The Steam Controller launch week has arrived. Valve’s second stab at a dedicated PC gaming pad is now available on Steam. It already looks like a contender for our best PC gaming controller guide. However, it's proving popular and is currently out of stock after selling out in just 30 minutes.
As the name suggests, this PC controller is “built for steam” and is compatible not just with the best gaming PCs but also with gaming laptops, the Steam Deck OLED, and, naturally, the upcoming Steam Machine.
It offers all the basic controller features, including magnetic thumbsticks, haptic motors for rumbles, and 35+ hours of battery life on a single charge. Plus, it also packs two trackpads and mappable back buttons. It’s not a cheap pad at $99, but if you’re a serious PC player, it looks essential.
Again, the controller is currently out of stock as of 5 a.m. ET on May 5. Valve promises a stock update "soon," but we have no idea when that could be.
To that end, keep it locked to Tom's Guide for the latest restock updates. In the meantime, check out our full Steam Controller review if you're still deciding if it's worth all the effort.
Steam Controller - quick links
- Steam Controller: $99 @ Steam (check stock)
- Steam Controller: check stock @ Amazon
- Steam Controller: check stock @ Best Buy
Steam Controller - retailer listings
Welcome to our Steam Controller live coverage
Hello! PC gamers rejoice, today is the day that Valve launches its new Steam Controller, a premium pad designed specifically (and exclusively) for PC gaming, and here at Tom's Guide we'll be guiding you through launch day. In this live blog you'll find the latest news, our hands-on impression and the important buying info.
Steam Controller costs how much?
The biggest question you're probably asking about the Steam Controller is the price, and fortunately, Valve has confirmed this key detail ahead of the order floodgate opening in just a little over four hours time. The pad will cost $99, or for the folks in my native U.K., it'll run you £85. That makes it more expensive than a PS5 DualSense or Xbox Controller, but it is cheaper than either console's "Pro" pad.
Console players, this one ain't for you!
If you own a PS5 or Xbox Series X and you're eyeing up the Steam Controller, don't be fooled into picking one up. This is a dedicated PC gaming controller, and isn't compatible with Sony or Microsoft's gaming consoles. It's designed solely for use with Valve's Steam platform, and Steam-dedicated hardware (like the Steam Deck and the upcoming Steam Machine). Console gamers will need to stick with their DualSense or Xbox controller because the Steam Controller is for the PCMR only.
Steam Controller is just hours away!
Consider this is your four hour warning! The Steam Controller will be available to purchase at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST, as of the time of this post, that is just four hours away. So, if you're already sold, make sure you set a reminder, stock levels are unknown and you don't want to miss out. Of course, you can just stick with this live bog, and I'll be sure to alert you the moment the order button is live.
Here's our Steam Controller unboxing!
One of my favorite parts of getting new gaming hardware and accessories is the first unboxing experience, but if you don't mind having that moment spoiled ahead of time, check out our Steam Controller unboxing video linked above!
We've got our hands on a Steam Controller
My colleague Tony Polanco has spent the weekend with a Steam Controller. I swear I'm not jealous (okay... I totally am)! His initial impressions are pretty darn positive, and he even declares that it "lives up to the hype." If you're on the fence about whether to add one to your cart later today, be sure to read his article right now.
That's one powerful puck!
The Steam Controller comes with an extra in the box, the snappily named, Steam Controller Puck. This little device is a wireless transmitter that serves two purposes. Firstly, it provided a fast/stable connection for your controller, allowing you to use it as a wired pad (if you don't want to use wireless Bluetooth, or USB). It also serves as a charging station, with your Steam Controller snapping onto the puck with a click.
Just look at those back buttons!
One of the things that appeals to me most about the Steam Controller is in the in-built back buttons. Remember, typically on console, you need to spring for a "Pro" controller to get these, but on the Steam Controller you have four out of the box. These can be mapped as you wish, allowing you to pick which inputs they offer.
One hour to drop
We're just one hour away from launch.
While we wait, let us know what interests you about the Steam Controller?
Less than 20 minutes to go!
If you're planning to pick up a Steam Controller as soon as the order button goes live, now is the time to get in position. Get your tab open, and get ready. There's less than 20 minutes until the floodgates open and Valve lets people start purchasing.
Steam Controller orders are LIVE!
- Steam Controller: $99 @ Steam
And just as the clock strikes 10 a.m. PT, the Steam Controller order button has turned blue, and you can now pick up yours. At present, Steam is the only place to purchase a Steam Controller, so if you want one ASAP, get your order in right now.
Steam Controller stock seems to be holding strong
10 minutes later, and the Steam Controller is still in stock. Steam seems to be handling the traffic influx well, I did have a momentary issue reloading the page, but it's otherwise been smooth sailing. I can still add the Steam Controller to my cart with minimal fuss, so if you're late on the scene, you haven't missed out yet!
The dreaded "Out of stock" warning has appeared
Uh oh! Just shy of 40 minutes after the Steam Machine order page went live, and we've got the three words nobody wants to hear: Out of stock. It looks like the interest in this new PC pad has been high, and Valve's supply has run low. I'm staying on the page to see if more stock will appear, fingers crossed for a restock!
Still out of stock...
Hey, all! Tony Polanco here to take over the Steam Controller liveblog for the next few hours. Not only will I keep you updated on availability, but I'll also share some insights into the controller, since I wrote our Steam Controller review.
Right now, the Steam Controller appears to be sold out, as you can see from the image above that I snapped. This is disappointing considering how long people have waited for this peripheral. It's also not surprising given the demand for it. Hopefully, Valve can get more stock as soon as possible.
The Steam Controller is already on eBay
It shouldn't come as a surprise that people are already scalping the Steam Controller on eBay. As you can see above, users are selling the peripheral for $150+ above the original MSRP. There might be more exorbitant prices on eBay, but these are the ones I was able to find. Please wait for a restock and avoid paying these users your hard-earned cash.
Steam Controller sold out in just 30 minutes
The Steam Controller sold out just 30 minutes after launch pic.twitter.com/HBhMB1ew8mMay 4, 2026
Word is spreading that the Steam Controller is now sold out. I just hope most of those orders came from folks who are actually going to use the controller and not just scalpers looking to take advantage of people's excitement for the peripheral.
Yes, it's still out of stock
I realize these posts are getting repetitive, but as you might have guessed, the Steam Controller is still out of stock. It's hard to say whether Valve can restock today or if we'll have to wait a while for a refresh. Regardless, I'll keep an eye on the situation. Hopefully, it'll change for the better soon!
One of the coolest features
Yes, the Steam Controller is still out of stock, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about some of its amazing features.
As I said in my review, one of the coolest features is the included Steam Controller Puck. It's a 2.4GHz USB-C transmitter that can also charge the controller and pair it with the device you’re playing on. It attaches magnetically to the controller with a satisfying click and can be paired with up to four other Steam Controllers.
You connect the puck to your PC using the included USB-C to USB-A cable, though you can theoretically use any cable with power delivery. I like that you can keep the controller connected, easily snap it off to play wirelessly, and snap it back on when you’re done.
The controller is rated for 35+ hours, and in all my time with it (nearly a week), it still hasn’t drained its battery. That's something the PS5's DualSense controller can't match, that's for sure.
A comfortable controller
One of the main concerns folks had (including mine) about the Steam Controller was that it would be too big and heavy. Let me tell you, that couldn't be further from the truth!
Despite its appearance, the Steam Controller is only slightly longer and wider than a traditional Xbox controller. It's also lighter! I've used Valve's peripheral for almost a week, and it's become my favorite PC controller because it's so comfortable and intuitive. Don't let the pictures fool you. The Steam Controller feels great to hold.
Some useful reader comments
This is my last post for the day (don't worry, we're going to keep this live blog going), but I wanted to highlight two comments you might find useful.
TheVaudevillian has been keeping an eye on things since sales went live. They kept getting a "failed to initialize" error when trying to check out, and it took about 5 minutes of repeated clicks to finally complete the order. This is something our own Darraugh Murphy did to get his Steam Controller.
Jarred Hines also points out that stock has been sporadically coming back, saying it usually lasts less than a minute before going out of stock again. This is why we advise staying vigilant.
What Valve hardware is available?
Hey, this is Scott taking over for Tony, and for my first of the day, I thought we could take a look at what is available. Turns out nothing.
Yes, the Steam Controller is still sold out, but if you wanted to get into the Valve ecosystem, let's see what else is available.
Obviously, the Steam Machine and Steam Frame have not yet been released.
Which just leaves the Steam Deck...which is out of stock. Currently, every variant from the 1TB OLED to the 256GB LCD is listed as unavailable.
While we wait
With the Steam Controller immediately out of stock, I have a speculative leak that may be of interest.
Regular VR and Valve tipster Brad Lynch has posted a couple of times regarding recent shipments Valve has received to its distribution warehouse.
The shipments are listed "Game Console." It's possible that these could be Steam Deck shipments or as Lynch hints at, the arrival of Steam Machines.
We can see that "Wireless PC Controllers" arrived on April 4, and started releasing now. So, I expect if its the Machine, we might see it drop in early June. If its Steam Decks, maybe those will be available sooner.
Calling it for today
The Steam Controller is still out of stock as of 4:30 pm Pacific.
But don't worry, we're keeping track and we'll be back to tomorrow to let you know when the controller is available again.
Keep us in your tabs.
Have you managed to order a Steam Controller yet?
Tuesday morning stock check!
It's just ticked over 6:30 a.m. ET, and at present, I'm not seeing any sign of additional Steam Controller stock today. For now, that dreaded "Out of stock" message is sticking around. Some TG readers have reported seeing stock, but it reportedly only lasts for a few moments, so if you do happen to get lucky and get the chance to order, I advise checking out at speed. In the meantime, I'm still monitoring the page, and will update this live blog if the situation changes.
Unfortunately, nothing new to report!
- Steam Controller: $99 @ Steam (check stock)
10:15 a.m. ET, and still no signs of a restock today. After selling out within 30 minutes of launch, there hasn't been a major restock of the Steam Controller, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Valve to find some additional supply soon. Till then we'll keep checking!
Official word from Valve
Steam Controller ran out faster than we anticipated, and we hate that not everyone who wanted one was able to get it. We’re working on getting more in stock and will have an update on expected timeline soon.May 5, 2026
Things have been quiet regarding restocks, but Valve took to X to make an official statement. Here is what the company had to say:
"Steam Controller ran out faster than we anticipated, and we hate that not everyone who wanted one was able to get it. We’re working on getting more in stock and will have an update on expected timeline soon."
Hopefully, that "soon" won't take too long!
Valve recently imported 50 tons of "game consoles"
The Steam Controller is still out of stock, so we figured we'd update you on something potentially related, namely, the Steam Machine.
As The Verge reports, Valve has supposedly shipped over 45 tons of "game consoles" into the United States. This follows the company shipping about 90 tons of orders since February (via PCMag). While we don't know what these consoles are, they could very well be the Steam Machine.
Valve hasn't disclosed the official price of its console/PC hybrid, but if the consoles the company is reportedly shipping are indeed the Steam Machine, perhaps we'll get an answer soon. Since this isn't official confirmation from Valve, take this report with a grain of salt. For all we know, this could be a new shipment of Steam Decks... a handheld which has also been sold out for some time.
