A fresh leak has sparked excitement by offering a sneak peek at what Valve’s much-anticipated new Steam Controller might look like. This upcoming iteration seems to be a significant departure from the original model, which might just be the key to achieving greater success than its predecessor managed.
Valve’s ventures into hardware and gaming peripherals have seen mixed results over the years. The Steam Deck, however, stands out as a notable triumph, gaining traction and high sales for the company, marking it as one of their most successful ventures outside the realm of their core PC gaming platform. Yet, not all efforts have hit the mark, with the original Steam Controller and the ambitious Steam Machine both eventually phasing out of production due to underwhelming demand.
Now, it seems Valve is gearing up to make another bold move in the hardware space. Dubbed the Ibex, this reimagined Steam Controller is reportedly in the pipeline, according to insights unearthed by YouTuber and Valve insider Brad Lynch. The evidence comes in the form of a render model thumbnail found tucked away within the SteamVR drivers. Although the image isn’t bursting with details, it reveals substantial tweaks from the first version, such as a new button layout, an additional control stick, and dual touchpads. What’s particularly interesting is the Ibex seems to draw inspiration from contemporary console controllers like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, yet the inclusion of touchpads could make it appear taller overall.
This endeavor raises an interesting question: Why introduce a new controller now, especially given the original’s struggles? A big part of that answer could lie with the Steam Deck. While the Deck is fully operational as a standalone handheld, a compatible controller could entice users who prefer gaming on a bigger screen or those seeking more precise control for certain titles, thanks to mouse-style touchpad integration.
Lynch has also highlighted that this new controller is on the brink of mass production within Valve’s plants. With the appearance of the render in the SteamVR database, it seems Valve might be edging toward unveiling official details about the controller’s launch, cost, and availability. There’s a strategic element to this timing too, considering Valve’s observation of heightened controller usage on Steam itself. Until Valve decides to lift the curtain, though, eager fans will have to sit tight. Hopefully, it won’t be long before we hear something concrete.
In the meantime, for fans who haven’t kept up, Steam continues to be Valve’s powerhouse digital storefront. Launching back in 2003, it revolutionized the way gamers purchase, play, and even mod their favorite games, all via a single, convenient platform.
