Valve’s latest venture into hardware could see the return of the Steam Controller, this time potentially named “Ibex” and fashioned along the lines of popular console controllers. The speculation is buoyed by the expectation that this new gadget will integrate effortlessly with their Steam Deck, a device that’s been lauded for its success in Valve’s portfolio.
Hints of a revamped Steam Controller’s design have surfaced, suggesting it might see a far better reception than its predecessor. Valve has a history of creating gaming peripherals with varying success rates. While the Steam Deck has been a shining star for the company, leading to impressive sales, not all attempts have matched this triumph. Experiments like the original Steam Controller and Steam Machine eventually faced discontinuation.
Recently uncovered data supports the development of a redesigned Steam Controller, codenamed Ibex. The discovery stems from insights shared by YouTuber and reliable Valve insider Brad Lynch, who highlighted a rendermodel thumbnail hidden within the SteamVR drivers. Although the thumbnail doesn’t reveal exhaustive details, it does highlight some key modifications: restructured button placement, a second joystick, and dual touchpads. Interestingly, the Ibex seems to echo the aesthetics of contemporary console controllers, such as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, albeit with a taller profile due to its touchpads.
The advent of the Steam Deck may have spurred the decision to revamp the Steam Controller. While the Deck is a fully functional portable gaming device, a new controller designed to pair with it could attract users eager to link it to TVs or monitors. This new strategy could also be why the new controller’s design mirrors the Steam Deck’s layout, particularly its use of touchpads that aim for enhanced precision in games traditionally controlled by a mouse.
Lynch has indicated that production for this updated controller is underway at Valve’s facilities. The recent inclusion of the controller’s thumbnail in SteamVR suggests Valve might soon announce its official release, including specifics on pricing and availability. With an increase in controller usage noted on the Steam platform, Valve could be poised to make a timely push into the market. Fans are eagerly awaiting any forthcoming announcements, hoping for confirmation to soon follow.
