Hori, a controller manufacturer, recently announced the launch of a new wireless Steam controller in collaboration with Valve. This official licensed controller is designed to be fully compatible with Steam on desktop and the upcoming Steam Deck. Valve had previously discontinued its own Steam controller in 2019, making this new partnership with Hori significant as it is currently the only active production controller for Steam.
Unlike the discontinued Steam controller, Hori’s wireless controller features a more traditional design with standard face buttons, shoulder triggers, and thumbsticks. It also includes four remappable buttons, two on the front and two paddles on the back, along with dedicated buttons for Steam’s Big Picture Mode overlay and Quick Access Menu. The controller’s thumbstick placement is similar to that of Xbox or Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, and it offers features like turbo mode and gyro support.
The Hori wireless Steam controller supports Steam Input over Bluetooth or wired USB, making it compatible with both Steam and the Steam Deck. It also has an XInput mode for use on Windows with non-Steam games, although this mode only works with wired connections and disables gyro controls. Users can utilize Hori’s desktop app on Windows to customize settings such as stick sensitivity and button mapping. The controller has an estimated 12-hour battery life in Bluetooth mode.
The wireless Steam controller by Hori is set to launch on October 31 in Japan, with preorders currently available on Hori’s online store for ¥7,980 (approximately $50 USD). It will be available in white, black, neon yellow, and neon purple color options. There is no information yet on whether the controller will be released outside Japan. For now, interested buyers can consider checking out Hori’s Xbox (wired) controller, which features a similar design.
In addition to the Hori wireless Steam controller, Hori also announced a Street Fighter controller for fighting game fans. The Hori Fighting Commander Octa, available for preorder on Amazon, comes in two Street Fighter themes: Cammy and Juri. For those looking for other controller options compatible with Steam, there are various deals available on controllers such as the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro, Xbox Elite Series 2, and Asus ROG Raikiri Wireless Controller.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the release of the Hori wireless Steam controller and other gaming peripherals, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest updates and offerings in the market. Keep an eye out for future announcements regarding the availability of the Hori controller outside Japan and explore the diverse range of controller options suitable for your gaming needs.