A Short Term Review Of The Steam Controller In 2024

[@theevildice83]

Just FYI, steamOS didn't become HoloOS, steamOS still exists, the steam deck runs steamOS 3, HoloOS is a community made fork of steamOS 3 because Valve haven't made steamOS 3 publicly available yet outside the steam deck. Also, steam machines were produced by manufacturers other than Alienware

[@DylRez]

Gotcha, thanks for the comment!

[@bland9876]

If you go into the settings it literaly says "OS Name SteamOS Holo"

[@WyvernDotRed]

As @bland9876 mentioned, SteamOS 3.0 has the codename Holo. But HoloISO is the name of the unofficial version patched to install on non Steam Deck hardware.

[@jehreetv]

Making a review without being willing to do something as simple as go into your settings and up the track pad sensitivity is pretty disingenuous to what this controller is actually good at.

[@JessicaFEREM]

I really wish they just like sawed off the steam deck controller, glued it together and sold the steam controller 2 likethat would be amazing for PC gaming.

[@DylRez]

Exactly the steam deck controls feel great, and very comfortable too I like having both sticks at the top, thanks for the comment

[@Mennenth]

the steam controller is the most misunderstood controller ever. its a galaxy brain controller that was ahead of its time, because gamers these days value familiarity over innovation (that skit in the video where you went "if you game on the couch just use a gamepad, and if you want kbm just use kbm"). but if you put the time into it... there is a reason why a community (although small) built up around it and swears by it. Valve did three sins with it; first, they marketed it to couch gamers who as mentioned REALLY value familiarity. its really an enthusiasts device. the second sin is Valve didnt put out any tutorials on how to configure and use it. They set up "safe defaults" and then left the community to do everything else. The third sin? Those "safe defaults" are WAAAAAAAY too safe, to the point they actually harm the controller far more than help it. The goal of those safe defaults was to try and be as familiar as possible to newcomers, but as you experienced multiple times the crazy low sensitivity in most cases is miserable. It really didnt seem like you enjoyed the controller at all until playing a game where the default sensitivity was actually "sane". There are other issues with the defaults in other areas as well; everyone complains about the lack of a dpad and that the trackpad is a poor substitute for one. I swear that mentality is born from an understandably poor initial impression (what I like to call "weird and bad"), because the defaults for trackpad as dpad are miserable. It requires the click to happen to send input, which on the surface seems like is good because that emulates how other dpads work... but the problem is the trackpad has only 1 button. Which means you get feedback once and then no additional feedback as you move around the pad - which is harder to do when your thumb is pressing into it. Click required off, cross gate layout, deadzone 1 tick below default, and haptics set to high so you get feedback on each on every direction activation/deactivation makes the left trackpad as a dpad infinitely more usable (what I like to call "weird, but has potential"). "Weird, but has potential" will still have trouble winning the masses over, but "weird and bad" doesnt stand a chance at all. I have proof of the trackpad being an absolutely fine replacement for a dpad on my channel. Basically, you have to lean into the strengths of the steam controller for it to really shine. As long as you try to emulate the experience you get with another controller, the steam controller will suck. You have to let go of what the steam controller isnt, and embrace it for what it is. When that happens... again, there is a reason why there is a community that swears by it. Its transformative in ways that are really hard to convey over text, because its so easy for personal incredulity to take over and people to go "nuh-uh!"

[@DylRez]

Definitely I feel like you have to force yourself to become familiar and tweak as you go till it’s perfect, which is great for enthusiasts, but for your average gamer it’s not ideal, and I think now with pc gaming bring way more optimised and mainstream, the controller now would probably get more traction.

[@Mennenth]

@@DylRez I get your point, but its not forcing yourself if its something you want to do. Something not many people consider is that at one point, you had to learn how to use xbox controllers. The standard dual stick design has been around for more than 2 decades. Its not intuitive, its familiar. Razbuten even has a video series called "gaming for a non gamer" that really highlights that. But anyway, I'll stop sending you paragraph after paragraph now.

[@DylRez]

@@Mennenth haha true good point, it’s just a learning curve and once mastered I can imagine it being a great controller it’s just a shame games are standard with it, and no thank you I appreciate the comments 😁

[@damianabregba7476]

Your Portal 2 config was way too slow. I don't fully understand why they do that. What you optimally want is to make it that you can do 180° with just one swipe. Faster movement automatically makes it feel better due to not being sluggish. Yes you lose some precision, but that is gyroscope for

[@DylRez]

Yeah half life felt like this and the experience was much more enjoyable, thanks for the comment !

[@bland9876]

Would I try to do when setting up The first person game is make sure that when I'm moving my finger fast I can do a 180 but when I'm moving my fingers slowly I can't do a 180. The sensitivity should change based on how fast I'm moving my finger.

[@CandarianGaming]

6:37 if you had a higher sensitivity or use mouse acceleration on your right track pad, you won't need to swipe like that. 7:57 just use all mouse and keyboard inputs, but once again up your sensitivity on the right track pad. 11:45 with gyro you won't miss shots. There's nothing actually wrong with your video, the issues lie with valve. They released an enthusiasts pc centric controller with no instructions of any kind. No video, no demo, no game highlighting what the controller can do, nothing, Then wondered why most people didn't get it. The steam controller is an amazing product especially for the price it was when it came out, but the Dualsense gyro is far more superior for multiplayer shooters. I'm hoping Valve releases an updated steam controller one day.

[@SuicidalMonkeyBomber]

Where would be a good place to learn about how to make the most out of the controller?

[@CandarianGaming]

@@SuicidalMonkeyBomber checkout ramblecan. His videos are quite detailed

[@quarreneverett4767]

You say that but i see videos by valve 9 years ago showcasing the conller and things it can do

[@CandarianGaming]

@@quarreneverett4767 What I mean by "what it can do" is what it's fully capable of including being just as effective as a mouse and keyboard or an explanation of all the features available in the steam controller interface with big picture mode. There was no instructions on any of that, just a 1 minute trailer of the controller being used on a few games.

[@quarreneverett4767]

@@CandarianGaming it shows them using guns ina. Mouse only game. Playing rts and is longer than 1 minute or ten seconds. I stand by what i said. I got one and was researching about it and came across them before i found this videos. I figured you might have the capacity to see for yourself and have a little fun with it. But i suppose some of us orefer to just signal boost and say things even if they have consequences to others without making sure we even had a point to. Begin with

[@jcarloshawadoo]

I just bought one and can’t wait to play with it, your video was just perfect for me thanks buddy,

[@WyvernDotRed]

My Steam Controller gets used as a remote for our media PC currently. On PC, my Steam Deck is my primary controller, used over Steam Link for the connection. It's configurable controls are incredible and let me comfortably play M+KB games like Vintage Story on it. And the duel trackpad typing (with trigger clicks) is great for using the thing as a tablet, though the board is a bit limited. The rabbit hole goes deep on this, but a large part is digging deeper in the lay-out settings menu, where you can also tweak the trackball sensitivity.

[@SqrtToAllEvil]

The lookaround thing is just a matter of configs bro, the touch areas can be made to simulate a bunch of different control methods, including buttons, analog sticks, mouse, trackballs, or even macros, there are usually community made configs for every game so you don't even have to mess with it yourself outside of selecting it in the options.

[@DylRez]

I did try some for the games tested in the video, but I cut them out as it was making the video too long, however I’ll say 70% of the games I’ve played have community configs, thanks for the comment!

[@aklovl1980]

i still use my steam controller when playing racing games,works great.

[@DylRez]

Racing games it’s a great controller, love playing strategy games with it too, thanks for the comment!

[@opposed2logic]

The Steam Link was awesome. I picked one up when I was younger and lived with 2 roommates and we'd throw parties etc. The Steam Link could stream games to the tv just fine, even games where inputlag mattered it would be fine with. It was also a nice way to stream video etc from your pc to your tv. I was very happy with it.

[@DylRez]

Amazing product, just wrong time to release it but also, a few years later we began getting streaming boxes with app stores, I think If they left it a little longer and focused on app for Smart TVs and streaming boxes at the time I think people would have used it a lot more and given it a chance, thanks for the comment!

[@mcnige3187]

What, in game footage, great video bro thanks

[@Flextec]

If the right trackpad is too slow, you should increase the sensitivity. There is a configuration guide here on KZbin. You should also activate the gyroscope.

[@Frankie_Freedom]

I recently learned that it has bluetooth and have recently been trying to get it to work on my android phone but apparently there are some updates to it. That I need to figure it out

[@DylRez]

The file management system on meta has always been terrible even on pc

[@evanbaxter5509]

Uh hey. It’s kinda a disservice to the controller to not adjust the the right pad settings properly. If the aim speed is slow, turn it up? It’s easier than ever with the new big picture mode.

[@fairplayer916]

gotta admit, i want one and am kicking myself for never grabbing one. i stayed with the herd and thought it was dumb and didnt grab one when they were dirt cheap.

[@DylRez]

Exactly what I did, but after seeing it for a deal I thought I would give it a try. It’s definitely something different. Thanks for the comment

[@fairplayer916]

@@DylRez what did you consider a deal? How much?

[@dankomancer]

@@fairplayer916 Seeing used ones going for $60 on ebay. I am eyeing an auction right now, myself.

[@starkfaktory6920]

To be honest a short term review of this specific controller in inadequate. The whole SC community me included will tell you how essential it is to fully dive into things like gyro aiming and steering, trackpad umbrella techniques, etc It deserves a long term review after a full dive in steam inputs (the old Big picture version was so much better for editing this controller) otherwise too much is omitted

[@PotatoGunCamper]

I'm trying to figure out the best setup for it with Albion Online. I find the in game controller settings a bit lacking so I'm going to try and setup a custom mapping for it.

[@mobiesque3159]

I gotta pull mine out again (teehee). Haven't used it in years but I did really enjoy it. I didn't realize it had been discontinued. It's a shame really, more iterations would have made it a beauty. clicking on the pads felt a bit odd and hollow, though it felt solid and ergonomically it was great. The upward lobes on the handlebars are great. I remember loving it for Rocket League. A strength and weakness was its level of customization. For instance, your issue with the sensitivity of the right pad in Portal could be completely fixed within a steam profile for the controller (which wouldn't effect your settings with other controllers). I remember having a good profile to choose in some games was essential otherwise it'd take ages to get feeling right. Also enjoyed the 3rd triggers on the back.

[@DylRez]

Yeah heard a lot of people said rocket league was good with this one, your right about the touchpads feeling hollow, thanks for the comment

[@xGOKOPx]

Supposedly the Steam Controller was discontinued because some shithead company sued Valve beacuse they thought it's too similar to their controller

[@SmsoBoyzo]

Decent vid, keep it up!

[@TechMaestro01]

Honestly bro, if you want to learn how to properly use the controller, you should try to make your own configs. Learning Steam Input is *the key* to mastering this controller, and community configs will only slow your learning process down. Here's my advice: 1) Make your own configs using knowledge you have about the game you're playing. 2) Checkout RambleCan's videos. He has some excellent guides for Steam Input. 3) Keep practicing. This controller is a tough beast to tackle, but it's worth it in the end. 4) Don't stick to one game. You'll master Steam Input faster if you force yourself to solve various input problems. For example, you might want to learn how to create virtual menus for spell casting in Baldur's Gate, or weapon swpping in Hell Divers 2, etc.

[@hamzanawaz4545]

you bro good vid learnt a lot its a shame that you could'nt text gta 4 but yea still banger vid.kepp it going g

[@myndbynder7357]

I think it was a bad decision to make this video because you don’t seem to be qualified or experience enough with the Steam controller in order to be a judge of it

[@DylRez]

Was never judging it, just trying it on some games hence the “Short Term Review”

[@jehreetv]

​@@DylRez You tried it like you were "trying" a cup and complaining it didn't have water in it without being willing to just pour some in.

[@itzdcx]

I have the controller but I never use it

[@TheNoob.07]

Good video

[@GloriousKev]

Steam Machines did not have that level of hardware. The whole box often times cost about as much sometimes a little more than a 780. You had an i3, a gpu similar to a gtx 760 iirc, and 8gb of ram. it wasn't terrible but it wasn't high end either. I've seen claims of these specs before you too. Idk where they came from.

[@DylRez]

Thanks for that info!

[@TK000Master]

except of half life and portal not a great selection of games to show of the steam controller. I have actually 2. bought my first one when it got released 2015. So i am pretty experienced in it and also setting up my own layouts but i have to say i only use it for specific games. Most FPS and for the most part big RPGs like cyperpunk or skyrim are working great with this controller. I can just heavily recommend to play cyperpunk with it.

[@DylRez]

I’ve found borderlands 2 to be the only shooter I enjoy using it with where I don’t find it unnatural to play with, and off course strategy games, thanks for the comment!

[@TK000Master]

@@DylRez yes i am also a big strategy game fan. i never enjoyed it with steam controller felt then just like a bad mouse replacement. I can also recommend indie games like ruiner or hades and flight games like star wars squadrons. the gyro is pretty useful for flight games and some indie games that go in the direction of hades or top down shooter play nice with the touchpads

[@DylRez]

@@TK000Master found hades brilliant with this controller as mentioned in the video, also bastion works really good just gotta tweak the right trackpad abit and your golden

[@whatiyam]

I've been watching some videos of PS5 and the Steam Controller. And thanks to the gyroscope, if you hold the joystick down and flick the gyro to the left or right you should do a complete 180 turn, instantly. If not, increase your sensitivity and that should do it. I need to dig mine out of storage and update the firmware to try all this out. I'm really hoping Warzone and TF2 work for me as I'm seeing others do.

[@alexburling8351]

💕💕💕💕💕

[@quarreneverett4767]

I would like one please

[@johnathansmith1003]

I remember picking up one of these controllers thinking it would be great for aiming in FPS, I absolutely hated it and found it to be the worst controller I've ever held.

[@DylRez]

Honestly same, some shooters work great and some are just a janky, thanks for the comment

[@IgorYatskiv]

Same to me. Plus my hands hurts after short while using this controller. No surprise it failed so drastically.

[@damianabregba7476]

You have to give it like 5 chances and do some silly things for shit and giggles like a CS2 of Starcraft 2 quests. I've managed to create good configurations (that Valve wiped out with CS Steam Input update urgh...) where it stopped the feel like i'm fighting against it. It was surprisingly good. It is all about good configuration and muscle memory

[@HollowRick]

You clearly didn't set it up properly.. right trackpad set to mouse combined with Gyro aiming is one of the best ways I've ever played an FPS in a controller layout

[@pawes7418]

Steam Controller is best controller I have for fps games. You just need to learn how to use it propertly. I use dual trackpad setup so I don't even need analog stick or abxy buttons.

[@starkfaktory6920]

I think this video is very racist and full of bigotry I like and subscribe nonetheless cheers have a wonderful day everyone yepeee

[@DylRez]

That’s crazy

[@ryozaki96]

Bruv 💀

[@DylRez]

?

[@ryozaki96]

@@DylRez The part when you called your friend was funny.

[@DylRez]

@@ryozaki96bless

[@Topdiamond2006]

Videos great as always keep up the good work 🫡