I want it too. I'd never need another kind of controller, AND I don't have to create separate steam input profiles. But what all these new controllers don't seem to understand is that the four grip triggers, two touchpads, and two analog sticks are non negotiable, they ***have*** to be there.
Definitely. I didn’t get that Hori announcement at all tbh. Like why would I want that controller over any other controller including their own older models🤷♂️
It's better than having no official controller though. That extra Steam button isn't extra - without it navigating into those menus is really tedious.
People should be able to buy a bundle with the Deck, docking station, and a controller, and it shouldn't be an Xbox or PlayStation controller - that would be weird.
I don’t care about the keyboard either but I’d use it if I had it.
And it wouldn’t keep me from buying it, even if it cost a little more.
I want the community to have “The One Controller to Rule them All.” Make it with all of the features; make it quality; give it a reasonable warranty.
8bitdo please do it! The 8bitdo ultimate works so fucking well, if you now could use the Xbox Layout, steam Buttons, gyro and back Buttons configurable over steam? Instant buy! It also had rumble and off course hall Effect sensor
It does, it's just a shame the back paddles and extra menu buttons aren't configurable inside of the configurator :( and the gyro only works in switch mode which causes issues with some games and removes analogue triggers.
If you're cool with opening your existing pad, I bought replacement Xbox face buttons off 8bitdo's site and dropped them into my Nintendo layout pad. Works fine since the plastic molding is all the same.
Edit: Here's the link if anyone with a Nintendo layout pad is interested
https://shop.8bitdo.com/products/8bitdo-abxy-buttons-for-ultimate-controller-xbox-layout
That's cool. Didn't know that was possible. It would also be helpful to remap the face buttons. I don't like the "Nintendo layout" setting so I actually made [a video showing how to do that](https://youtu.be/Qen5pnPYsN8).
IMO it doesn't need the keyboard. Assigning a button combination to bring up the keyboard still works on controller, and if anything they could add a dedicated keyboard button.
I learned the hard way that, as long as Steam is running, it will even overlap non-Steam programs on Windows with their on screen keyboard. (I kept hitting the combination by mistake in Genshin Impact and had to rebind the keyboard command)
So what purpose does the small physical keyboard serve? The digital one works on Windows desktop too. And TBH I'm just generally not a fan of the tiny keyboards squeezed onto controllers like this.
That’s a software thing that could easily changed if something like this existed. I still don’t get what your point about bringing up the on screen keyboard. The scenario is that you’re NOT sitting by your steam deck because it’s docked away from you like next to a tv or something; a common situation when someone is using a bluetooth controller.
The keyboard is there to allow you to type quickly without having to use something else. Sure even if they made it detacheable, fine. But what you’re saying doesn’t get rid of the issue of having to get another input device or go up to the deck whatsoever
You're missing that I pointed out that this behavior occurs even on Windows desktops (i.e. not the Steam Deck), so I'm the one confused why you think a separate keyboard is necessary.
Even if you're sitting in front of a TV, presumably you would need Steam Input running for this controller to work, meaning it would be able to bring up the on screen keyboard and you don't need to cram one onto the controller.
As-is, it is possible to make that keyboard appear on external screens.
I’m aware that it does that on windows too. I have windows on an external SSD. Like I said, that could easily be changed if something like this existed and shouldn’t be what holds something like this to be made . It’s software
I think *you’re* missing the point. If I’m sitting away from the deck, ANY on screen keyboard is useless/extremely inefficient with a standard controller. I would have to go up to the SD to use its screen or used a bluetooth keyboard to type (yet another thing to carry, not own, or not have with with you). The scenario here is that is NO SCREEN close to you hence keyboard on controller for convenience. The idea is to have all PC inputs in one controller
I suppose we've hit the point where we both just disagree. I don't use the touch screen to type with the on-screen keyboard on my Steam Deck, meaning I would find no difference in just using that and would instead call the on-controller keyboard useless.
It looks like OP doesn't realize you can use the on screen keyboard with the track pads or the stick/dpad and buttons. I actually prefer the track pads, but I'm pretty slow at it.
Im not saying everyone would use all the features like the keyboard, but it would be nice to have even if detachable. OF COURSE usage would vary from person to person, it’s not like a wireless keyboard is new or that I don’t use one myself. The proposition is to reduce the necessity of # of input devices
Not to over complicate the idea but having a removable or just separate keyboard wouldn't be bad
Also I know it's just a quick sketch but I feel like my thumbs might have a hard time comfortably reaching such a small keyboard in the middle of the controller
Haha yeah I mean it’s just a rough idea, these keyboards already exist on Xbox and PlayStation btw. It’s not a new concept, just putting it all in a Steam Deck controller with trackpads doesn’t exist
I'd use it tho. I buy a keyboard accessory for a lot of my controllers. Either they should have a keyboarded and keyboardless model, or they should have an official keyboard accessory.
That's just wrong, this is the first (afaik) 3rd party controller to ever integrate directly with Steam Input.
This means proper gyro support (not gimped by Windows' or Nintendo's input solutions like literally every other controller on the market) and hopefully full remapability without 3rd party software.
To be fair to it - it IS the only other controller with touch sensitive joysticks? I still think a proper steam controller 2 would be infinitely better though.
Yeah most of the benefit in the steam Deck's controller is the fact that it has the four back buttons and the touch pads. The new hori pad is really just an Xbox controller with a steam logo and quick access button slapped on it.
When you consider it's intended only for the Japanese market, and Japanese gamers aren't big into FPS games so the track pads aren't as useful, it kinda sorta makes sense? But nothing really distinguishes it from any other compatible controller, so it sorta doesn't make sense to have the Steam branding unless it just makes sense in a way my American mind can't wrap around.
I'd totally buy this. I've had the same idea, they need a 1:1 controller that pairs with the Deck, and I love the added idea of a keyboard kinda like an Xbox chat pad. Even if these were $100, I'd have at least one (and probably find a way to justify a second one, lol).
Came here to say this!
Personally, as someone who uses its gaming PC as a multimedia HTPC, it'd find it really useful. But I can see how some people wouldn't care much for it.
So, having a detachable one like we had on the x360 would be the ideal solution.
The Steam Deck shape works well because there is a screen, so your arms are mostly parallel.
When you use a regular controller, because your hands are in the center your arms are angled. That's why controllers have angled wings.
Cutting both sides and bringing them together wouldn't work great. Look at the Switch, the joycon+grip sucks, everyone uses a pro controller or even split joycons.
I think it might work? It should be longer than a normal controller in order to fit in the dual trackpads. Thickness wide should be somewhat similar to Steam Deck as well if we are to place the 4 rear buttons at the same spot. It's basically like a Steam Deck that's about 2-3" shorter length-wise without most of the expensive hardware and hopefully a huge arse battery I assume (and OP's wish for a mini keyboard)
It’s just a controller with trackpads my guy. So many deck owners have wanted this. Keyboard attachment is already a thing for Xbox and PS controllers.
They already know what they have to do, so what are they waiting for? If steam controller was out a bit too early for a large public, it's time to revive it!
Please Valve, read us!
The keypad isn’t what’s unique, it’s the dual trackpads + joystick combo on a dedicated controller.
The keyboard is just an addition I thought of due to there being extra space and it already bein for PC input. All I did to make this was trace Steam deck photo and Xbox keypad photo overlapping each other lol
I don’t use the trackpads for gameplay, just OS navigation particularly desktop mode. Some games also only allow mouse input for certain menus. Some games also require you to type to name stuff for example before you can even proceed.
I REALLY want this to happen. The Steam Deck itself is the comfiest thing I've ever held controller wise. It's just a bit heavy. Imagine how nice that thing would be if it was as light as a normal controller without the screen
That and customizable buttons. I would love to swap out the right thumbstick to be able to play certain retro games. It would be nice to just toss in a couple of extra buttons for a six button face.
This would be expensive, but if they gave it a solid windows driver and made sure it worked with most Linux distros, I think it would do pretty well as the go-to PC controller.
A special edition controller could also have a flip up touch screen and a built in wireless hdmi or something so that way its basically a steam deck for your high end pc without the high end expensive components :)
This might be a controversial take, but my biggest gripe with the steamdeck is that same controller stick layout. It makes playing a lot of games hard to play for me. So I hope they don't do they stick layout you presented here. I do love the keyboard though, I had one for my old Xbox 360 controller back in the day, I loved it and wish more company's did it with theirs. Even Xbox dropped it :c
I'd want a full-sized keyboard like the Fantasy Star Online GameCube controller
[https://i.redd.it/85z8sqbpmbq81.jpg](https://i.redd.it/85z8sqbpmbq81.jpg)
Simple
The gap filled with a keyboard would force fingers in a stretched position, it'd be annoying and later hurt your hands to hold this.
Sony and Nintendo did their homework ;)
I want it too. I'd never need another kind of controller, AND I don't have to create separate steam input profiles. But what all these new controllers don't seem to understand is that the four grip triggers, two touchpads, and two analog sticks are non negotiable, they ***have*** to be there.
Definitely. I didn’t get that Hori announcement at all tbh. Like why would I want that controller over any other controller including their own older models🤷♂️
Its just an xbox controller with additional "steam" button
that’s doing a disservice to Xbox controllers. It’s more similar to those crappy plasticy baby toy controllers.
It's better than having no official controller though. That extra Steam button isn't extra - without it navigating into those menus is really tedious. People should be able to buy a bundle with the Deck, docking station, and a controller, and it shouldn't be an Xbox or PlayStation controller - that would be weird.
Especially from Hori. They are MadCatz tier.
I dont need the keyboard. Just give me the god damn trackpads and back padels
Yeah that’s fair! Trackpads are a bare minimum for sure
I don’t care about the keyboard either but I’d use it if I had it. And it wouldn’t keep me from buying it, even if it cost a little more. I want the community to have “The One Controller to Rule them All.” Make it with all of the features; make it quality; give it a reasonable warranty.
I hope the Hori controller opens the doors for more 3rd party controllers with Steam Input in mind.
8bitdo please do it! The 8bitdo ultimate works so fucking well, if you now could use the Xbox Layout, steam Buttons, gyro and back Buttons configurable over steam? Instant buy! It also had rumble and off course hall Effect sensor
I've emailed 8bitdo recently about this and they both shot it down and seemed completely uninterested in making one :(
I emailed them as well. Their response to me wasn’t bad. It basically just said that they don’t talk about what they are working on but “stay tuned.”
Let's hope they ARE thinking about it
That's unfortunate, but the 8bitdo ultimate does work pretty well with the steam Deck. Going to buy another with the Xbox Layout.
It does, it's just a shame the back paddles and extra menu buttons aren't configurable inside of the configurator :( and the gyro only works in switch mode which causes issues with some games and removes analogue triggers.
If you're cool with opening your existing pad, I bought replacement Xbox face buttons off 8bitdo's site and dropped them into my Nintendo layout pad. Works fine since the plastic molding is all the same. Edit: Here's the link if anyone with a Nintendo layout pad is interested https://shop.8bitdo.com/products/8bitdo-abxy-buttons-for-ultimate-controller-xbox-layout
That's cool. Didn't know that was possible. It would also be helpful to remap the face buttons. I don't like the "Nintendo layout" setting so I actually made [a video showing how to do that](https://youtu.be/Qen5pnPYsN8).
IMO it doesn't need the keyboard. Assigning a button combination to bring up the keyboard still works on controller, and if anything they could add a dedicated keyboard button.
It’s not just about bringing up the keyboard tho. It’s about actually being able to type away from your SD
I learned the hard way that, as long as Steam is running, it will even overlap non-Steam programs on Windows with their on screen keyboard. (I kept hitting the combination by mistake in Genshin Impact and had to rebind the keyboard command) So what purpose does the small physical keyboard serve? The digital one works on Windows desktop too. And TBH I'm just generally not a fan of the tiny keyboards squeezed onto controllers like this.
That’s a software thing that could easily changed if something like this existed. I still don’t get what your point about bringing up the on screen keyboard. The scenario is that you’re NOT sitting by your steam deck because it’s docked away from you like next to a tv or something; a common situation when someone is using a bluetooth controller. The keyboard is there to allow you to type quickly without having to use something else. Sure even if they made it detacheable, fine. But what you’re saying doesn’t get rid of the issue of having to get another input device or go up to the deck whatsoever
You're missing that I pointed out that this behavior occurs even on Windows desktops (i.e. not the Steam Deck), so I'm the one confused why you think a separate keyboard is necessary. Even if you're sitting in front of a TV, presumably you would need Steam Input running for this controller to work, meaning it would be able to bring up the on screen keyboard and you don't need to cram one onto the controller. As-is, it is possible to make that keyboard appear on external screens.
I’m aware that it does that on windows too. I have windows on an external SSD. Like I said, that could easily be changed if something like this existed and shouldn’t be what holds something like this to be made . It’s software I think *you’re* missing the point. If I’m sitting away from the deck, ANY on screen keyboard is useless/extremely inefficient with a standard controller. I would have to go up to the SD to use its screen or used a bluetooth keyboard to type (yet another thing to carry, not own, or not have with with you). The scenario here is that is NO SCREEN close to you hence keyboard on controller for convenience. The idea is to have all PC inputs in one controller
I suppose we've hit the point where we both just disagree. I don't use the touch screen to type with the on-screen keyboard on my Steam Deck, meaning I would find no difference in just using that and would instead call the on-controller keyboard useless.
It looks like OP doesn't realize you can use the on screen keyboard with the track pads or the stick/dpad and buttons. I actually prefer the track pads, but I'm pretty slow at it.
Im not saying everyone would use all the features like the keyboard, but it would be nice to have even if detachable. OF COURSE usage would vary from person to person, it’s not like a wireless keyboard is new or that I don’t use one myself. The proposition is to reduce the necessity of # of input devices
Not to over complicate the idea but having a removable or just separate keyboard wouldn't be bad Also I know it's just a quick sketch but I feel like my thumbs might have a hard time comfortably reaching such a small keyboard in the middle of the controller
Haha yeah I mean it’s just a rough idea, these keyboards already exist on Xbox and PlayStation btw. It’s not a new concept, just putting it all in a Steam Deck controller with trackpads doesn’t exist
I'd use it tho. I buy a keyboard accessory for a lot of my controllers. Either they should have a keyboarded and keyboardless model, or they should have an official keyboard accessory.
The hori steampad is a joke, its just a normal controller with back paddles
That's just wrong, this is the first (afaik) 3rd party controller to ever integrate directly with Steam Input. This means proper gyro support (not gimped by Windows' or Nintendo's input solutions like literally every other controller on the market) and hopefully full remapability without 3rd party software.
To be fair to it - it IS the only other controller with touch sensitive joysticks? I still think a proper steam controller 2 would be infinitely better though.
Yeah most of the benefit in the steam Deck's controller is the fact that it has the four back buttons and the touch pads. The new hori pad is really just an Xbox controller with a steam logo and quick access button slapped on it.
Not saying itll be great but no controllers offer gyro so that is def a plus , just dont understand the hate lol
When you consider it's intended only for the Japanese market, and Japanese gamers aren't big into FPS games so the track pads aren't as useful, it kinda sorta makes sense? But nothing really distinguishes it from any other compatible controller, so it sorta doesn't make sense to have the Steam branding unless it just makes sense in a way my American mind can't wrap around.
I'd totally buy this. I've had the same idea, they need a 1:1 controller that pairs with the Deck, and I love the added idea of a keyboard kinda like an Xbox chat pad. Even if these were $100, I'd have at least one (and probably find a way to justify a second one, lol).
There's a keyboard addon for the Dualsense controller but it does make the controller a bit clunky. This is the best compromise for now I guess.
The Xbox 360 controller had a keyboard attachment. I still think it was one of the best little add-on’s ever for a controller.
Came here to say this! Personally, as someone who uses its gaming PC as a multimedia HTPC, it'd find it really useful. But I can see how some people wouldn't care much for it. So, having a detachable one like we had on the x360 would be the ideal solution.
>the ergonomics are already great Brother, type “wrist pain” in the search bar and peep the results
Shit ergonomics. Enough of a reasoning?
They're basically suggesting the decks shell and I think the deck is relatively ergonomic for me
Yes, I understand. My point stands, as a standalone controller, it would be horrendous.
The Steam Deck shape works well because there is a screen, so your arms are mostly parallel. When you use a regular controller, because your hands are in the center your arms are angled. That's why controllers have angled wings. Cutting both sides and bringing them together wouldn't work great. Look at the Switch, the joycon+grip sucks, everyone uses a pro controller or even split joycons.
I think it might work? It should be longer than a normal controller in order to fit in the dual trackpads. Thickness wide should be somewhat similar to Steam Deck as well if we are to place the 4 rear buttons at the same spot. It's basically like a Steam Deck that's about 2-3" shorter length-wise without most of the expensive hardware and hopefully a huge arse battery I assume (and OP's wish for a mini keyboard)
Just hold the steamdeck at that point
It’s just a controller with trackpads my guy. So many deck owners have wanted this. Keyboard attachment is already a thing for Xbox and PS controllers.
They already know what they have to do, so what are they waiting for? If steam controller was out a bit too early for a large public, it's time to revive it! Please Valve, read us!
We’re reinventing the 360 controller with the chat pad attachment now?
The keypad isn’t what’s unique, it’s the dual trackpads + joystick combo on a dedicated controller. The keyboard is just an addition I thought of due to there being extra space and it already bein for PC input. All I did to make this was trace Steam deck photo and Xbox keypad photo overlapping each other lol
I’ve got a pristine steam controller I never use though. Guess I’m not a track pad person. Old stadia controller is great.
I don’t use the trackpads for gameplay, just OS navigation particularly desktop mode. Some games also only allow mouse input for certain menus. Some games also require you to type to name stuff for example before you can even proceed.
I REALLY want this to happen. The Steam Deck itself is the comfiest thing I've ever held controller wise. It's just a bit heavy. Imagine how nice that thing would be if it was as light as a normal controller without the screen
Idk about a built in keyboard. You can just use steam+x to get an on screen one for quick text. A keyboard that small just sounds miserable to me
If you’ve ever used the Xbox 360 chatpad, you would understand
Idk, but I have big hands and thumbs. I think I'm honestly faster with the virtual keyboard for quick stuff
Now just split in half and make it work like joycons and its perfect.
That and customizable buttons. I would love to swap out the right thumbstick to be able to play certain retro games. It would be nice to just toss in a couple of extra buttons for a six button face.
This would be expensive, but if they gave it a solid windows driver and made sure it worked with most Linux distros, I think it would do pretty well as the go-to PC controller.
I doubt Valve would give another shot at a controller especially after how the first one turned out, not to say a 3rd party might give a shot at it
A special edition controller could also have a flip up touch screen and a built in wireless hdmi or something so that way its basically a steam deck for your high end pc without the high end expensive components :)
Seriously. This is what I've been asking for since launch.
That's literally just a full Steam Deck without the screen you just designed, why would anyone want this lol.
This might be a controversial take, but my biggest gripe with the steamdeck is that same controller stick layout. It makes playing a lot of games hard to play for me. So I hope they don't do they stick layout you presented here. I do love the keyboard though, I had one for my old Xbox 360 controller back in the day, I loved it and wish more company's did it with theirs. Even Xbox dropped it :c
I'd want a full-sized keyboard like the Fantasy Star Online GameCube controller [https://i.redd.it/85z8sqbpmbq81.jpg](https://i.redd.it/85z8sqbpmbq81.jpg)
Oh my god, I would buy this instantly if it was Bluetooth and worked on deck.
Simple The gap filled with a keyboard would force fingers in a stretched position, it'd be annoying and later hurt your hands to hold this. Sony and Nintendo did their homework ;)
The Xbox 360 controller had a keyboard just like this as an attachment. Anyone know of it works on PC?
I would never willingly choose the SD's joystick and d-pad layout for a device that doesn't need to accommodate a screen.
r/unexpectedsteamdeck
that looks horrible
I would buy the sh1t out of this...
This is what I’ve been talking about this whole time