2:25 NOOOO!!! The right pad is supposed to be a mouse, not a right stick. Even for 3rd person gamepad games, if you are turning a camera its WAY better for the pad to be a mouse instead of a stick. The reason it "failed" is because it requires software customization on the end users part to get working well - and it has per game configuration, and not everyone is willing to do that. However, for those that are willing to do that the Steam Controller has zero competition. It is straight up the best pc gaming peripheral in gamepad form factor that was ever made. That makes it far more of an "enthusiasts" piece of kit than an "every gamer" piece of kit. As alluded to later in the video, its designed to cater much more heavily to pc games than gamepad games. This isnt an inherently bad thing, it just means its more akin to a specialized "genre peripheral" than a more generalized "do anything peripheral". Other genre peripherals would be things like arcade sticks/fight pads for fighting games, hotas' or steering wheels for vehicle sim games, etc. That said... for those that master the steam controller - both in muscle memory for its controls and the software customization - it can perform to a surprisingly high level in any genre of game. The Steam Decks controls are much more of a step backward than a step forward, putting innovation on the back burner to appeal to more traditional designs. The trackpads on the Deck are smaller, and in an ergonomically less ideal place for primary use. Gone are the dual stage triggers, and the back buttons on the Deck use a different design that is either better or worse depending on user preference (they are built more to be clicked in towards the Deck's screen - finger extension - while the Steam Controllers back buttons were meant to be squeezed into the grips - finger flexion). As someone deep in the steam controller community I will say that there have been people who got a Deck, experimented with the trackpads, decided to get a second hand Steam Controller as a result, experimented some more, and have kicked themselves for not getting a Steam Controller sooner. The biggest piece of advice I can offer anyone who is looking at experimenting with the Steam Controller is this: the sooner you stop comparing it to your xbox controller and complaining about what the Steam Controller isn't and instead start embracing the Steam Controller for what it actually is and can do, the happier you'll be with it and the more you'll get out of it.
I didn’t think of it from that perspective-thank you for your input! I can see the passion coming from PC players who are able to use a controller with trackpad mouse input for PC games more suited for that. Since I’ve been primarily a console gamer all my life I didn’t see 100% from that side of the fence.
Exactly. People crap on things just because they’re not willing to learn them. That’s what happened with Razer’s Tartarus lineup because it felt too unfamiliar to people. Now I literally can’t play on a standard keyboard. The same goes for the SC; Standard controller designs just don’t feel right anymore. I bought two SCs about a month ago, and I’m loving every bit of it. I keep looking for accessories for it; I just bought another controller with a green Foamy Lizard Silicone cover; I’m so excited to try it out.
@@LuckyAzazel That mode is hobbled by the fact that Steam Input does not perform proper Xbox 360 stick axis interpolation. I have verified this many times. It is only by one negative unit but it actually matters for some games that I play.
6:07 I use m&k at my desk and the SC in my theater room, and I feel just as accurate on both. You’ve just gotta learn to get used to higher sensitivities and gyro aim. I’ve been practicing in aim labs for about a month, and I feel like a god. Some advice: You need a higher sensitivity, and use gyro on right pad touch. Also, have a look at action layers, and learn to use left pad for movement. The best way to learn this controller is by trying something new; if you try learning with a game you’re familiar with, you’ll likely become frustrated and give up.
Man, you aren't even aware of the haptic gyro mouse aiming and the flick stick bindings. Look it up That's half of the magic of the steam controller. Imagine having a girlfriend for 8 years only to text her good morning, that's what you did with your steam controller. Good video, it raises our passion for squandered innovation.
I know I'm late, but there is a ton of missed potential here; but I think the sum of it is that customization was not fully explored. Once you dive into tinkering and optimization, the Steam Controller is one of the best controllers ever made... and I used to hate it
Also, just to note they didn’t discontinue it because it wasn’t in parity with the competition. There was a patent issue that caused them to discontinue selling the controller.
I have this controller, but didnt get the Deck yet. I still prefer the Xbox Series controller, but the Deck is pretty interesting to use. Actually, I've always used it with its default configurations and customizations or calibrations, my bad. The gyro is interesting, but needs calibration in order to be better appreciated.
Great video however, I can not get my steam controller to sync with my steam deck. Do I need to use the dongle to make that happen ? Bluetooth will not connect
you have to put steam controller into bluetooth mode using special button combination (and may be first you'll an update for steam controller via usb cable)
Pretty good overview of the Steam Controller. I still use mine quite a bit for playing various types of games. It would be nice if Valve would release a version 2 Steam Controller but I doubt that will ever happen.
Sorry but I can't say that steam deck is straight an improvement to the steam controller. Having both, steam controller has several strong sides. First it has dual stage triggers, which can allow for both digital and analogue action, and also allows to bind two game actions on one trigger, which would be distinct and comfortable to use. Second - trackpads are front and center, which is a blessing and a curse, making them more precise and comfortable, but also making other control parts a little awkward. Third - IMHO rumble are just better on the steam controller. In the end, we can't compare these two devices because they have different circumstances - one controls the handheld, glued to the screen and the heavy machine, and another is a plastic AA battery-powered controller. If we compare Steam Controller's to other controllers though, especially for steam usage, then Steam Controller would be one of the better choices: you'll get an awesome controls for mouse and keyboard focused games, you'll get back buttons that are customized as separate function (which is not the case for xbox elite and ps edge controllers), you'll get a ton of options and functions which sometimes needed in PC games. It is not the perfect thing, not the golden grail of video game controllers. It is very niche device which also requires training to use. You'll NEED to customize it for each game, you would get far worse device for games that are gamepad focused, because trackpads bad for stick emulation, face buttons are awkward to use, and d-pad is non existant really. For gamers it is one of the tools, thanks for that. But for newbies it is a bad device altogether.
if they just cut off the two sides of a steam deck and glued them together... with the same level of open documentation and sourcing of parts... i would easily pay 150-200 bucks.
I thought the same too, but keep in mind that you'll get totally vertical handles, not angled as in any controllers. I don't know what the result would be, but from my controller collection - the more squarish design the more uncomfortable it gets. There's reason most of handheld are squarish looking, and controllers are slanted So probably it wouldn't be that awesome. Still steam deck controls and comfort level are very high
The only thing that is still better on the steam controller is the 2 stage triggers whilst steamdeck emulates this feature with software it's just not as good
5:52 "The trackpads have good use cases for PC games that are more accurate with mouse options... while first person games feel better as you can flick the trackpad but even then, the precision of a physical control stick is more accurate in this situation." You contradicted yourself. Why is the physical control stick more accurate in an FPS than the trackpad as a mouse? Are you insisting that physical control sticks are the better way to aim in FPS than a mouse?? Maybe if your FPS had generous aim-assist like Overwatch or Halo... Gyroscope was at least mentioned, but did you even "try" to combine the trackpad with the gyro for the aiming? Many Steam Controller fanatics will stand by this, talk to them. Yet another review that takes a brief glance over this controller, and for many years after it's discontinued. You can't get anything out of it if you don't take the time. But whatever, next RUclips video up on the upload queue, no time to waste.
Good video but man you're totally missing the point. Which is? GYRO AIMING!!! Gee man the way you analyze this is as 99% of the population thinks and don't get me wrong I'm not trying to be rude, it's just that controllers are plain obsolete, microsoft is doing a disservice to the community with the hardware of a 25 year old console. Steam controller innovated, people were to mind numbed playing fifa and cod. Try gyro, and dont get impatient for only 5 minutes, welcome to the future of gaming.
2:25 NOOOO!!!
The right pad is supposed to be a mouse, not a right stick. Even for 3rd person gamepad games, if you are turning a camera its WAY better for the pad to be a mouse instead of a stick.
The reason it "failed" is because it requires software customization on the end users part to get working well - and it has per game configuration, and not everyone is willing to do that. However, for those that are willing to do that the Steam Controller has zero competition. It is straight up the best pc gaming peripheral in gamepad form factor that was ever made. That makes it far more of an "enthusiasts" piece of kit than an "every gamer" piece of kit.
As alluded to later in the video, its designed to cater much more heavily to pc games than gamepad games. This isnt an inherently bad thing, it just means its more akin to a specialized "genre peripheral" than a more generalized "do anything peripheral". Other genre peripherals would be things like arcade sticks/fight pads for fighting games, hotas' or steering wheels for vehicle sim games, etc. That said... for those that master the steam controller - both in muscle memory for its controls and the software customization - it can perform to a surprisingly high level in any genre of game.
The Steam Decks controls are much more of a step backward than a step forward, putting innovation on the back burner to appeal to more traditional designs. The trackpads on the Deck are smaller, and in an ergonomically less ideal place for primary use. Gone are the dual stage triggers, and the back buttons on the Deck use a different design that is either better or worse depending on user preference (they are built more to be clicked in towards the Deck's screen - finger extension - while the Steam Controllers back buttons were meant to be squeezed into the grips - finger flexion).
As someone deep in the steam controller community I will say that there have been people who got a Deck, experimented with the trackpads, decided to get a second hand Steam Controller as a result, experimented some more, and have kicked themselves for not getting a Steam Controller sooner.
The biggest piece of advice I can offer anyone who is looking at experimenting with the Steam Controller is this: the sooner you stop comparing it to your xbox controller and complaining about what the Steam Controller isn't and instead start embracing the Steam Controller for what it actually is and can do, the happier you'll be with it and the more you'll get out of it.
I didn’t think of it from that perspective-thank you for your input! I can see the passion coming from PC players who are able to use a controller with trackpad mouse input for PC games more suited for that. Since I’ve been primarily a console gamer all my life I didn’t see 100% from that side of the fence.
Doode. Mouse as joystick feels so good. Love the trackball emulation feel when controlling the camera in games.
Exactly. People crap on things just because they’re not willing to learn them. That’s what happened with Razer’s Tartarus lineup because it felt too unfamiliar to people. Now I literally can’t play on a standard keyboard. The same goes for the SC; Standard controller designs just don’t feel right anymore.
I bought two SCs about a month ago, and I’m loving every bit of it. I keep looking for accessories for it; I just bought another controller with a green Foamy Lizard Silicone cover; I’m so excited to try it out.
@@LuckyAzazel That mode is hobbled by the fact that Steam Input does not perform proper Xbox 360 stick axis interpolation. I have verified this many times. It is only by one negative unit but it actually matters for some games that I play.
6:07 I use m&k at my desk and the SC in my theater room, and I feel just as accurate on both. You’ve just gotta learn to get used to higher sensitivities and gyro aim. I’ve been practicing in aim labs for about a month, and I feel like a god.
Some advice:
You need a higher sensitivity, and use gyro on right pad touch. Also, have a look at action layers, and learn to use left pad for movement. The best way to learn this controller is by trying something new; if you try learning with a game you’re familiar with, you’ll likely become frustrated and give up.
Man, you aren't even aware of the haptic gyro mouse aiming and the flick stick bindings. Look it up That's half of the magic of the steam controller.
Imagine having a girlfriend for 8 years only to text her good morning, that's what you did with your steam controller.
Good video, it raises our passion for squandered innovation.
I know I'm late, but there is a ton of missed potential here; but I think the sum of it is that customization was not fully explored. Once you dive into tinkering and optimization, the Steam Controller is one of the best controllers ever made... and I used to hate it
I still have the Steam Controller so maybe a follow up video would be a good idea in the future :)
Also, just to note they didn’t discontinue it because it wasn’t in parity with the competition. There was a patent issue that caused them to discontinue selling the controller.
This is a really awesome video! The editing and pacing feel spot on! How your channel doesn't have at least 1k subs is beyond me!
Wow, thank you! That means a lot 🙏🏽
There have been rumors of Valve releasing an update for this marketed for the Deck. I hope the popularity of the Deck makes that true
me too!
I have this controller, but didnt get the Deck yet. I still prefer the Xbox Series controller, but the Deck is pretty interesting to use. Actually, I've always used it with its default configurations and customizations or calibrations, my bad. The gyro is interesting, but needs calibration in order to be better appreciated.
Great video however, I can not get my steam controller to sync with my steam deck. Do I need to use the dongle to make that happen ? Bluetooth will not connect
you have to put steam controller into bluetooth mode using special button combination (and may be first you'll an update for steam controller via usb cable)
@@MrKinein hey…. Thanks I got in touch with valve tech and they sent me the updated software that I needed.
Only controller I could get to work for Sable. I tried a few
Glad it was able to work for you!
As an OCP leader we love the videos!
Pretty good overview of the Steam Controller. I still use mine quite a bit for playing various types of games. It would be nice if Valve would release a version 2 Steam Controller but I doubt that will ever happen.
If they do…I’ll make sure to review it! Thank you for the kind words.
Does it work well for football games like efootball and fifa?
Why do you randomly add subtitles?
Sorry but I can't say that steam deck is straight an improvement to the steam controller. Having both, steam controller has several strong sides. First it has dual stage triggers, which can allow for both digital and analogue action, and also allows to bind two game actions on one trigger, which would be distinct and comfortable to use. Second - trackpads are front and center, which is a blessing and a curse, making them more precise and comfortable, but also making other control parts a little awkward. Third - IMHO rumble are just better on the steam controller. In the end, we can't compare these two devices because they have different circumstances - one controls the handheld, glued to the screen and the heavy machine, and another is a plastic AA battery-powered controller.
If we compare Steam Controller's to other controllers though, especially for steam usage, then Steam Controller would be one of the better choices: you'll get an awesome controls for mouse and keyboard focused games, you'll get back buttons that are customized as separate function (which is not the case for xbox elite and ps edge controllers), you'll get a ton of options and functions which sometimes needed in PC games.
It is not the perfect thing, not the golden grail of video game controllers. It is very niche device which also requires training to use. You'll NEED to customize it for each game, you would get far worse device for games that are gamepad focused, because trackpads bad for stick emulation, face buttons are awkward to use, and d-pad is non existant really. For gamers it is one of the tools, thanks for that. But for newbies it is a bad device altogether.
if they just cut off the two sides of a steam deck and glued them together... with the same level of open documentation and sourcing of parts... i would easily pay 150-200 bucks.
I thought the same too, but keep in mind that you'll get totally vertical handles, not angled as in any controllers. I don't know what the result would be, but from my controller collection - the more squarish design the more uncomfortable it gets. There's reason most of handheld are squarish looking, and controllers are slanted
So probably it wouldn't be that awesome. Still steam deck controls and comfort level are very high
I want Steam Cobtroller V2.0.
The only thing that is still better on the steam controller is the 2 stage triggers whilst steamdeck emulates this feature with software it's just not as good
steam deck is the reason I pulled out my steam controller. It was a cool idea, but not greatly implemented.
5:52 "The trackpads have good use cases for PC games that are more accurate with mouse options... while first person games feel better as you can flick the trackpad but even then, the precision of a physical control stick is more accurate in this situation."
You contradicted yourself. Why is the physical control stick more accurate in an FPS than the trackpad as a mouse? Are you insisting that physical control sticks are the better way to aim in FPS than a mouse?? Maybe if your FPS had generous aim-assist like Overwatch or Halo...
Gyroscope was at least mentioned, but did you even "try" to combine the trackpad with the gyro for the aiming? Many Steam Controller fanatics will stand by this, talk to them.
Yet another review that takes a brief glance over this controller, and for many years after it's discontinued. You can't get anything out of it if you don't take the time.
But whatever, next RUclips video up on the upload queue, no time to waste.
Good video but man you're totally missing the point.
Which is? GYRO AIMING!!!
Gee man the way you analyze this is as 99% of the population thinks and don't get me wrong I'm not trying to be rude, it's just that controllers are plain obsolete, microsoft is doing a disservice to the community with the hardware of a 25 year old console.
Steam controller innovated, people were to mind numbed playing fifa and cod.
Try gyro, and dont get impatient for only 5 minutes, welcome to the future of gaming.
💯💯💯💯💯