After years of waiting, it seems that Valve is finally readying itself to release the next version of the Steam Controller. Reportedly set to release alongside the upcoming Steam Frame, codenamed Valve Fremont, the new controller is expected to be a major upgrade over the discontinued 2015 original.
Previous leaks have revealed what the next controller will reportedly look like, and Valve has already added references to the new device within Steam updates. With all the information that’s available, the new controller appears to contain all of the features found in the Steam Deck—including motion controls—but in a separate pad.
According to renowned Valve leaker SadlyItsBradley, the Steam Controller 2 will just be called the “Steam Controller”, exactly the same as its no longer available predecessor. The leaker claims that Valve is “extremely close” to releasing the device with some rumours claiming it’ll be announced alongside its upcoming console later this month.
One of the most interesting tidbits about the new controller is the claim of a brand-new feature not seen in the Steam Deck. According to the leaker, the device will be able to “detect how far your hands are from the handles using a simple capsense feature”, similar to Valve’s Index controllers for VR.
While it’s not explained how this feature will help players, the leaker suggested that players could fine-tune this feature to enable or disable motion controls with a squeeze or similar action. The feature could also be an accessibility tool for players with less dexterity in their hands.
Alongside the new Steam Frame console, Valve is also reportedly working on a new VR headset, codenamed Valve Deckard. The headset is said to be releasing at the end of 2025 with a full bundle of the headset and controllers costing around $1,200.
In a previous post by SadlyItsBradley, numerous drivers for Deckard DV1 and Deckard DV1 (development units) were discovered in SteamVR beta updates in early October. This should mean that Valve is close to announcing its new suite of hardware, including the Steam Controller.
Unfortunately for Steam Deck fans, there’s no word on a follow-up to Valve’s handheld with the team confirming minor updates won’t be happening. Instead, the company is waiting for a significant performance improvement from portable hardware before a successor is created.
