Valve’s new Steam Controller sells out in 35 minutes, scalpers push price to $250

Key facts

• Steam Controller priced at $99 launched and sold out within 35 minutes.
• Scalpers are reselling the controller for up to $250, more than double the retail price.
• The controller uses K-Silver JS13 Pro+ TMR joysticks, the first major first-party controller to do so.
• Valve partnered with iFixit and provides 3D-printable files for accessories.
• The controller includes a magnetic charging puck that doubles as a 2.4GHz wireless dongle.
• Valve claims a 35-hour battery life for the controller.
• The controller supports up to four controllers per charging puck.
• The Steam Machine and Steam Frame have been delayed with no price announced.

Instant sellout and scalper frenzy

Valve’s new Steam Controller, priced at $99, sold out within 35 minutes of its release, sparking a wave of scalping that has driven resale prices as high as $250. The rapid sellout underscores the pent-up demand for the device, which had been anticipated since its announcement. Scalpers on secondary markets are now listing the controller at more than double its retail price, a pattern reminiscent of other high-demand hardware launches.

A refined successor to a cult classic

The new Steam Controller is a direct descendant of Valve’s original, idiosyncratic gamepad, which was a commercial failure but developed a devoted following. The original’s dual trackpad design, later vindicated by the Steam Deck, has been refined in this iteration. The new controller retains the symmetrical Sony-style layout and capacitive trackpads, but improves upon the original with larger, slightly inward-angled pads and more prominent rear programmable buttons.

First major controller with TMR joysticks

The Steam Controller is the first first-party controller from a major console maker to use TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) joysticks, specifically the K-Silver JS13 Pro+ modules. TMR technology offers the durability of Hall Effect sensors with lower power consumption, addressing the stick drift issues that have plagued other controllers. The trackpads, based on capacitive technology from Cirque, were co-designed by Valve and the company.

Repair-friendly design and iFixit partnership

Valve has designed the Steam Controller to be easily repairable, a stark contrast to many consumer electronics. The controller lacks security screws, the battery is in a accessible location, and the PCB with the stick module is readily visible. Valve is partnering with iFixit and providing files for 3D-printed accessories, making it the most repair-friendly first-party controller on the market.

Innovative magnetic charging puck

The controller comes with a magnetic charging puck that snaps onto the back and doubles as a 2.4GHz wireless dongle. This puck provides a dedicated wireless channel, offering faster response times than Bluetooth, and can support up to four controllers simultaneously. The controller also has Bluetooth and a USB-C port, but the puck is designed to minimize clutter and simplify setup.

Ideal for living room PC gaming

The Steam Controller is particularly well-suited for PC gamers who connect their computers to a TV, a lifestyle that has long been awkward due to the need for a keyboard and mouse. The controller’s trackpads and on-screen keyboard functionality, inherited from the Steam Deck, allow for desktop navigation without a separate input device. While a keyboard and mouse may still be needed for some tasks, the controller significantly reduces friction.

What comes next for Valve’s hardware ambitions

The Steam Controller’s launch comes amid delays for Valve’s other hardware projects, the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, which have no announced price or release date. The controller’s success suggests strong interest in Valve’s ecosystem, but the scalping situation and limited initial stock raise questions about supply. Valve has not commented on restock plans, leaving many potential buyers waiting.

The bottom line

• The Steam Controller sold out in 35 minutes, with scalpers charging up to $250.
• It is the first major first-party controller to use TMR joysticks, offering improved durability.
• Valve’s repair-friendly design and iFixit partnership set a new standard for consumer electronics.
• The magnetic charging puck provides a low-latency wireless connection and doubles as a charger.
• The controller is optimized for living room PC gaming, a niche but growing segment.
• The Steam Machine and Steam Frame remain delayed, with no pricing announced.