Steam has announced their newest device to try and drive the market towards more PC gaming, and its accessibility. The new Steam Controller will be using type of touch pad system that will be moving where buttons are to below, then another where the directional pad would normally be. Using these touch pads will allow games that normally would require a mouse to be achieved at the same rate as a mouse would. This new type of method of achieving mouse like interactions from a remote control are big news for consoles to not just PC’s since many games are only available for PC or a bust due to the users inability to quickly and accurately input commands necessary.
The Steam Controller will be priced at 49.99, and if users pre-order, they will begin shipping on Oct 16th few weeks before its release date. Another large impact this controller is bringing is the incredible amount of buttons. With 13 different buttons you won’t need the keyboard anymore especially since you will also be able to configure the remote with custom settings allowing for many more games to be played with ease. The steam controller will be compatible with Big Picture Mode for steam users but will be even better used with new steam item called Steam Link.
The Steam Link, also priced at 49.99 will be released the same time as the Controller with the same offer about early access. Link will allow for users to connect straight to TV as if this was the console. After connecting the Link to the PC’s with steam installed, you will be able to play all of your steam games through your television. The biggest impact this new device will bring, is the access to your steam library without being restricted to one room, and still letting you use the beefy processor you have in your PC.
Right now the specs are very impressive; 5 meters of connection ability from the wireless connector in the remote, wired or wireless ability, and is said to have a full battery life of 80 hours of game play. Alongside these features the Controller will have dual-stage triggers and gyroscope and accelerator sensors making the remote able to be used as wheel remote. Having the dual track pads is really the biggest feature about this new remote, this is a new innovative outlook on how gaming is played. Even the positioning of the Controller’s was a thought, keeping each set of buttons and pad in the areas of most frequent use, which goes to show that this product was not under thought in the slightest.
The Controller and the Link are scheduled to be released in November this year. Making it just in time for the holidays as it would seem, however you can also gain early access by pre ordering either of these new devices. This is expected to be big hit in steam communities.