Valve's new Steam Controller has made headlines not just for its enhancements over the previous model, but for a rather unexpected feature: drop it from a considerable height, and it will let out the legendary Wilhelm Scream, a sound effect beloved by Hollywood and gamers alike since its debut in the 1951 movie Distant Drums. This Easter Egg, discovered by early recipients of the controller, adds a layer of personality to the device, cautioning against the perils of rage-tossing one's controller.
Quick Facts
| Developer | Valve |
|---|---|
| Platform(s) | PC |
| Price | £85 |
The Wilhelm Scream Easter Egg is not just a novelty; it's also somewhat of a challenge to trigger, requiring the controller to be dropped from around 3 feet while Steam is in Big Picture mode. Despite initial suggestions of randomness, the scream can be reliably provoked, as verified through experimentation. However, at £85, potential buyers might think twice before testing this feature extensively, especially considering the initial stock sold out almost immediately. Valve has assured customers that more stock is on the way, though a specific timeline has yet to be announced.
About the New Steam Controller
Developed and published by Valve, the new Steam Controller is designed to enhance the gaming experience on PC, particularly in Big Picture mode. While it offers substantial improvements over its predecessor, the design, notably the thumb stick placement, might feel slightly uncomfortable for some users, potentially limiting its broad appeal to more niche use cases.
"After using it for a week, I couldn't help feeling its best use cases... are still probably a bit niche," reflects the initial impressions, highlighting the mixed bag that this controller represents - innovative yet flawed in its comfort and universal applicability.
The Wilhelm Scream Easter Egg: More Than Just a Gimmick
The Easter Egg, while primarily entertaining, also serves as a testament to Valve's attention to detail and willingness to engage with the gaming community on a lighter note. For players prone to tossing their controllers in moments of gaming frustration, this feature might just serve as a humorous deterrent. However, its requirement for Steam to be in Big Picture mode and the controller to be turned on adds a layer of intentionality to triggering the scream, ensuring it doesn't interrupt regular gameplay.
"drop the controller from high enough to register an impact and it'll let out the legendary Wilhelm scream"This quote encapsulates the essence of the discovery, blending surprise with the technical specifics of how to replicate the effect.
What This Means for Players
The new Steam Controller's improvements and its quirky Easter Egg will undoubtedly attract attention, but the real question for potential buyers is whether these enhancements outweigh the device's comfort and cost concerns. For those invested in the Steam ecosystem and looking for a controller that excels in Big Picture mode, despite its flaws, this might be a worthy investment. However, for the broader gaming audience, especially considering the £85 price tag, the decision might not be as clear-cut.
Criticisms of the controller's design, particularly the thumb stick placement, underscore the niche appeal. As one might expect, the community's reaction has been mixed, with some embracing the Easter Egg as a fun addition and others focusing more critically on the device's practicality and value for money.
Key Takeaways
- The new Steam Controller features a Wilhelm Scream Easter Egg triggered by dropping it from around 3 feet in Big Picture mode.
- The controller is a substantial improvement over its predecessor but has niche use cases due to design choices.
- Initial stock sold out quickly, with Valve working on restocking.
- The device is priced at £85, a consideration for potential buyers weighing its value.
As the gaming community awaits the restock and further reviews emerge, the new Steam Controller stands as a unique blend of innovation and quirky personality, embodying Valve's penchant for detail and community engagement.
