Rediscovering the Original Steam Controller: A $5 Living Room Gem

The original Steam Controller, a device once considered clunky and awkward, has unexpectedly become my new favorite way to play certain games on my TV with the Steam Deck. Purchased on a whim for $5 on November 26, 2019, just before Valve discontinued it, this 2015 controller was left unopened for almost seven years. Its recent rediscovery has shattered my low expectations, proving to be a solid, comfortable, and surprisingly useful addition to my living room gaming setup.

What makes this controller stand out are its symmetrical analog sticks, a D-pad designed as four separate buttons, analog triggers, quiet face buttons, spacious thumbpads, and its gyro capabilities. While not perfect—the face buttons are too small and the stick can be hard to press—it excels in its intended niche. Particularly, the thumbpads offer a precise mouse-like experience, even surpassing the Steam Deck's onboard touchpads for certain titles like Balatro and Case of the Golden Idol.

About the Original Steam Controller

Developed and published by Valve, the original Steam Controller was first released in 2015 for PC and, later, found compatibility with the Steam Deck. Initially met with mixed reviews due to its unconventional design, it has carved out a unique space for itself, especially among those seeking a more mouse-centric experience without the hassle of a physical mouse and keyboard in the living room.

A significant factor in its usefulness is the broad support through Steam Input, which allows for community-created layouts. Out of the author's 32 installed games, a surprising 81% (26 games) have pre-made community layouts, including recent titles like Marathon and Pragmata. This level of support, coupled with its gyro capabilities (nicely demonstrated in Pragmata with a custom layout), makes it a versatile, if niche, gaming accessory.

Key Features and Player Experience

• Symmetrical Analog Sticks: Enhances control in games requiring precise directional input, feeling more balanced than traditional offset sticks.
• D-pad as Four Buttons: Offers more precise control in games that support individual button inputs, though it may take time to adjust to.
• Analog Triggers: Provides subtle control for games supporting variable trigger inputs, though their utility depends heavily on the game.
• Thumbpads and Gyro Capabilities: Excels in mouse-centric games, with the left thumbpad doubling as an effective iPod-style scroll wheel, outperforming the Steam Deck's touchpads in this regard.

"It's my new favorite way to play mouse-y games on a TV"

Morgan, reflecting on the Steam Controller's unexpected usefulness.

What This Means for Players

The rediscovery of the original Steam Controller highlights the importance of innovative, albeit sometimes misunderstood, gaming hardware. For players with a Steam Deck or those looking for a more integrated living room PC gaming experience, this controller (if found at a reasonable price) could be a hidden gem. Its success also underscores the community's role in extending the life and usability of older hardware through Steam Input.

Criticisms of the controller, such as its small face buttons and the lack of a USB dongle slot, are notable but do not overshadow its benefits for the author's use case. The community's active support with custom layouts for a wide range of games, from indies to more recent releases, further solidifies its value.

Community and Market Response

The original Steam Controller's unexpected usefulness is mirrored in the market's response to Valve's new $99 Steam Controller, which sold out in 30 minutes. This surge in interest, albeit for a different product, indicates a renewed appreciation for unique gaming peripherals. Diehard users of the original controller continue to support it with custom layouts, ensuring its relevance. However, finding the original model at a satisfactory price point (like the author's $5 deal) is now a challenge, with Ebay listings rarely offering good value.

Morgan concludes that the experience has taught them three key lessons: the fascination of gaming hardware lies in its diversity, the need for more unconventional controllers catering to specific scenarios, and the bliss of stumbling upon a hidden gem like the original Steam Controller for a steal.

Criticisms and Quirks

Despite its positives, the controller is not without its flaws. The face buttons, while quiet, are uncomfortably small, and the analog stick's design makes it somewhat difficult to press. Perhaps the most annoying design oversight is the lack of a slot for the USB dongle, a simple convenience that would greatly improve its portability.

Comparing it to other options like the 8BitDo pad or the Steam Deck's onboard touchpads, the original Steam Controller carves out its own niche, especially for games benefiting from its gyro and thumbpad capabilities. It's not a replacement for every gaming scenario but excels where its unique features are leveraged.

Conclusion and Looking Forward

The original Steam Controller's story serves as a reminder of the value in revisiting older hardware with fresh eyes and new contexts. As the PC continues its integration into living room gaming, the need for versatile, sometimes quirky, controllers will only grow. For now, this $5 impulse buy has found a permanent place beside my Steam Deck, awaiting its next use—dongle safely stored, hopefully.

As the gaming landscape evolves, especially with the rise of the Steam Deck, the original Steam Controller stands as a testament to innovative design and community support. Its ability to adapt and remain relevant years after its release is a lesson for both gamers and manufacturers alike.