Key takeaways
- Unmatched configurability on the original via Steam Input.
- Modern successors offer drift-free Hall/TMR sticks and high polling rates.
- Native Steam integration on the HORIPAD makes setup trivial.
- Rear paddles and remapping live on in newer pads.
What's inside
The original Steam Controller was Valve’s bold, divisive experiment: dual trackpads, a huge configuration engine, and the promise of playing every PC game, even mouse-driven ones, from the couch. Years after it was discontinued, people still search for a review of the Steam Controller, both out of nostalgia and to figure out what modern pad best captures its Steam-first magic.
This review looks at the Steam Controller itself and then at the current gamepads that have inherited its role, from Hall-effect powerhouses to officially Steam-designed pads, so you can decide whether to hunt down the original or buy something better suited to today’s library.
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Watch: Review Of Steam Controller: Review & Buyer’s Guide — Video Review
Design & Build
The Steam Controller’s shape remains unmistakable: a single traditional stick, two clickable haptic trackpads, and rear grip paddles. It felt strange at first and brilliant once configured. Its spiritual successors improve on the ergonomics dramatically. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and Ultimate 2C use conventional, comfortable layouts with premium Hall-effect and TMR joysticks, the HORI Wireless HORIPAD for Steam is purpose-built with Steam in mind, and Sony’s DualSense brings a wide, well-balanced body with adaptive triggers. The AceGamer Aurora II leans gamer with RGB Hall-effect sticks and back buttons.
Performance
Where the Steam Controller shined was flexibility, its trackpads let you emulate a mouse for strategy and shooter games no other pad handled well. In raw responsiveness, though, the newer options crush it. The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 delivers a 1000Hz polling rate, drift-resistant Hall sticks, and an 8-speed 2.4G connection that feels tournament-grade. The HORIPAD for Steam integrates natively with Steam Input for painless mapping, and the DualSense’s motion control and haptics elevate supported titles. For remappable extras, the Aurora II and Ultimate 2C both add rear buttons the original made famous.
Pros & Cons
- Unmatched configurability on the original via Steam Input.
- Modern successors offer drift-free Hall/TMR sticks and high polling rates.
- Native Steam integration on the HORIPAD makes setup trivial.
- Rear paddles and remapping live on in newer pads.
- The original is discontinued and prices on the used market fluctuate.
- Trackpad learning curve turns off many players.
- No Hall-effect sticks on the aging original, so drift is a risk.
Alternatives to Consider
If you loved the trackpad idea, the Steam Deck’s built-in pads are the closest living relative. Players who just want a bulletproof PC controller should look hard at the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 for its Hall sticks and dock. Console-crossover users may prefer the DualSense, which pairs beautifully with PS5, PC, and mobile in one purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the original Steam Controller still worth buying?
Only for enthusiasts who want its unique trackpads and don’t mind the learning curve. For most people, a modern Hall-effect pad is a better daily driver.
Which controller works best with Steam today?
The HORI Wireless HORIPAD for Steam is built specifically for the platform, while the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 offers excellent Steam Input support with premium hardware.
Do these controllers suffer from stick drift?
The 8BitDo and AceGamer models use Hall-effect or TMR sticks that resist drift far better than the original’s potentiometer sticks.
Can I use a DualSense on PC?
Yes, the DualSense works over USB or Bluetooth on PC, with full support in Steam and many native titles.
Verdict
The Steam Controller remains a fascinating piece of hardware, but as a daily controller in 2026 it’s outclassed. For native Steam play, the HORIPAD for Steam is the natural heir; for the best all-round hardware, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 wins with its Hall sticks and 1000Hz polling. Chase the original for the novelty, but buy a modern pad if you actually want to game.
