Valve recently announced the upcoming release of a new officially licensed gamepad for Steam, the Wireless Horipad for Steam, developed by Hori. This new controller, set to launch in Japan on October 31st, seems to be a promising addition to the Steam gaming ecosystem. However, while it shares some similarities with the Steam Deck’s design and features, it is not a direct successor to the discontinued Steam Controller.
The Wireless Horipad for Steam boasts a PC-centric design, with menu buttons that match those of the Steam Deck and touch sensors atop its sticks for activating gyro controls. It offers both Bluetooth wireless and USB-C wired connectivity options, along with extensive custom programmability through Hori’s software. However, it falls short in terms of features when compared to the Steam Controller 2, lacking rumble, a matching set of four back buttons, and the signature trackpads found on the Steam Deck.
As of now, the Wireless Horipad for Steam is scheduled for release exclusively in Japan, with no confirmation of its availability in other regions. The controller will be offered in four different colors – black, white, neon yellow, and violet – at a price of 7,890 yen (approximately $50). It remains unclear whether Hori plans to expand the controller’s availability to a global audience in the future.
The design of the Wireless Horipad for Steam bears a resemblance to the wired Horipad Pro currently available for Xbox consoles. While the Horipad Pro offers decent ergonomics and a quality D-pad, the new Wireless Horipad seems to introduce more advanced features. With Bluetooth wireless connectivity and four programmable buttons, the controller aims to cater to the evolving needs of PC gamers.
Valve’s decision to collaborate with Hori for the development of the Wireless Horipad for Steam reflects the increasing popularity of PC gaming in Japan. The rise of handheld gaming devices in the country may have influenced Valve’s choice to partner with a different company for Steam Deck distribution. Additionally, the growing trend of gamepad usage on Steam, as indicated by Valve’s recent statistics, suggests a potential expansion of licensed controllers from various manufacturers in the future.
While the new Wireless Horipad for Steam appears to offer promising features and customization options, its limited availability in Japan raises questions about its global release. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the introduction of new controllers like the Wireless Horipad signifies a step towards enhancing the gaming experience for Steam users. Whether this controller will gain popularity outside of Japan remains to be seen, but its anticipated launch sparks curiosity and excitement among gamers worldwide.
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