Xbox Design Lab is a one-stop shop that allows you to create your very own controller. From the controller itself to every external component, Xbox Design Lab is a hugely customizable platform that lets you create controllers for yourself, or as a truly personal gift for the Xbox player in your life.
But before you get started, There are a lot of options to choose from – let us break down every single one, to help you create the perfect Xbox controller:
The key question before you begin using Xbox Design Lab is: which Xbox controller do you want to design?
Once you’ve chosen your controller, Xbox Design Lab gives you 10 different customization options, allowing you to make a controller that’s uniquely yours. And if you can’t quite decide as you go, Xbox Design Lab allows you to preview your controller at any time, as well as save designs to your own personal gallery, allowing you to create multiple options to compare before you pick the final one.
Applied to the entire front case, your choice of Body makes a statement. With the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from a variety of matte finishes, or from a selection of gorgeous patterns, including the swirling Vapor designs, the multi-toned Shift patterns, bold Camo looks, our vibrant Pride design, or special, game-inspired designs like the Fallout top case. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from matte finishes, our Cipher series – which adds a transparent case that allows you to see through the case to the components inside, or game-inspired designs.
Your choice of Back encompasses everything behind the grips on your controller. With all the standard colors available in the Body category, you can choose to match the front of the controller, or create a two-tone pop of color.
For a small extra cost, you can add rubberized back and side grips to your Xbox Wireless Controller, offering an extra level of control in the hand. Rubberized grips come as standard on the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2.
Your choice of Bumper color encompasses the two buttons on the top of the controller, and the case in between them. On the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from all the standard colors available for the Body and Back. For the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from an array of metallic finishes.
The Triggers are key to controlling many games, and come with multiple options. With the Xbox Wireless Controller, all the standard colors are available, but Xbox Design Lab also offers a variety of metallic options, allowing you to add a stately point of difference from the rest of the design. On the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, choose from a series of metallic designs that can blend in with your bumpers, or choose a different tone to create a standout design.
On the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from all the standard colors available in other categories, or pick a metallic hue. On the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, pick from the classic four-direction D-Pad, or our unique Faceted design for extra control. Both D-Pad choices offer a variety of single-tone metallic finishes, or pick our multi-toned Chroma designs for a truly standout look.
On the Xbox Wireless Controller, thumbsticks can take on any of the standard colors available on the rest of the controller. Take more control with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – pick the color of the metal base, as well as separate colors for both the thumbstick ring and topper.
On the Xbox Wireless Controller, pick from seven different designs for the iconic Xbox buttons, from classic colored looks to different two-tone treatments. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, get even more choice with 20 different treatments, including colored variants that allow you to create even more specific looks.
On the Xbox Wireless Controller, choose from 5 different designs for the central buttons on your controller. With the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, pick from 24 color options to help bring your design to life.
For that final touch, both controller types allow you to add a 16-character engraving. Add a name, a Gamertag, or a personal message to make the controller truly theirs.
If you’re looking to create a controller to celebrate a particular game, we may already have what you need. Check out the Xbox Design Lab Collection for customizable special edition controllers based on the likes of The Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and more.
Design Lab also offers ‘Inspired By’ designs that celebrate games on Xbox – pick a pre-configured design, make any changes you see fit, and show your fandom. From Hollow Knight: Silksong to Silent Hill F, Design Lab can help to create the perfect companion for your favorite titles.
If you’re opting for an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, Xbox Design Lab offers a number of extra adjustable elements for the premium controller, all of which can be customized to fit your design. The Carrying Case and Charging Pack helps you take your controller anywhere in safety. The Paddle Pack adds a number of easily added extra paddles for the back of your controller, which can be used by adjusting options on your console. The Thumbsticks and D-pad Pack offers both D-Pad options and multiple interchangeable thumbsticks to let you swap how you want to play, game-by-game. And the Everything Pack includes all of the above in a single package. If you already own an Elite Series 2 controller, you can also opt to purchase the additional accessories packs by themselves.
We collaborated with community members, charity organizations, and a hospital involved in adaptive gaming and 3D printing to design complimentary 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers with Xbox Design Lab. Available to download, these designs can be 3D printed to create thumbsticks that meet multiple accessibility needs – and are available for both the Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Xbox Design Lab also offers thumbstick topper designs for the Xbox Adaptive Joystick.
You now have everything you need to start creating a unique Xbox controller – head over to Xbox Design Lab to start experimenting!
This article was originally published in 2024, and has been updated for 2025.
The post How to Build an Xbox Controller With Xbox Design Lab appeared first on Xbox Wire.
If we rated things based solely on looks, the Gioteck WX5+ would immediately score top marks. This wireless controller for Switch, Switch 2 and PC boasts Hall Effect sticks and triggers and a pair of pro back buttons, but it’s the visual design that immediately grabs you. The delightful ‘Crayons’ livery is tied to RGB lighting, making this one of the most visually appealing controllers we’ve seen in a very long time.
At £24.99, Gioteck has also made one of the cheapest wireless controllers out there, especially considering all the features that Gioteck have crammed in. In terms of value, you’re simply not getting Hall Effect, programmable back buttons, RGB, a 3.5mm headphone socket, gyro and vibration anywhere else at this price point.
That budget pricing isn’t even immediately obvious when you pick it up. It is quite light in the hand, but the plastic that’s been used feels solid, and the textured grips help to keep it set in place.
While the Crayons livery is my personal favourite – who doesn’t want their controller to look like melted cake? – the other options are equally eye-catching, especially the 60s-flavoured Spiral and the multi-coloured mess of Doodle. If you’re a more serious type – or a teenage boy – there’s Dark Camo which is much more understated. There’s probably more chance of losing it, though.
Each of the analogue sticks houses colourful RGB rings as well, but it’s the performance of these Hall Effect sticks that’s most impactful. They’re pleasingly taut, returning to centre with a reassuring certainty, and they feel excellent in use. The Hall Effect tech should also mean that they are exceedingly long-lasting, outperforming standard potentiometer-equipped controllers that are more likely to suffer from stick drift.
The triggers are also Hall Effect, meaning that they’re a touch more accurate, while also benefiting from the frictionless tech. You can also switch them between analogue and digital performance, potentially cutting out a few more milliseconds of reaction time when playing shooters and other competitive titles, even without physical lockouts, which are ultimately the only thing the WX5+ is really missing. If you’re playing on Switch or Switch 2, the whole analogue trigger thing will be lost on you, but in a multi-platform house it’s a nice thing to have.
The only component that I’m not entirely sold on here is the cross-shaped D-pad. It feels too large under your thumb, and the left and right response feels slightly different. It didn’t cause any problems while playing, but there’s something about it that doesn’t feel as well-made as the rest of the WX5+. The other face buttons, and the shoulder buttons too, are reliable and responsive, and it’s just a bit odd that the D-pad feels as different as it does.
Around the back of the controller, there’s two programmable ‘pro’ buttons. These sit well under your middle fingers when you’re naturally gripping the controller, but with enough resistance to ensure you don’t accidentally activate them when you’re getting increasingly frustrated with purple shells ruining your peerless driving in Mario Kart World.
The Gioteck WX5+ is practically a no-brainer in a household that’s looking for a great-value second controller, and it even makes a compelling cost-effective argument against the official Switch 2 Pro Controller as a daily driver. In the hand, there is an obvious difference in terms of quality, particularly in the plastics used, but when you’re in the midst of the action, the WX5+ is a deeply reliable performer.
Valve has announced three new devices that will be added to its set of hardware offerings, confirming past rumors. They are the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller. While prices for the devices have yet to be revealed, they will all launch sometime in early 2026. An announcement trailer for the devices was also released. The Steam Machine is a new Steam console “with over six times the horsepower of Steam Deck,” while the Steam Frame is “a streaming-first, wireless VR headset + controllers that can handle your whole Steam library.”
The full details and specs for each device:
Steam Machine
Your Steam Library in More Places
With over six times the horsepower of Steam Deck, Steam Machine has the power to play your whole Steam library, including your favorite AAA titles. Just sign in with your Steam account and your entire library is there.
There’s an LED Strip, Y’all!
Keep tabs on system status like download progress, even when your screen is off. Customize it with different colors and animations. Or turn it off!
Optimized for Gaming…
It Runs SteamOS – Steam Machine runs Valve’s gaming-first operating system. SteamOS is designed to provide a plug-and-play user experience, while keeping the power and flexibility of a PC. Experience SteamOS in the same way as other Steam hardware, like Steam Deck and Steam Frame.
Steam Machine Verified – We are expanding our Verified program to include ratings for Steam Machine, so customers can understand how their games will run.
…and it’s a PC
Yes, Steam Machine is optimized for gaming, but it’s still your PC. Install your own apps, or even another operating system. Who are we to tell you how to use your computer?
Steam Machine Plays Well, Wherever Steam is
Made for Steam Controller – Steam Machine comes with a built-in wireless adapter, just for pairing with Steam Controller. (Up to four with a single adapter!) This means you can pair your Steam Controller without its puck, and you can wake your Steam Machine without leaving your couch.
Great for Streaming – With enough horsepower to take on the most demanding games, Steam Machine is the perfect host PC for streaming to other devices. Easily stream to your Steam Deck, Steam Frame, or any other device running Steam or Steam Link.
Key Features
SteamOS – An OS optimized for gaming, with fast suspend/resume, and cloud saves. And that’s just the start.
Small Form Factor – Put it under your TV. Set it on your desk. Hide it under a banana. It’s powerful PC gaming packed into a roughly 6-inch (~160mm) cube.
Cool and Quiet – Steam Machine keeps cool and runs whisper-quiet, even while running the most demanding games.
I/O for Days – Ready for all the peripherals and monitors you can throw* at it: 1 Gigabit Ethernet. DisplayPort 1.4. HDMI 2.0. One USB-C and four USB-A ports. *But, like, don’t actually throw things at it.
CPU and GPU – 4K gaming at 60 frames per second with FSR, thanks to a discrete semi-custom AMD desktop class CPU and GPU.
Storage – Available in two storage sizes: 512GB and 2TB. Both come with expandable storage via microSD.
Connectivity – 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E, plus Bluetooth 5.3 with a dedicated antenna. Steam Controller’s wireless adapter is built right into Steam Machine for direct pairing.
Power – No giant brick! Steam Machine’s power supply is built right in.
Technical Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| CPU | Semi-custom AMD Zen 4 6C / 12T
|
| GPU | Semi-Custom AMD RDNA3 28CUs
|
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 + 8GB GDDR6 VRAM |
| Power | Internal power supply, AC power 110–240V |
| Storage | Two Steam Machine models:
Both models include a high-speed microSD card slot |
| Connectivity | |
| Wi-Fi | 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 dedicated antenna |
| Steam Controller | Integrated 2.4 GHz Steam Controller wireless adapter |
| I/O | |
| Displays | DisplayPort 1.4
HDMI 2.0
|
| USB | Two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports in the front Two USB-A 2.0 High speed ports in the back One USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port in the back |
| Networking | Gigabit ethernet |
| LED Strip | 17 individually addressable RGB LEDs for system status and customizability |
| Size and Weight | |
| Size | 152 mm tall (148 mm without feet), 162.4 mm deep, 156 mm wide |
| Weight | 2.6 kg |
| Software | |
| Operating System | SteamOS 3 (Arch-based) |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma |
VR and Non-VR Gaming
Steam Frame is a streaming-first, wireless VR headset + controllers that can handle your whole Steam library. Step into immersive VR, or lean back and enjoy your non-VR catalog. And it supports stand-alone play too.
Designed for Comfort. Easy to Use
The Steam Frame headset is lightweight and compact, with the weight balanced front-to-rear for a comfortable experience. It’s also easy to just slip on and play, with no wires and no setup.
A High Quality Streaming-First Experience
Streaming can be highly variable, so we prioritized making Steam Frame a stable, high quality streaming experience.
Wireless Adapter and Dual Radios – The included plug-and-play 6GHz wireless adapter provides a dedicated link for both VR and non-VR streaming. Steam Frame’s dual radios make this connection even more stable: One radio is dedicated to streaming the audio and visuals, and the other connects to your Wi-Fi. Two dedicated links, no competition for bandwidth.
Introducing Foveated Streaming – Foveated Streaming is a new feature that optimizes detail where your eyes are looking, and typically offers over a 10x improvement in image quality and effective bandwidth. Behind the scenes, we’re using low-latency eye tracking data to steer the best quality pixels only to where you’re looking. This is all happening without you noticing, and works for your entire Steam library.
Key Features
Jump Right Into Your Games – Just wake up the headset, and you’re gaming. No fuss, no setup; just games
Who Wants Pancakes? – Thin and light custom pancake lenses provide edge-to-edge sharpness and a large eye box. Optics feature 2160 x 2160 LCD panels, one per eye. Supported refresh rates are 72-144Hz.
Seamless Audio Experience – Steam Frame has high fidelity audio via dual stereo speakers on each side. The speakers within each pair are oriented in opposite directions to cancel out vibrations, which can be a tracking system buzzkill.
Camera Tracking – No setup required. Four high-resolution, monochrome cameras provide controller and headset tracking. Infrared LEDs on the outside make tracking great even in dark environments.
Controllers for All Your Games – Hop between your VR and non-VR games. Steam Frame Controllers are designed with a split gamepad layout to work with your whole Steam library.
The VR Inputs You’d Expect… – Steam Frame controllers are tracked in space by the headset, and come with all the inputs needed for your VR games. Capacitive finger tracking enhances immersion. These controls are fully backwards compatible and support the full SteamVR catalog.
…And Inputs for Non-VR Games, Too – The Steam Frame controllers also have all the familiar inputs you need to play non-VR games: D-pad, ABXY, thumbsticks, triggers, and bumpers, all right where you’d expect them.
Magnetic Thumbsticks – Steam Frame includes next-generation magnetic thumbsticks for precision and capacitive finger sensing. These are the same thumbsticks included in Steam Controller.
Easy Battery Access – Each Steam Frame controller runs on a single AA battery, offering ~40 hours of play time.
Supports Standalone Play, Too
Steam Frame is a PC, and runs SteamOS powered by a Snapdragon 8 Series Processor. With 16GB of RAM, Steam Frame supports stand-alone play on a growing number of both VR and non-VR games without needing to stream from your PC.
Steam Frame is a PC
It Runs SteamOS – Quick suspend / resume. Cloud saves. All the features of SteamOS that make for a great user experience are now available in VR. Just like any SteamOS device, install your own apps, open a browser, do what you want: It’s your PC.
Steam Frame Verified, for Standalone Games – Just like Steam Deck and Steam Machine, Steam Frame will have a verified program that helps you see which games in your library (VR and non-VR) will work stand-alone.
Yes, There’s a Developer Kit!
Hi devs! We want a great experience on Steam Frame for as many Steam games as possible, whether it’s via streaming or stand-alone. We’re opening up a Steam Frame Developer Kit program to help.
The more developers with Steam Frames in hand, the more feedback we can grab; and the better we can make Proton and SteamOS and improve compatibility for the entire Steam library. You can request a Steam Frame developer kit in your Steam partner dashboard. Supplies are limited, but we will be sending out kits on an ongoing basis.
Steam Frame Plays Well, Wherever Steam Is
Your Steam Frame headset easily pairs with your Steam Controller; you’ll even see a virtual Steam Controller floating in your VR space. Stream from your PC, laptop, Steam Deck or Steam Machine for an immersive experience with any of your favorite games.
Headset Technical Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Processor | 4 nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Architecture: ARM64 |
| RAM | 16GB Unified LPDDR5X RAM |
| Storage | 256GB / 1TB UFS storage options microSD card slot for expanded storage |
| Power | Rechargeable 21.6 Wh Li-ion battery One USB-C 2.0 port in the rear, for charging and data Charge with USB-C, 45W |
| Modular Headstrap | Headstrap includes integrated dual audio drivers and and rechargeable battery on rear. Headstrap weight: 245g Core module can be separated from headstrap, for other headstrap solutions. |
| Connectivity | |
| Wi-Fi | 2×2 Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 dedicated antenna |
| Steam Controller | Integrated 2.4 GHz Steam Controller wireless adapter |
| Display and Optics | |
| Display | 2160 x 2160 LCD (per eye) 72-144Hz refresh rate (144Hz experimental) |
| Optics | Custom pancake lenses Glass and non-glass optical elements Large FOV (up to 110 degrees) |
| IPD Target Range | 60mm – 70mm |
| Eye Glasses Max Width | 140mm |
| Cameras and Tracking | |
| Tracking | Inside-out camera based tracking |
| Cameras | 4x outward facing monochrome cameras for controller and headset tracking 2x interior cameras for eye tracking and foveated streaming |
| Passthrough | Monochrome passthrough via outward facing cameras |
| Low-Light Support | IR illuminators for tracking and passthrough in dark environments |
| Expansion | User accessible front expansion port Dual high speed camera interface (8 lanes at 2.5Gbps MIPI) / PCIe Gen 4 interface (1-lane) |
| Connectivity | |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7, 2×2 Dual radios enable concurrent 5Ghz Wi-Fi and 6Ghz VR streaming |
| Wireless Adapter | Wireless adapter included in the box Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz) Provides direct, low-latency link between headset and PC |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Audio | |
| Speakers | Dual speaker drivers per ear, integrated into headstrap |
| Microphone | Dual microphone array |
| Size and Weight | |
| Size | 175mm x 95mm x 110mm (core module + facial interface) |
| Weight | 440 g – core module + headstrap 185 g – core module |
| Software | |
| Operating System | SteamOS 3 (Arch-based) |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma |
Controller Technical Specifications
| Controls and Input | |
|---|---|
| Motion Controls | Full 6-DOF tracking and IMU support |
| Gamepad Controls | A B X Y buttons (right controller) D-pad (left controller) Full-size magnetic thumbsticks (TMR) with capacitive touch L & R analog triggers L & R bumpers View / Menu / Steam buttons Dual stage grip buttons |
| Haptics | Haptic motor in each controller |
| Finger Tracking | Capacitive sensing for all input surfaces Capacitive finger tracking |
| General | |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4ghz link to dedicated headset radio |
| Size | 126mm x 73mm x 87mm per controller |
| Weight | With battery 130 g per controller Without battery 107 g per controller |
| Power | One replaceable AA battery per controller 40hr battery life |
Play Your Whole Steam Library
Built for Steam, and configurable with Steam Input. Play all your games however you like, on whatever you like: PC, laptop, Steam Deck, Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and more.
Key Features
Plug and Play With the Steam Controller Puck – One puck, two jobs: It’s a wireless transmitter that provides a fast, stable connection for your Steam Controller. It’s also a charging station, connecting to your Controller magnetically with a satisfying click. Prefer using Bluetooth or USB? Steam Controller supports those too.
Next-Generation Magnetic Thumbsticks – Steam Controller comes with magnetic thumbsticks using TMR technology, designed for improved feel, responsiveness and long-term reliability. They also support capacitive touch to enable motion controls.
High Definition Rumble – Steam Controller’s powerful motors are capable of handling complex waveforms for immersive, accurate haptics.
Grip-Enabled Gyro – We’re calling it Grip Sense, and it’s a new input for Steam Controller that enables gyro with capacitive touch. Hold and release to enable and disable gyro aiming. You can also map it like any other button.
All the Inputs You’d Expect
Control and Comfort – Steam Controller is built for comfortable extended play, with thumbsticks, buttons, bumpers, and triggers positioned for hands of all sizes.
Trackpads – Use Steam Controller to play even your favorite mouse and keyboard games. With increased precision and customizability, it’s another way to enjoy fast-paced FPS games.
Motion Control – Aim more naturally with gyro, capacitive touch thumbsticks, and the new grip-sense feature, to achieve even more precision.
Grip Buttons – Four buttons on the back; you choose how to use them, all while leaving your thumbs on the trackpads or thumbsticks.
Steam Button – The Steam button is both the power button and the quickest way to navigate to your library, the store, game controls, settings, and more.
Quick Access Menu – Easily access notifications, friends list, Steam Chat, and more. Press and hold to get a handy list of shortcut options in Steam.
Customizable for Steam Input
Steam Controller was designed with all the inputs for all your games. Paired with Steam Input, it’s the ultimate customizable controller. Thanks to its input parity with Steam Deck, Steam Controller will be pre-populated with community configurations for thousands of games from day one, or you can make and share your own.
Steam Controller plays well, Wherever Steam Is
With Anything Running Steam – Steam Controller works with any PC or device running Steam or the Steam Link app. This includes Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs, as well as tablets and smart phones.
Steam Deck – Whether your Steam Deck is docked or on the go, Steam Controller is a great companion, with all the same familiar inputs.
Steam Machine – Steam Controller pairs easily to Steam Machine without its puck. Wake your Steam Machine without leaving your couch.
Steam Frame – Infrared LEDs make Steam Controller trackable by Steam Frame’s cameras when you’re immersed in VR. Perfect for playing all of your non-VR games on a giant virtual screen.
Stay tuned at Gaming Instincts via Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for more gaming news.
The post Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller Announced appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism.
Earlier this year, Designed for Xbox and our friends at Backbone launched the Backbone One – Xbox Edition. Now they are back with their next generation controller, redesigned from the ground up to let you access your favorite games on mobile, PC, smart TV, and beyond.
Meet the Backbone Pro – Xbox Edition, a great gaming experience, now designed for almost any screen you own, whether you’re on your phone, tablet, PC, TV, or streaming device. Every detail, from the precise placement of the full-size thumbsticks to the laser-etched grips and Hall Effect triggers, is the result of relentless optimization.
Backbone Pro offers two ways to play: Handheld Mode, where your phone is physically connected via USB-C for low latency and no charging required; and Wireless Mode, connecting via Bluetooth Low Energy for gaming from a distance.
Personalize your play with custom profiles, button remapping, and effortless device switching – all within the Backbone App. Switching between phone, PC, and TV is simple, with FlowState – just a tap moves your controller from screen to screen. The Backbone App also supports Apple Arcade, Steam Link, and other controller-friendly mobile titles, so you have gaming options in addition to Xbox.
Not sure which controller to snag? Here’s an overview of both controllers at a glance:
The Backbone Pro Xbox Edition launches today. It’s available for $179.99 USD ERP through Backbone.com, xbox.com, and Amazon, with Best Buy floor placement in the US beginning November 30. Worldwide shipping is supported.
The post Backbone Pro - Xbox Edition: Take Your Gaming Anywhere appeared first on Xbox Wire.
After much anticipation and endless leaks, Valve has finally come forward with what it's been cooking all this time: a trio (shocker!) of new devices, including Steam Machine (form-factor PC), Steam Frame (a new VR set), and the infamous Steam Controller, now improved and actually (seemingly) quite good.
The Steam Store pages have not yet been updated at the time opf writing, but Valve's own sites are already up and running for each of the devices, which also do not feature any prices as of this article.
The Steam Machine is a successor to Valve's previous device of the same name, and is now a portable, powerful, small, and quiet mini-PC that can be used on the go and placed literally anywhere. It runs on the SteamOS and is, as Valve argues, six times more powerful than the Steam Deck. Much like the latter, the Steam Machine will have its own set of "Steam Machine Verified" games on the company's storefront, ensuring you get the most out of it in anything you fire up.
Meanwhile, the Steam Frame is a new pair of VR goggles that aims to revolutionize the technology by turning the set into an actual PC that can be used, as is the Valve philosophy lately it seems, on the go. It is a lightweight VR system that Valve outfitted with the SteamOS and, like the above, is going to verify individual titles as "Steam Frame Verified."
It's integrated with Steam and can be used in both VR and non-VR scenarios, and I can't wait to see how the latter plays out, as it might very well be a necessary first step toward total VR integration in everyday use.
Lastly, Valve is offering a new, improved, and reformed Steam Controller that is much like the previous one but with a more traditional design. It's similar in most aspects to the DualSense controller by Sony, but has two trackpads that can act as mice for particular PC-specific scenarios. Everything about the controller can be edited and attuned to yourself via Steam Input, and since it's integrated with Steam itself, running it on any device with Steam installed is going to be a breeze.
It also supports both Bluetooth and USB connections, but can also be paired with your PC via Steam's own "Steam Controller Pluck," if that's your prerogative.
Valve typically follows up these hardware announcements with some big video game news, whether they're just small-time projects to promote the devices themselves or actual, full-blown games like Half-Life: Alyx, after Valve Index was shown to the world.
Many leakers and hopium addicts like myself believe Half-Life X could be the game announced this time around, but that could be just hope and cope. At any rate, it's good to see Valve actually doing things and pushing the boundaries in the industry, which is sort of its thing.
The post Valve finally learns what the number 3 is with a triplet of new gaming devices appeared first on Destructoid.
