Valve is rumored to be working on a new version of their Steam Controller, named Ibex, designed to resemble popular console gaming controllers. This upcoming model is expected to integrate smoothly with the successful Steam Deck.
A fresh leak has dropped hints about the awaited Steam Controller. The design appears to have undergone a significant makeover compared to its predecessor, which might just give it a better chance at catching on this time around.
Valve has tried its hand at various gaming hardware and peripherals over the years, with results varying widely. Among their successes, the Steam Deck stands out, selling exceptionally well, especially when considering both versions. However, not every device hit the mark; the original Steam Controller and the Steam Machine didn’t fare as well and were eventually phased out.
Recently, a piece of evidence regarding a revamped Steam Controller, internally called Ibex, has emerged from within Valve. This information comes from Brad Lynch, a well-known YouTuber and Valve enthusiast, who spotted a render model thumbnail tucked away in the SteamVR drivers. Though the thumbnail is not pixel-perfect, it reveals noteworthy adjustments from the earlier model. Notably, it has repositioned buttons, an added second stick, and dual touchpads. These features align it closer to beloved console controllers, like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, but with a taller stature due to the touchpads.
The question of why Valve would launch another controller after the first one flopped might cross some gamers’ minds. Part of the answer might be linked to the Steam Deck’s success. As a portable gaming device, it’s already enjoyed by many, but a new controller that integrates effortlessly with it might appeal to users wanting to connect their Decks to larger screens. This alignment in design, especially through the inclusion of touchpads akin to those on the Steam Deck, serves to enhance precision—ideal for games originally built for mouse navigation.
Lynch believes that Valve is gearing up for mass production of this revised Steam Controller. The inclusion of its thumbnail in the SteamVR assets suggests that Valve might be close to making an official declaration regarding the controller’s availability, pricing, and launch date. Valve has noted an uptick in controller usage within the Steam ecosystem, making now a potentially opportune moment to release a new controller. Until an official announcement is made, Valve enthusiasts will have to remain patient, hopeful that further details will drop soon.
