this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2026
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PC Master Race
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I'm still a little suprised the Steam Controller is this popular. Aside from the trackpads (which is a big 'aside' to be clear) it's such a mid controller spec-wise.
What are people's use cases for the trackpads? I still swear by my OG Steam Controller and love the trackpads for playing, like, visual novels on Steam on my TV (through the OG Steam Link) or controlling my browser if I'm watching Patreon videos, but those are pretty niche uses.
Linux compatibility is a big one for me. I had to buy a USB dongle for my Xbox controller and it still would sometimes randomly disconnect or get input lag
The Steam Controller in my opinion is primarily designed for folks like me that have wanted to get into PC gaming but have always been console gamers. I don’t really want to sit at my desk on my computer when I’m trying to relax and have fun, so consoles and controllers made more sense from a simplicity pov, but even with an Xbox controller on my SteamDeck games like Factorio, StarCraft, or anything optimized for mouse and keyboard either feels clunky or I have to pull out a mouse and keyboard to sit at my couch which is also less than ideal. I’m stoked about getting one
I wouldn't call it mid, but the trackpads are the main selling point, if you don't need them, then it's a pretty pointless purchase (outside of just wanting it because it's Valve). An Xbox controller is way, way more comfortable for joystick usage.