Valve recently announced an upcoming release of a Steam-branded controller by peripherals manufacturer Hori in Japan. This marks the first time Valve has licensed the Steam branding to a third-party hardware manufacturer since the demise of Steam Machines.
The original Steam Controller, despite its flaws, was a unique and innovative product that offered a new level of customization for gamepad controls on PC. While it may not have been fully appreciated during its time, it has gained a nostalgic following in retrospect.
The upcoming Wireless Horipad for Steam seems to be a replacement-level mid-budget controller, based on Hori’s previous Horipad Pro for Xbox Series. It offers Bluetooth wireless connectivity and programmable buttons, but lacks the groundbreaking features that made the Steam Controller stand out.
Valve’s Return to Steam-Branded Hardware
Valve’s foray back into Steam-branded hardware with the Wireless Horipad for Steam is a notable move, given the company’s previous experience with Steam Machines. While the Steam Deck has been successful in the handheld gaming market, it remains to be seen if the new controller will gain traction outside of Japan.
Future Prospects
It is uncertain if Valve has long-term plans for expanding its Steam-branded hardware lineup. The company has a history of being selective with its projects and may not fully commit to supporting products that do not meet its expectations. Whether there will be more Steam-branded controllers in the future remains to be seen.
Valve’s collaboration with Hori on the Wireless Horipad for Steam may not be the groundbreaking release that fans of the original Steam Controller were hoping for. While it may offer a solid alternative for PC gamers in need of a mid-budget controller, it lacks the innovation and uniqueness that defined its predecessor. Only time will tell if Valve’s return to Steam-branded hardware will lead to new and exciting products in the future.
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