A buzz is circulating in the gaming world with whispers of a brand-new Steam Controller, possibly named ‘Ibex,’ that might just align more closely with popular console controllers this time around. Valve seems to be brewing a device designed to pair perfectly with their hit, the Steam Deck.
The rumor mill has churned out fresh insights, suggesting a significant overhaul for this new Steam Controller. It’s a design revamp that could be the key to sidestepping the lackluster response its predecessor met.
Valve has explored the hardware space with varied results over the years. Take the Steam Deck, for instance—it’s a standout victory for them outside their digital platform, enjoying robust sales across all its iterations. Yet, not every venture has hit the mark. Products like the original Steam Controller and the Steam Machine eventually faced the axe.
Now, clues have emerged pointing toward a reimagined version of the controller, tagged with the code name ‘Ibex.’ This scoop comes directly from Steam itself, as Valve insider and YouTuber Brad Lynch uncovered a render thumbnail nestled within SteamVR’s drivers. Despite the thumbnail being somewhat basic, it presents notable changes: a modern repositioning of the buttons, a second joystick, and dual touchpads. The Ibex controller draws some parallels to today’s console controllers, resembling the Switch Pro Controller, though it appears slightly taller, likely due to its touchpads.
So, what’s driving Steam to take another shot at this piece of tech after the first try didn’t quite hit the mark? Well, it could largely be because of the Steam Deck. Though a portable gaming powerhouse on its own, a companion controller that syncs flawlessly with it might be a win for players looking to hook up their Steam Decks to larger screens. It’s also why you’ll notice the Ibex borrowing elements from the Steam Deck’s layout, like those twin touchpads for extra game control precision synonymous with mouse navigation.
Lynch claims that the revamped Steam Controller is inching closer to mass production in Valve’s facilities. With its thumbnail popping up in SteamVR, Valve might soon reveal more, possibly sharing details about its availability and price. With controller usage on Steam on the rise, the timing seems just right. Steam enthusiasts will have to hang tight for now, but fingers crossed, we’ll hear something official sooner rather than later.
