order? New Details: Templates, Triggers, Haptic Feedback
56Valve has finally given a release date and more info on the steam controller. Let's take an in depth look at this Steam device and see it's worth pre-ordering.
The Steam controller has been through many iterations and had such a high amount of mixed responses since it was announced. For one thing it offers an official solution to controllers on Steam. Ironically the Xbox controllers are perfectly compatible for the games and even Steam big picture, but valve refuses to promote Microsoft hardware as their official controller.
However beyond that debate, the Steam controller introduces many new features that no other controller has had so far. Since the purpose of Steam is to bring PC gaming in to the living room, it offers more utility for PC operation and mouse and keyboard specific functions. And new in this video, we're seeing a new level of customization. The big picture mode has a Steam controller interface that shows all of the buttons and then another area for templates. Now this is huge because it removes the pain of having to change binds or even just to set them in the first place. And there's even a community templates section where you can download profiles that other people have created. There's templates for mimicking a mouse, first person shooter specific templates, and even a twin stick shooter. This is a very smart move by Valve because it will make early adoption very strong. My biggest concern about the Steam controller was the plug and play ease of use and it looks like it should have that. These days, there isn't a one size fits all solution in pc gaming and Valve realizes this. That's why they are putting so much versatility into this controller.
We also see that it has potential for surfing the web by using the controller as a mouse and keyboard replacement. And it will easily allow for multiple players which has been another big barrier for PC gaming in the living room. Although couch co-op is probably at its lowest level of popularity, there are tons of couch co-op games on Steam and it's something that has been neglected on PC.
As far as the controls, the dual trackpads look like they provide an accurate d pad and right analog stick replacement. The haptic feedback when you touch the pads is a very big part of the control and I'm glad they kept it in. The triggers also have an analog as well as digital function which looks like it will work well for shooters.
There are still technical issues that may be holding the Steam controller back. For one thing it runs on AA batteries, which I can't believe they are still doing this. Xbox One also has the same problem. Batteries are cumbersome and most devices these days should utilize lithium ion for plug and play and recharging over USB. And it says that AA batteries will only last up to 80 hours of gameplay. They also haven't stated how the wireless functionality will work. Bluetooth controllers on PC are always a pain to deal with pairing. Especially if you have multiple devices. And then sometimes motherboards don't have Bluetooth built in, so you need a Bluetooth dongle. It would be smarter to just have a dedicated dongle for the Steam controller so you don't have any pairing issues.
I wouldn't pre order just yet. I think the Steam controller is doing a lot of positive things, but I'm not sure if it's entirely better than using an Xbox controller or a high end mouse and keyboard setup. We're also expecting an Xbox One wireless adapter sometime soon which could be a better solution.
Do you think the Steam controller is going to be your new dedicated gaming controller? Or will you stick with the xbox controller or mouse and keyboard setups? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to the skilled youtube channel for more news on Steam and consoles.
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