A new patent recently published seems to indicate that Valve could launch a second generation Steam Controller, that game controller that risked its design with those two touch surfaces instead of the classic crosshead or analog joysticks. What would change in this supposed second version? We see it.
Steam Controller, a design that is too groundbreaking
In 2015 Valve launched its Steam Controller, a game controller with quite a unique design. Instead of the classic D-pads or analog joysticks, which we are now used to seeing on all console and PC controllers, this one included two trackpad-like touch surfaces. It was his great differential factor.
These tactile surfaces offered a control that computer gamers, accustomed to the use of keyboard and mouse, offered interesting options. In addition, the configuration options were many and customizable for each game, so together with other options such as Big Picture mode, this seemed to be the ideal controller for PC gamers who love strategy games, among others.
However, neither all that nor the more than 500.000 units sold were of much use. At the end of 2019 the company discontinued it and the excess stock was removed by selling them for less than 10 euros. Because? Possibly because many users were not able to adapt or did not want to complicate themselves, so they continued using the traditional console and PC controls or the keyboard and mouse.
Xbox Elite Controller as inspiration
Now, according to a new patent published, it seems that Valve could be considering launching a second generation. We say could because, until an official announcement nothing can be confirmed. Even less for a simple patent. But seeing how it is described, the truth is that it could be interesting when solving certain "problems".
This new command would be a proposal that could be said to be, in part, inspired by the Microsoft command, the Xbox Elite Controls. Controls such as the D-Pad (analog joystick) and trackpads could be interchanged to suit the needs and tastes of the user.
A new patent has been published by Valve of a Steam Controller with swap-able components. pic.twitter.com/8X5IiKIHvm
- Tyler McVicker (@ValveNewsNetwor) April 11, 2020
Changing these controls and the rest of the keypad, also customizable, would give the user great versatility when playing different titles. In addition, the controller would recognize the settings, so depending on whether you use one or the other button, the controller would already know it and the experience when playing would improve.
That you want a gamepad for strategy games, because you use trackpads. If what you are looking for is a controller for action games or shooters, then you already decide with which controller you adapt better and are more competitive. In one way or another, what seems to be the basic idea of this controller is that kind of modularity to become the total controller for any fan.
We'll see what happens, if it's finally released or not. But Valve has that point of being an innovative company and who knows what they are working on in order to improve the experience offered by their Steam gaming platform.