Steam Controller shows signs of life, as leaker suggests that Valve has received its “first large quantity” shipments
Valve has been one of the many companies affected by the ongoing memory and storage shortages. The situation has already forced the company to delay some of its upcoming hardware projects, including the Steam Machine and Steam Frame. Despite not being fitted with any storage or memory, the Steam Controller is also being held back by the same delays.
We’ve played with the idea that Valve should release the second-gen controller early while we’re stuck waiting for the other hardware to arrive, though that comes with its own drawbacks to think about. In any case, the release date for the trio of new Steam hardware is still set for 2026. The launch late last year projected an early 2026 release, but that’s no longer the case.
Latest update to Steam Controller progress
On X, Brad Lynch shared an interesting update (a well-known source of leaks for Valve and VR hardware). He says it “looks like” Valve has received its first large shipment of what is described as a “wireless PC controller” in the United States. This is the first real sign that the product may be getting closer to launch, and it could mean an official announcement is not too far away.
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As for what the controller offers, Valve is clearly aiming to deliver something more advanced than a standard gamepad. The device comes with a dedicated wireless “puck” that acts as both a fast, stable connection hub and a magnetic charging dock. It also supports Bluetooth and USB, giving users multiple ways to connect.
One of the standout features is the use of next-generation magnetic thumbsticks powered by TMR technology. These are designed to improve precision, responsiveness, and long-term durability. On top of that, the controller includes high-definition rumble, capable of delivering more detailed and realistic haptic feedback during gameplay.
Another key feature is the grip-enabled gyro system, called Grip Sense. This allows players to activate motion controls simply by holding the controller. The Steam Controller is also built to work seamlessly with other Valve hardware like the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Deck (if you’d rather have a more compact pad).
While there’s still no official release date, this latest shipment update is a strong sign that Valve is getting ready. If everything goes smoothly, we may hope to hear something official in the coming weeks. One of Valve’s previous updates placed them in the “first half of the year,” but time is quickly ticking away within that window.
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