Notable Valve watcher, Brad Lynch, shares that Valve is supposedly working on a follow-up to its iconic Steam Controller.
The Steam Controller was originally released in 2015 and was eventually discontinued in 2019. Its unique and oftentimes challenging design gave the device a fairly steep learning curve, but it eventually garnered its own cult following.
The controller features one of gaming’s most unique designs. Where your average controller would feature its D-pad and action buttons, the Steam Controller has two configurable trackpads. Beneath them, in the same areas you would see a DualSense controller place its analog sticks, are the typical D-pad and action buttons.
What the fabled Steam Controller looked like.
Brad Lynch says that the second iteration of the Controller is heading for mass production, but that’s not the only product Valve is working on.
Codename for Steam Controller 2 is “Ibex”
Separate product from Deckard’s “Roy” controller(s)
Both are being tooled for a mass production goal in their factories right now. That’s why I know they’re in later stages of productization
— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) November 19, 2024
Codenamed “Roy” is what appears to be a wand-like controller for the unannounced SteamVR, codenamed “Deckard” after characters from the classic 1982 Ridley Scott film, Blade Runner.
The SteamVR headset has been rumored for the past two years after Valve patent filings had leaked. Valve has not yet shown or offered any information on the supposed device, but data miners have found references to it in various programs, betas, and apps over the past few years.
With the Roy seemingly entering mass production, it’s possible we may see the two launch at the same time; potentially offering SteamVR buyers a way to replace their controller, but also for others to buy separately as a standalone controller.
Valve Roy controller(s) have at least: DPAD, Bumpers, Grip Buttons, Triggers, ABXY, system button, and some sort of strap
I am confident in this info based on datamining AND sources who wished not to be named
There is also an unreleased OpenXR extension for these controllers pic.twitter.com/36WBtLvYZ5
— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) November 14, 2024
“Roy” is also reported to have a full set of action, grip, trigger, and bumper buttons. There aren’t any images or leaks that showcase how the final design will appear, but judging from what we know now, it may eventually have a similar style to the classic Wiimote or Sony’s Move motion controller.
VR headset controllers nowadays have unique designs specifically made to suit the devices they’re made for, and there’s no reason to expect any difference for the still-unannounced “Roy” but anything is possible. For the Steam Controller 2, there’s no knowing what it could entail. It could borrow inspiration from its original design, or it could try to style itself more like the classic controllers we see released today.
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