New Steam Controller Price Leak Reveals Costly Upgrade Ahead of Launch
Valve has confirmed the upcoming release of a new Steam Controller, with pricing details emerging from internal testing documents leaked online. According to sources familiar with the matter, the controller will retail for $69.99 USD, a significant increase over the original model’s launch price of $49.99 in 2015.
The leak, which originated from a restricted beta test phase shared with select developers and hardware partners, included internal pricing sheets and feature lists. These documents were first circulated on Hungarian gaming forums before being picked up by regional tech outlets. The pricing information aligns with internal Valve communications reviewed by multiple independent sources, confirming the figure is not speculative.
Sources indicate the new controller retains the original’s dual-trackpad design but incorporates upgraded haptic feedback motors, improved gyroscopic sensors, and a revised button layout informed by years of player feedback. The device will connect via Bluetooth 5.2 and include a USB-C port for wired use and charging, replacing the micro-USB port of the predecessor.
Manufacturing costs for the new model are estimated to be approximately 40% higher than the original due to the use of more durable materials and advanced sensor arrays. Valve has not officially commented on the pricing, but internal communications suggest the increase reflects both component costs and a strategic repositioning of the controller as a premium accessory for PC and living-room gaming.
The original Steam Controller was discontinued in 2019 after Valve shifted focus to supporting third-party gamepads through Steam Input. Its revival comes amid renewed interest in alternative PC control schemes, particularly among players seeking precision in strategy, simulation, and indie titles where mouse-and-keyboard alternatives remain less intuitive.
Retailers in Central Europe have begun preparing inventory listings for the device, with placeholder SKUs appearing in regional distribution systems. No official announcement date has been provided, but internal timelines suggest a launch window in late Q2 or early Q3 of 2024, contingent on final certification and supply chain readiness.
Valve has not responded to requests for comment regarding the leaked pricing or release timeline. The company maintains its longstanding policy of not commenting on unannounced products, leaving the market to rely on verified leaks and partner disclosures for insight into its hardware roadmap.