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Valve may be working on a new version of the Steam Controller

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Speculation time: As someone who makes heavy use of their Steam Controller, I will admit that the possibility of a proper second generation has me quite excited.

PCGamesN recently wrote about it, which included a video from the YouTube channel Critical Input. The video goes over a Patent published in December last year, which shows it has a slightly different design with batteries that possibly go into the middle (hooray!), along with the back paddles being split into two on each side. That's pretty interesting but what's more exciting, is that it seems Valve may have already been testing it, as references were found in the Steamworks SDK for it.

Oh, on top of that it seems the Patent also mentions multiple "force sensitive resistors", which has "an electrical resistance" so it can detect how much pressure you're applying on it. Something similar is used the Valve Index Controllers (previously known as the Knuckles Controller).

You can see the video below:

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While not confirmation, it's pretty good evidence towards something happening. As a hardware company now as well as software, with Valve now manufacturing the Index VR system they're probably in a good place to bring out a second generation Steam Controller.

This could all turn out to be nothing more than Valve playing with ideas of course, but I have hope especially since references were found in the actual SDK.

Would you grab this if it becomes a reality to purchase? I will be running to get in line if it happens, especially as I confessed my continuing love of the Steam Controller only recently.

Hat tip to Naib.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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41 comments
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scaine Jul 4, 2019
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If it has a right-thumbstick, I'm in. If it doesn't... meh. I'm probably keep using my wired Xbox360 controller that I've had for about 7 or 8 years now! I think I've used my SC about 2 hours total. If it's an FPS, I'm using mouse/keyboard and if it's a gamepad game, it almost always uses a right-thumbstick (the type of games I buy, that is).
Lomkey Jul 4, 2019
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I like most the control to stay the same not to go to off from the first one. Maybe a bit longer from left to right. Maybe abit more mod support.
1xok Jul 4, 2019
I've probably bought half a dozen already. Kids can break them. Valve should have its hardware tested primarily by kids and teenagers. And the controller should be smaller. I have relatively large hands but they hurt after a while with the controller. Quite in contrast to Sony's DS controller. Can't say exactly what it is. But I think because the DS controller is smaller, it's more comfortable to hold.

Apart from that, the Steam Controller is the best controller in the world. I love it.
xavi Jul 4, 2019
I never used controllers, just regular joystick when I was a kid, but ...

Why are you all so excited on Steam Controller when there are controllers like this? :

https://scufgaming.com/eu/

Is steam controller better than those?
It is a question, not criticism

Here a page dedicated to Rocket League:
https://scufgaming.com/s/scuf-game-guides/rocket-league/

I suppose part of the answer is the price and the software to manage the controller (I think it's free on steam controller).

Cheers
dubigrasu Jul 4, 2019
Is not the price or the software (you can use the same software on almost any controller). What makes the Steam Controller different is obviously the trackpads.
anth Jul 4, 2019
Quoting: xaviWhy are you all so excited on Steam Controller when there are controllers like this? :

https://scufgaming.com/eu/

One of the best features of the Steam Controller is being able to use the trackpad to quickly aim in the general area then make fine adjustments using the gyro. It is usually configured to prevent unwanted gyro movements by only accepting gyro input while the thumb is touching the right trackpad.

My understanding is the SCUF controller lacks both touch sensing and a gyro. The SCUF having extra buttons underneath and different paint options doesn't come anywhere close to the usefulness of gyro-assisted aiming.
qptain Nemo Jul 5, 2019
Quoting: xaviI never used controllers, just regular joystick when I was a kid, but ...

Why are you all so excited on Steam Controller when there are controllers like this? :

https://scufgaming.com/eu/

Is steam controller better than those?
It is a question, not criticism

Here a page dedicated to Rocket League:
https://scufgaming.com/s/scuf-game-guides/rocket-league/

I suppose part of the answer is the price and the software to manage the controller (I think it's free on steam controller).

Cheers
How is the Linux support of those?
14 Jul 5, 2019
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If it has a better directional pad, I will probably get one. I am still happy using my wired 360 controller that I never have to deal with batteries, but my kids are getting older and I'm gonna need more than one controller. Dealing with multiple computers, I also want the controller to require minimal to zero setup. I know that's a hard ask. But I tell you what, when I have to fiddle with each computer to get a new game or accessory working so everyone can play together, consoles look pretty attractive. So, compatibility versus a 360 / DS4 controller will be the first thing I look for. I suppose I could use the new controller myself and let the kids use the reliable 360 controller. /ramble
Ananace Jul 5, 2019
Quoting: MohandevirI didn't witness a situation where the left trackpad was really needed... In my personnal experience, it could be replaced with a standard d-pad, similar to what you get in a DS4... Unless there are some special use case that I don't know of? I'm just curious to know...

In my case, I use the left trackpad almost exclusively for touch menus, things that you want to have quick access to but don't necessarily need to access in the middle of action. Sometimes I tend to involve the grips as well to have multiple menus that I can switch between.

The only place where I've used the left trackpad as anything like a d-pad has been in games that were badly written, so that you could only use pure controller input. In that case you can't really map anything but the d-pad actions onto it.
In my experience in those games (AC: Odyssey, FO4, and some others) it really doesn't do well if you try to use it like a regular d-pad, it's a bit too large to be as quick on the access as games expect the d-pad to be.
cprn Jul 5, 2019
If it becomes reality... I'll probably grab another Version 1 because it should go for cheap cheap! :D
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