Valve’s recent partnership with peripherals manufacturer Hori to release an official Steam-branded controller in Japan on October 31 has sparked discussions about the future of Valve’s hardware licensing and the legacy of the Steam Controller.
The Steam Controller, although not widely embraced during its initial release, has garnered a cult following for its innovative design and software support. While it had its flaws, such as the lack of a second analogue stick and the use of double-A batteries, it paved the way for customized gamepad controls on PC.
In contrast to the groundbreaking design of the Steam Controller, the Wireless Horipad for Steam appears to be a more traditional mid-budget controller with Bluetooth wireless and programmable buttons. While it is a step above budget controllers, it does not offer the same level of innovation as its predecessor.
Valve’s decision to license the Steam branding to Hori for the Wireless Horipad for Steam marks a return to Steam-branded hardware after the discontinuation of Steam Machines. While the Steam Deck has been successful in the handheld PC gaming market, it remains to be seen if Valve will continue to explore hardware partnerships in the future.
It is unclear what this partnership with Hori means for Valve’s future hardware plans. While the Steam-Branded controller may not be a groundbreaking product, it signifies Valve’s willingness to collaborate with third-party manufacturers to expand its hardware offerings. Whether this will lead to more innovative products in the future remains to be seen.
Valve’s partnership with Hori for the Steam-branded controller raises questions about the company’s future hardware strategy and its commitment to expanding its product lineup. While the Wireless Horipad for Steam may not be a direct successor to the Steam Controller, it represents a new chapter in Valve’s hardware licensing endeavors. Only time will tell if this partnership will pave the way for more innovative hardware products from Valve in the future.
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