Steam Controller Hands On - First Impressions at PAX East 2015

Steam Controller Hands On captures a hands-on first impression from PAX East 2015. The presenter emphasizes that the Steam Controller is a distant relation to a traditional gamepad, noting its two touchpads, unconventional layout, and the emphasis on haptic feedback. He compares it to laptop input methods and discusses how it might fit not as a replacement but as an augmentation to existing controllers, particularly for games not designed for traditional game pads. The video dives into practical observations: the triggers feel solid, the shoulder buttons have limited travel, and the back buttons add an unusual but functional layer. He concedes that certain genres like shooters and racing might still favor a conventional dual-stick setup, while strategy and casual PC games could benefit from the touchpad-driven PC-style input on a TV or home theater setup. Throughout, there is cautious optimism about the controller’s potential to enable PC-like control on a living-room PC or Steam Machine, while acknowledging a learning curve and a need for extended use to form a final judgment. The host closes by inviting viewers to share whether they would replace their current controller and to follow up with future reviews once more hands-on experience is gathered.

Topics · hardware · video games · technology · consumer electronics