Leaked Steam Controller review offers early praise for dual trackpads, but the price raises questions

A now-deleted video review of Valve’s upcoming Steam Controller briefly appeared online, offering one of the first hands-on impressions ahead of an expected launch update. The clip was removed quickly, fueling speculation it went live before an embargo lifted.

Mirrored reposts and viewer summaries suggest the reviewer was largely positive about the controller’s feel and responsiveness. However, attention quickly shifted to its reported $99.99 price, which some potential buyers see as steep for a PC accessory.

Dual trackpads take center stage

The leaked review focused on Valve’s dual trackpads, designed to bridge the gap between mouse-style control and couch play. The right pad was described as working naturally as a cursor, while the left pad handled scrolling and secondary inputs.

Early impressions indicate the trackpads may help with genres that often feel awkward on traditional console controllers. At the same time, the reviewer suggested they are not a complete substitute for a dedicated gaming mouse in precision-heavy play.

New sticks and familiar trade-offs

The controller is also said to use TMR thumbsticks, a technology often marketed as reducing drift compared with conventional analog modules. The reviewer reportedly praised the smooth movement and highlighted a larger, clickier D-pad than Valve’s earlier controller.

Ergonomics were described as comfortable, though the absence of rubberized grips could make the handles feel slick during longer sessions. The review also noted there is no analog headphone jack, a feature some players still expect at this price.

What the price could signal?

At $99.99, the Steam Controller would sit above standard Xbox and PlayStation pads while remaining below many fully featured pro controllers. The extra rear buttons and trackpads may justify the cost for Steam-centric setups, but customization appears more limited than on premium rivals.

The pricing is also being read as a clue about broader Valve hardware positioning, including the long-rumored Steam Machine. For now, Valve has not publicly confirmed the controller’s ship date, leaving the leaked impressions as an unofficial preview.