New Steam Controller costs $149 in Australia, out next week

It’s been a bit quiet on the hardware front for Valve lately. Since the gaming juggernaut announced the Steam Machine and various peripherals last year, the global memory shortage has rocked the consumer tech industry, delaying any further details, like release dates and prices. Overnight, however, Valve confirmed that the new Steam Controller is on its way, including a local Australian launch.

As outlined on Valve’s online storefront, the Steam Controller will be available to order starting on 5 May, priced at $149 in Australia. If sales start at the same time as the US, expect the listing to go live at 3:00 AM AEST.

Not to be confused with the original Steam Controller launched by Valve in 2015, the new gamepad has an updated design with two magnetic thumbsticks, haptic feedback, and gyro motion sensors. Valve has also relocated the two square-shaped trackpads to sit below the thumbsticks.

The controller is designed to work with a range of other devices, including the Steam Deck and PCs. It connects via Bluetooth, USB, or the included wireless puck that Valve says provides a low-latency connection.

According to Valve, the controller’s battery lasts upwards of 35 hours of gaming time. When it’s time to recharge, the wireless puck, via a USB connection, snaps onto the controller’s back, acting as a mini charging station.

At $149, Valve’s latest controller is pricier than a standard Xbox or PlayStation DualSense controller, and Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller. But it’s more affordable than various high-end gamepads, like the $300+ DualSense Edge.

At this stage, Valve has not confirmed the release date and price of the Steam Machine gaming PC or the Steam Frame VR headset. However, announcements for those devices may not be far away now that the company’s new controller is on its way.

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