Steam Controller Price Leak Reveals $99 Launch Cost and Premium Features

There have been all sorts of Steam Controller leaks in recent days, but this one reveals the price.

Valve's Steam Controller has seen a steady stream of leaks, but the latest one adds to the growing detail on the controller's price and features. However, many expected the controller to be more affordable, in the $60-$70 range.

Still, the new leak indicates Valve is currently charging a premium price for it. As well as the price, the leak also points out features such as TMR sticks, onboard haptics, gyro controls triggered by the controller's grip, and a wireless puck for PC connectivity.

Steam Controller to Launch at $99

Steam Controller will apparently be available for $99. This is a bit of a shock, particularly as we were thinking more along the lines of $60 to $70. The $99 price, however, is not totally unexpected. Valve may be looking for a higher profit margin, or the hardware itself may be more expensive to build, but it is justifiable.

With its high-end internals, wireless puck, and new input devices, the price can be justified. Another interesting thing to note in the leaked video is that review controllers are in circulation. In the background, we see Bill from Nerd Nest, and know that at least some reviewers are already receiving controllers.

We don't have one ourselves, but that does not mean we're not looking forward to it. We are already planning to purchase one at launch, and many others will too.

The Gyro is Triggered by a Grip

Gyro controls have traditionally been hard to use for many gamers. It can be awkward to use the right analog stick and aim with the gyro simultaneously. Steam Controller's gyro trigger, which is activated by the grips, could help streamline that process.

Rather than having to pull the trigger, aiming with the gyro can be triggered by gripping the side grips. This will provide a smoother link between stick aim and gyro. If you have tried using gyro and found it frustrating, this may be the key to success.

Wireless Puck May Allow PC Wake

Steam Controller's wireless puck could prove to be one of its best features. In addition to its low-latency Bluetooth connection, it could also enable users to wake their PCs. This is not something that most Bluetooth dongles can do. If properly implemented, you may be able to switch the PC on from the living room and jump right into playing.

This, along with the touchpads, should make desktop navigation a breeze. You'll still need Steam to use the controller. Without it, the controller will probably revert to a simple input scheme until Steam boots up.

TMR Sticks Offer New Analog Sticks

The other big improvement comes in the form of TMR analog sticks. This is a hall-effect system rather than a conventional potentiometer, which is less power-intensive and more rugged. This is the next iteration of the initial Hall-effect sticks. This should lead to increased accuracy, responsiveness, and stick drift.

It is also anticipated to improve battery life. So far, we have seen estimates of up to 30 hours of battery life per charge, which would rank the new controller among the longest-lasting wireless controllers.

Steam Deck Haptics Return

Valve appears to be bringing Steam Deck's haptics to the new controller. This should provide consistent tactile cues, particularly on the trackpads. It's not clear if the triggers will have a dual-stage, but the haptic system should be a good start.

Steam Machine and Steam Frame May Be Delayed

The leak also suggests that Valve plans to release the Steam Controller before other hardware. Previous reports suggested it would be released with the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame. This appears no longer to be the case. Only the controller appears to have been sent to reviewers, so it appears the other devices may have been delayed.

Although it's not official, it appears the release timetable has changed.

Is $99 Too Expensive?

The $99 price will definitely be a polarizing factor. To some, it will seem expensive, particularly compared with cheaper options. Others will believe it is reasonable, for the hardware and software on offer. There are already high-end controllers that cost much more than $200. But there are also some great deals for less.

Steam Controller will offer trackpads, gyro controls, and possible PC wake capabilities. If you're trying to transform a gaming PC into an actual console, those features alone could be worth it.

Day 1 Demand May Be High

We will be purchasing one on day one, and many PC gamers might feel the same. But price may affect sales volume. Someone who wants to buy several controllers at $60 may not decide to buy at $99. Individual sales should be fine, but multi-unit sales should not. Steam Controller will be a high-end PC gaming controller with a feature set that few others offer. 

This combination of TMR sticks, Steam Deck-like rumble, gyro with grip functionality, and wireless puck justifies the $99 price tag. But whether it's a fair price will depend on the value you place on Valve's innovations in controller design. Most PC gamers will probably find out when pre-orders open.