“Steam Porch”: Valve Is Sitting on a Game-Changer Controller That Could Overtake Xbox: And It’s Already Designed

Gaming controllers have come a long way in the last few decades. What started off as basic, functional tools for gaming have turned into highly customizable, ergonomic devices. In recent years, Xbox controllers have reigned supreme in terms of market share but Valve might be able to challenge that.

Valve has never shied away from innovation and the runaway success of the Steam Deck has only been a runway for more. Some have taken the initiative this time to suggest a new Steam Deck controller. What if you could strip down the Steam Deck to just its buttons?

Valve Can Take The Steam Deck To The Next Level With a Controller

The Steam Deck, despite being primarily a handheld gaming console, has a controller design many gamers admire. Its touchpads, ergonomic button placement, and customizable inputs have led some gamers to wonder if Valve could strip the PC components away and offer it as a standalone controller.

The steam deck is a great controller, can I just have one without the pc in it?
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On Reddit, this idea has gotten a lot of users talking with lots of people posting concept designs for what it might look like. One fan even humorously called it the “Steam Porch”. They think that it could mimic the ergonomic advantages of the Deck without the bulk of the device.

The appeal of a Steam Porch controller lies in its potential to enhance Valve’s already successful hardware. The Steam Deck includes features like customizable back buttons, haptic feedback, and a unique touchpad system that sets it apart from standard controllers.

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Many argue that adapting these functions into a dedicated controller could cater to PC gamers who appreciate the Steam Deck’s control scheme but don’t require the full handheld system.

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Valve already has a history of experimenting with controllers. Their original Steam Controller, though ultimately discontinued, was praised for its innovation, especially in the area of touchpad integration. However, it had drawbacks, such as its lack of back buttons and overall bulky design.

Users imagine that a “Steam Porch” controller could address these issues while maintaining the customization options. With reprogrammable buttons and touch-sensitive trackpads, it could provide players with a truly personalized experience that rivals even the high-end Xbox Elite Series controllers.

The Market Is So Open For Innovation

But could the Steam Porch truly compete with Xbox controllers? It’s a tall order. Xbox controllers have become the default for many PC gamers due to their comfortable design, reliable wireless connectivity, and compatibility with games. Even other third-party controllers have tried to emulate this success.

59% of Steam controller users are playing with an Xbox pad as of June 2024
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Steam’s controller usage statistics indicate that nearly 60% of players use an Xbox controller on Steam. This shows that while Xbox controllers are widely used, there is still a large portion of Steam’s user base looking for alternatives.

The Steam Porch could stand out in how it incorporates Valve’s rich software ecosystem. This includes the Steam Controller Configurator which supports non-Steam games as well. This could make it appealing for gamers who want more control over their inputs.

The success of the Steam Deck has proven that there is a market for PC gaming hardware that goes beyond the conventional. With the rise of portable gaming devices, Valve might be sitting on a product that could give Xbox a run for its money in the controller market.

What do you think of this concept controller? Let us know in the comments!