PC gamers who enjoy playing from their living rooms with Steam Link and Big Picture Mode have something new to celebrate. Valve and Hori have released the Wireless Horipad, an officially licensed controller. Nearly five years after discontinuing the original Steam Controller, Valve is now supporting more controller options for PC gaming.
The New Controller Designed for Steam Gamers
The Wireless Horipad is crafted with the Steam ecosystem in mind. The Horipad’s design takes inspiration from Valve’s popular handheld PC, the Steam Deck. It features a familiar button layout that matches well with the Deck’s interface. Special menu buttons allow players to switch easily between handheld and controller gaming. This creates a unified experience across Valve’s ecosystem.
One standout feature is the touch-sensitive thumbsticks. These allow for gyroscope controls, a feature gaining popularity for its precision. The Horipad offers players finer control in first-person shooters and smoother camera movement in exploration-heavy games, adding to the immersive experience.
Customization Options for the Hardcore Gamer
Customization is a big draw for the Wireless Horipad. Hori’s software lets players remap four key buttons: two on the back and two on the front. This option appeals to players who want more control, especially in games that demand quick access to multiple actions, such as competitive fighting games, strategy games, and MMOs.
While the Horipad draws inspiration from the Steam Deck, it has a unique identity focused on key functionalities. Notably, the controller omits features like rumble feedback, trackpads, and additional rear buttons found on the Steam Deck. This streamlined design is intended to appeal to a broad audience, especially those who prefer a more traditional gamepad experience.
Is This the Future of Steam Controllers?
The Wireless Horipad signals a potential shift in Valve’s approach to controllers. Gamepad use on Steam has steadily grown, and Valve’s partnership with Hori hints at a more open controller ecosystem for PC. Similar to the options available on Xbox consoles, we may see a variety of officially licensed controllers with unique features tailored for different genres and preferences.
Imagine a future with Steam-compatible controllers that offer options like advanced haptics, more programmable buttons, and custom layouts. The Wireless Horipad may be the first step toward that vision.
Launch Details and Price
The Wireless Horipad will debut on October 31, 2024, with an initial release in Japan. Although it will be exclusive to Japan at launch, its similarity to Hori’s wired Horipad Pro for Xbox raises hopes for a global rollout. Priced at $50, this controller is an appealing option for budget-conscious gamers who want Steam Deck-inspired features without a high price tag.
The Legacy of the Steam Controller Lives On
The Wireless Horipad isn’t a direct successor to the original Steam Controller, but it shares the same spirit of innovation. The Steam Controller, with its trackpads and deep configurability, stood out for PC gamers who wanted more control than standard gamepads allowed. Though Valve discontinued it, its legacy has paved the way for a future where controllers offer more flexibility and customization.
With the Wireless Horipad, Valve and Hori are breathing new life into Steam’s controller options. It shows Valve’s commitment to adapting to PC gamers’ needs, even if the journey toward a fully realized Steam controller ecosystem is just beginning. For now, the Wireless Horipad injects fresh excitement into the PC gaming scene, and it may just be a preview of more versatile controller options to come.
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