Is it a console? Isn't it a tiny prebuilt?
this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2025
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Aren't all consoles?
All is console, console is all.
I was hesitant about upgrading my ancient computer because I didn't want to spend $1,200 - $2000 on a new setup. This looks like a great option.
The controller would've been an instant buy for me if it had asymmetric sticks but I'll wait for it to come out and give it a try before I make a decision.
It's insane. Seemingly everyone but Sony figured out decades ago it's a terrible idea, and Valve does it anyway.
At least it has concave sticks, which weren't on PlayStation until 2013.
But the DualShock doesn't have asymmetric sticks?
Exactly. Sony insists on having symmetrical sticks, even though Xbox figured out asymmetric was better back in 2001. Every third party controller has asymmetric switches. Even Nintendo Pro controllers do. Why did Valve choose the objectively worse solution?
Now I understand. But how are symmetrical sticks ojectively worse? Valve's design team built dozens of prototypes for the first controller, they probably did the same for the second one and still opted for symmetrical sticks.
The outermost spot is easier to reach with the thumbs. The most used elements of the controller are face buttons and the left stick. Having the left stick in the "secondary" position makes no sense.
I'm sure the team gathered some proof in usability and ergonomy tests before deciding on an option. After all, the controller needs to adapt to many possible layouts, not just for right-handed avatar movement.
I'm down to buy the new controller. I have a Steam Deck and it's very comfortable to hold, other than the weight. This thing is basically the Deck controls without the screen and a bunch of the weight.
Plus, I've personally found the gyro, trackpads, and back buttons to be extremely useful for games that don't have controller support, or for simply easier use of existing buttons (like putting L3/R3 on back buttons). I'm really looking forward to this, looks way better than the 2015 Steam Controller.
Lastly, that charging connector / wireless adapter all-in-one combo is just nice.
My only concern would be haptics. This really needs to have good rumble motors, and not just trackpad haptics like the deck. The pad haptics are good for subtle effects, but near useless for conveying actual heavy vibration, explosions, stuff like that. Sounds like they accounted for this though:
High definition rumble
Steam Controller's powerful motors are capable of handling complex waveforms for immersive, accurate haptics.
That sounds closer to something like the PS5 DualSense enhanced haptics, and if so, I'm here for it.
That was my feeling too. That PS/Wii U scheme feels so uncomfortable to me. Like over-extending your left thumb which I use much more than my right thumb on the analog stick.
But I realized I’m semi used to it on my Steam Deck and it feels okay. If I could, I would switch it out, though.
It looks cool, but to me, if it's not being offered for around $500, then it's just a pc replacement in my eyes. From the questions he asked, it definitely seems like it's going to cost more than $800.
Good timing though, get your system out first before the next generation starts releasing at the end of next year or 2027. From what I have seen, the first to release generally does the best.
My problem seems to be how much it talks about the ps5. It's been 5 years, so of course, better hardware can fit into smaller space. My problem with that is generally any hardware that compacts it this much will run into heating issues a few years into owning it so I would absolutely prefer the bigger ps5 anyday which has shown no issues so far. Also, they were comparing it to the ps5 alot which is a 5 year old system. I would hope it does significantly better!
I also would like to know more about the OS. Is it just the steam deck OS slapped on this, or is it customized more? I would want/hope they deliver the things that a console offers and more that make it more convenient than just a PC.
Overall, I am interested in this, but if it really does costs as much as I think it will, I am not sure who this will ultimately be marketed to, and I could be wrong, but I doubt it will sell enough for them to say it was a success lets make more. They do have the money to throw at it though, so I guess that was enough for them to take a stab at it after the success of the steam deck.
As much work as the Verge article says they put into cooling, I’m not too worried about heat issues
While the main cooling system is important, the thermal interface material they pick is also a big deal with systems intended to not be user serviced and with long lasting lifetimes like consoles... It honestly depends a lot on what TIM they decided to go with. Traditional thermal pastes are cheap but almost always dry out after just a few years causing much higher temps. Liquid metal is great, but more expensive and you must design it right, vertical orientation can cause leakage if not properly designed (some laptops end up having issues because of this). Phase change material is probably the optimal middle ground for ease of installation, and simplified design.
Watch the gamer nexus video if you want more info on the cooling. Iirc they use phase change TIM for the CPU and paste for the GPU.
They also talk about how they designed the case to avoid it being choked
The skin community is going to be all over the swappable panels like butter on hot corn.
I'm excited but i won't accept it until I see the price. If it turns out good this would be a stark upgrade to my PC, but it has to be comparable in price.
I hope this succeeds, but personally I'd rather have a less powerful machine at a more affordable price point.
Do... we know the price point yet?
The article says:
When I listen to my interview audio, I find an additional hint from Griffais: “We intend for it to be positioned closer to the entry level of the PC space, but to be very competitive with a PC you could build yourself from parts.”
Poking around the web, I find I could probably assemble a computer with this performance for $800, not including labor. But it could easily consume half the room under my TV. A compact system with a similar GPU can cost $1,000 without storage, memory, operating system, or a gamepad.
Which makes it reasonable to assume it's gonna be at least within that price range. And that is personally way too much for me.
I would guess lower than 800 for the base model. The steam deck entry price is low and they probably will try to have the machine affordable. They know no PC gamer that can build their own PC will buy it if it's not competitive.
Since they're OEM integrating parts, I can guess around 550-650 for the base model but that will also depend on the US tariffs that week.
Are they even trying to woo the PC gamer crowd? Based on nothing but vibes, I doubt they'll have anything to offer them
Well, their customers are PC gamers so it makes sense to target them. Not all gamers build their PC themselves (I'd say most don't as I have built most of my friends pc). Having a plug and play solution, without risk of hardware/driver/software issues, can be attractive to some. The market for these is not hardcore gamers, but couch gaming.
But if the hardware is more expensive than a pre-built, no one will buy it.
They said in interviews that some steam deck users primarily use it docked to a TV (like I do), and that showed them there is a market for such devices.