Today (May 4) marks the launch of the Steam Controller. Valve’s second stab at a dedicated PC gaming pad is now available on Steam. It already looks like a contender for our best PC gaming controller guide. However, it appears to currently be out of stock!
As the name suggests, this PC controller is “built for steam” and is compatible not just with the best gaming PCs but also with gaming laptops, the Steam Deck OLED, and, naturally, the upcoming Steam Machine.
It offers all the basic controller features, including magnetic thumbsticks, haptic motors for rumbles, and 35+ hours of battery life on a single charge. Plus, it also packs two trackpads and mappable back buttons. It’s not a cheap pad at $99, but if you’re a serious PC player, it looks essential.
Steam Controller – quick links
- Steam Controller: $99 @ Steam (check stock)
- Steam Controller: check stock @ Amazon
- Steam Controller: check stock @ Best Buy
Steam Controller – retailer listings
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Steam Controller sold out in just 30 minutes
The Steam Controller sold out just 30 minutes after launch pic.twitter.com/HBhMB1ew8mMay 4, 2026
Word is spreading that the Steam Controller is now sold out. I just hope most of those orders came from folks who are actually going to use the controller and not just scalpers looking to take advantage of people’s excitement for the peripheral.
The Steam Controller is already on eBay
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that people are already scalping the Steam Controller on eBay. As you can see above, users are selling the peripheral for $150+ above the original MSRP. There might be more exorbitant prices on eBay, but these are the ones I was able to find. Please wait for a restock and avoid paying these users your hard-earned cash.
Still out of stock…
Hey, all! Tony Polanco here to take over the Steam Controller liveblog for the next few hours. Not only will I keep you updated on availability, but I’ll also share some insights into the controller, since I wrote our Steam Controller review.
Right now, the Steam Controller appears to be sold out, as you can see from the image above that I snapped. This is disappointing considering how long people have waited for this peripheral. It’s also not surprising given the demand for it. Hopefully, Valve can get more stock as soon as possible.
The dreaded “Out of stock” warning has appeared
Uh oh! Just shy of 40 minutes after the Steam Machine order page went live, and we’ve got the three words nobody wants to hear: Out of stock. It looks like the interest in this new PC pad has been high, and Valve’s supply has run low. I’m staying on the page to see if more stock will appear, fingers crossed for a restock!
Steam Controller stock seems to be holding strong
10 minutes later, and the Steam Controller is still in stock. Steam seems to be handling the traffic influx well, I did have a momentary issue reloading the page, but it’s otherwise been smooth sailing. I can still add the Steam Controller to my cart with minimal fuss, so if you’re late on the scene, you haven’t missed out yet!
Steam Controller orders are LIVE!
- Steam Controller: $99 @ Steam
And just as the clock strikes 10 a.m. PT, the Steam Controller order button has turned blue, and you can now pick up yours. At present, Steam is the only place to purchase a Steam Controller, so if you want one ASAP, get your order in right now.
One hour to drop
We’re just one hour away from launch.
While we wait, let us know what interests you about the Steam Controller?
Just look at those back buttons!
One of the things that appeals to me most about the Steam Controller is in the in-built back buttons. Remember, typically on console, you need to spring for a “Pro” controller to get these, but on the Steam Controller you have four out of the box. These can be mapped as you wish, allowing you to pick which inputs they offer.
That’s one powerful puck!
The Steam Controller comes with an extra in the box, the snappily named, Steam Controller Puck. This little device is a wireless transmitter that serves two purposes. Firstly, it provided a fast/stable connection for your controller, allowing you to use it as a wired pad (if you don’t want to use wireless Bluetooth, or USB). It also serves as a charging station, with your Steam Controller snapping onto the puck with a click.
We’ve got our hands on a Steam Controller
My colleague Tony Polanco has spent the weekend with a Steam Controller. I swear I’m not jealous (okay… I totally am)! His initial impressions are pretty darn positive, and he even declares that it “lives up to the hype.” If you’re on the fence about whether to add one to your cart later today, be sure to read his article right now.
Here’s our Steam Controller unboxing!
One of my favorite parts of getting new gaming hardware and accessories is the first unboxing experience, but if you don’t mind having that moment spoiled ahead of time, check out our Steam Controller unboxing video linked above!
Steam Controller is just hours away!
Consider this is your four hour warning! The Steam Controller will be available to purchase at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST, as of the time of this post, that is just four hours away. So, if you’re already sold, make sure you set a reminder, stock levels are unknown and you don’t want to miss out. Of course, you can just stick with this live bog, and I’ll be sure to alert you the moment the order button is live.
Console players, this one ain’t for you!
If you own a PS5 or Xbox Series X and you’re eyeing up the Steam Controller, don’t be fooled into picking one up. This is a dedicated PC gaming controller, and isn’t compatible with Sony or Microsoft’s gaming consoles. It’s designed solely for use with Valve’s Steam platform, and Steam-dedicated hardware (like the Steam Deck and the upcoming Steam Machine). Console gamers will need to stick with their DualSense or Xbox controller because the Steam Controller is for the PCMR only.
Steam Controller costs how much?
The biggest question you’re probably asking about the Steam Controller is the price, and fortunately, Valve has confirmed this key detail ahead of the order floodgate opening in just a little over four hours time. The pad will cost $99, or for the folks in my native U.K., it’ll run you £85. That makes it more expensive than a PS5 DualSense or Xbox Controller, but it is cheaper than either console’s “Pro” pad.
Welcome to our Steam Controller live coverage
Hello! PC gamers rejoice, today is the day that Valve launches its new Steam Controller, a premium pad designed specifically (and exclusively) for PC gaming, and here at Tom’s Guide we’ll be guiding you through launch day. In this live blog you’ll find the latest news, our hands-on impression and the important buying info.
