Steam Controller launches May 4 for $99 – leaked review reveals photos and specs
Japanese outlet 4Gamer accidentally published an early review of Valve's new Steam Controller, listing a May 4 release date.
The article and accompanying social media post were taken down quickly, but Reddit users managed to save screenshots with the key details. An earlier leak from a separate outlet had already pointed to a $99 price tag.
At $99, the Steam Controller would be the most expensive gamepad among its direct competitors. Sony's DualSense goes for $74.99, and the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller sits at $89.99.
The leaked review also included some technical specs. The controller weighs 292 grams, comes with a USB cable, and includes a magnetic puck that doubles as both a charging dock and a wireless receiver. Photos in the review featured comparisons with the back of an Xbox controller and the original 2015 Steam Controller.
The new controller's ergonomics follow the same design language as the Steam Deck – alongside standard buttons and analog sticks, it features a pair of side touchpads and four extra buttons on the back.
Other features include six-axis gyroscope support and replaceable parts for when things wear out. The magnetic puck attaches to the back of the controller and charges the battery without needing a direct cable connection.
No official release date for the Steam Machine has been announced yet. Valve previously said the controller would be bundled with the PC, so launching the Steam Controller separately ahead of the full lineup makes sense as a lead-up move.
Valve originally planned to release the new lineup of devices in early 2026, but a global memory shortage pushed the timeline back. In February, Valve said it was forced to "reassess the exact timing of shipments and pricing," while still aiming to ship all three devices in the first half of the year.
