You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here
The Steam Deck continues to be a beloved handheld for many hardcore gamers, letting them play numerous AAA games to their heart’s content. Despite its nature as a portable machine, one fan plans to make a new controller that will follow a design this system’s community has been pitching for a long time.
Valve’s handheld console might not match the Switch’s popularity, but it has found an audience who loves what it can do. The recent OLED model has been praised for adding a better screen while improving the battery life and expanding the system to 90Hz. Sure, games like Final Fantasy 16 might be too much for the system, but the handheld is still powerful.
Fan-favorite Steam Deck controller design might be coming true
A fan going by Kamp on Twitter has revealed plans to make the Steam Deck controller that fans have asked Valve for. With a history of CAD designs for the Nintendo 3DS and parts already ordered, the tech-savvy Steam Deck fan is serious about creating the perfect successor.
Fans have wanted a controller that looks just like the Deck, even though the system for use in Docked Mode. While the previous Steam Controller did fail commercially, it’s since gained a cult following, and Kamp is following that device’s design.
You can see what the design looks like on the post below, showing that it would still have the same analogs and touchpads.
Steam Deck HQ asked Kamp if they were serious about making the controller and they answered yes. Kamp responded: “Yes! It’s going to use the Steam Deck control modules, so I need to create the shell, the electronics to connect to the modules, and the code to use the modules and send controller data over Bluetooth/USB.”
It will be interesting to see if fans like a wide controller with both analog sticks on the same side. Having both analog sticks in the same position makes sense for the Deck since the screen is in the middle and it’s base is wide. Plus, this makes it less awkward to use the touchpad, which Kamp plans on keeping with their custom-made controller. There’s also a chance this controller can just be used on gaming computers, which would be an ideal situation.
Will it come out?
Because this is just a fan-made project from some passionate Steam Deck user, it will be interesting to see if the controller pushes through. Making controllers is far from simple, so we can only hope Kamp knows what they’re doing. Kamp will stay in touch with Steam Deck HQ for more updates, so fans stay tuned.
Controllers for the Deck might seem odd, but the system can be docked and used like a home console, similar to the Switch. Fans have been able to use various Bluetooth controllers with the Deck thus far, though the lack of touchpads and specific Deck buttons can make that awkward.
For more on the Steam Deck, fans can check out how this aluminum backplate can increase the handheld’s performance. Our guide to playing Manor Lords on the Deck is also readily available.
About the Author
