Is there any reason to buy a Steam controller if you have an Xbox for PC controller?

[Craig234]

Since they're slightly on sale for $35. Steam link is on sale on Steam w/shipping charges but not Amazon.

 

[WesleyCarter]

I own a wireless XBOX 360 Controller for the PC that I have used for years. I use a Keyboard + Trackball (not the thumb kind) as well. I got the Steam Controller for Xmas and have used it for over 100 hours of game play.
That all being said, to answer your title ("Is the Steam Controller Worth It?"), the answer is a resounding: MAYBE.

So honestly the opinion I have is I like it, but it won't be for everyone. It is different, so it'll take getting used to. Unfortunately I have been super addicted to GTAV Online (also got for Xmas), so that's all I've really played it on. It works great for most things except I suck at aiming with it. So in GTAV for the deathmatch type stuff I set it down and use the keyboard/trackball. But for flying/driving, running around and being a retard, it works great.

I like the feel of the flat touch bad things for some stuff. They also are like d-pads that you can click (up down left right), but not as accurate as the D-Pad on the XBOX360 controller, this is of course my opinion. The 'touchpad' type use is kind of cool.

Basically I think it's a great controller that has some definite great uses, but lacks in other places. I can't aim in free-aim with it, but I couldn't do that well on the XBOX360 controller either. You won't really know until you physically try one out on some of your favorite games. And by try it out I mean more than 15 minutes.

tl;dr = depends on taste, isn't horrible, isn't perfect.

 

[gorcorps]

I bought a steam controller and steam link last time they were on sale. The controller didn't seem to be well supported in all the games I played, and had issues loading the community profiles to try and fix it.

I wouldn't bother if you have something else.

 

[renz20003]

At $35 compared to an Xbox one controller it's a steal. Even if it does have some quarks.

Anyone know if they are pretty durable?

 

[Craig234]

There's a deal on some sort of pre-owned Xbox controllers for $20 if you want me to post it.

 

[Andro Boy]

Not really. I've been using my PS4 controller with the DS4 Windows software emulation, so it behaves like a 360 controller. I like the feel of it, and it automatically works in most recent first/third person shooters (GTAV, Far Cry 3, Doom, Tomb Raider 2013, etc).

 

[Stg-Flame]

You can go buy a wired 360 controller for $20 at Target and you don't have to buy anything extra. You literally plug it in and start playing games. If you want a wireless controller, you're going to pay a lot more, though I'm not sure why someone would willingly pay extra just so they don't have to plug a cable into a USB port.

So, if you already have a working controller to use on your PC, there's no reason to buy a different controller.

 

[Ninjahedge]

The only problem I see is in the lack of a second analog stick.

The Steam controller has a trackpad, which offers MUCH more control, but on most games, when you try to use it, it is very difficult (Ex: Shadows of Mordor - Steam linked to TV...)

IF the game is flexible, I would say Steam is the way to go. But if it was originally designed as a console game AND you will not be playing PVP on a FPS... go console dual stick.

YMMV.

Anyone have another acronym that fits? (omgwtfbbq)

 

[Attic]

I have found that i'm best served having both.

I have my gaming computer and 3 SteamLinks around the house at various HDTV's. The Steam Controller is not very good for gaming in my opinion and falls way short for comfort and feel compared to the XBOX One controller.

But, without the Steam Controller it is a pain to use the XBOX One controller for the SteamLink because the XBOX One controller won't turn on the SteamLink and it won't initialize until you are in Big Picture Mode.

So I use the Steam Controller to interface with the steamlink wirelessly, and the use the XBOX One controller to actually play games.

In my setup you also need the XBOX One Wireless Adapter, and VirtualHere for Steam.


Cliffs: Would be much nicer if XBOX One wireless controller was supported natively for the Steamlink.

SuperCliffs: The Steam Controller isn't that great.

 

[TechBoyJK]

im still using my 360 controller and I'm happy with it. Works great through steam link too.

 

[shortylickens]

I got the Steam controller and I do NOT like it much at all. Would rather use anything else I have.

 

[Dranoche]

Don't buy a steam controller expecting a replacement for a traditional controller. It may replace your regular controller eventually, but it's best to look at it now as just an alternative.

I think it works really well in certain situations, and rather poorly in others. Gives much better aiming precision with the pad than a stick, though when you specifically need a stick it's not as good or takes a while to get used to. The face buttons are also a bit further away, and X360 muscle memory had me hitting the wrong button at times with quick reactions.

 

[Ninjahedge]

The second stick missing is difficult. I like the mouse action, but some games are not rigged for that. It is also difficult to get a good feel for things like zoom aiming (Mordor...).

I just got two PS4 controllers on sale through BeastBuy, so I will see how they work. ($30 for a controller and USB dongle). Probably be better for Gauntlet!

 

[TeknoBug]

I use the new Xbox One controller via bluetooth, great battery life, got it for $30. I used to use the DS4 controller via SCP wrapper but battery life was a big issue.

 

[freeskier93]

I use the new Xbox One controller via bluetooth, great battery life, got it for $30. I used to use the DS4 controller via SCP wrapper but battery life was a big issue.

Yep, I use my One S controller and it works great. It's nice to have for games like GTA; I use mouse/keyboard for shooting then switch to the controller for driving/flying.

 

[Crow550]

Aw man. I love my Steam Controller.

I totally use it for all games. No issues.... I recommend it. I suggest using some of the top rated community profiles and tweaking those to your likings.

Now it did take time to adjust and such. The main key with the right Trackpad is to use a combo with Gyro as well. Sounds complicated until you start using it.

I will post some videos that helped me:

Steam Controller Review (Technical/In-Depth) by BRBWaffles: https://youtu.be/UK257gDEWUA

Steam Controller: The quintessential Valve product: https://youtu.be/Uy9-OUTeE7A

How to Correct Input Drift by Calibrating Gyro + Trackpad w/ Steam Controller: https://youtu.be/aTcbJy5bGRQ

On Taps and Holds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkjJ_8yuo4w&feature=youtu.be&t=3m12s

More on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QexxJsNrfE&t

Twin Stick Shooters(You can adjust the right trackpad to make it function more like an analog stick and such: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHmfVFZqlYQ

ExistentialEgg has plenty of great tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/user/ExistentialEgg/videos

As well as BRBWaffles: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_B_yN5Jzd2OPvKSp-ogG2Q/videos

Videos on how good you can play with the Steam Controller https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjvRHY3WplmgzYctTGZXdnA/videos

and BRBWaffles on Doom 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW3B0slwCA0

Also for other Controllers with Steam (PS4 *no other software needed*, 360/One) you can add them in Steam and use the similar mapping methods like the Steam Controller uses. I'd still recommend the Steam Controller but hey the Steam Controller software is like a beefier version of XPadder. More on this: https://youtu.be/EFM9lWbfpQ4 (out of beta now)

So in GTAV for the deathmatch type stuff I set it down and use the keyboard/trackball. But for flying/driving, running around and being a retard, it works great.

Give this a try:

Use Mouse-Like Joystick for the right Touchpad (Trackball mode on and friction set to medium) and Gyro (when thumb is on touchpad you can move the controller for fine aiming. May need to turn down the Gyro Camera Scale to around the middle).

In the Controller settings in game maximize all the sensitivity settings except the two Deadzone settings. Turn those two all the way down.

I personally use FPS Standard 2 for both on-foot and driving controls. Set Aim mode to Free Aim.

You can even add different modes if you wanted like Gyro Driving and Flying if you wanted too.

Enjoy.

 

[Stg-Flame]

Why would you need to go through all that trouble when a wired 360 controller does the same exact thing, but with none of that hassle. As previously stated, you literally plug it in to your PC and start playing games.

 

[desura]

I had a steam controller...and it sucked. I thought it might be good for FPS games or games that didn't support controllers...it just didn't work well. It is also bulky like the original Xbox controllers. It took way too much work to try and get the controller configured right, and it still didn't work well.

 

[Fenixgoon]

i think the steam controller is for people who want a fully programmable controller. outside of that, an xbox controller works perfectly fine.

 

[Crow550]

Why would you need to go through all that trouble when a wired 360 controller does the same exact thing, but with none of that hassle. As previously stated, you literally plug it in to your PC and start playing games.

The 360 Controller is fine if that's what you prefer to use.... You could also say why use a Steering Wheel, Arcade Stick or a Flight Stick? People like em.

It's not that much hassle. The combo of Touchpad & Gyro Aiming rivals a second Analog Stick. You can also play Flight / Space sims using the Gyro or as a Steering Wheel for Racing games. If you want.... It allows you to play PC games the way you want too.

Me personally it's my goto Gaming peripheral. Yeah of course it won't be for everyone.

I had a steam controller...and it sucked. I thought it might be good for FPS games or games that didn't support controllers...it just didn't work well. It is also bulky like the original Xbox controllers. It took way too much work to try and get the controller configured right, and it still didn't work well.

There is a learning curve. At the end of the day use whatever you're comfortable with.

i think the steam controller is for people who want a fully programmable controller. outside of that, an xbox controller works perfectly fine.

You can use it as a normal controller per say. However it can replace the Keyboard & Mouse for many Titles and offers Gyro movement in flight/space or driving games if the user chooses to play like that.

I'm not here is to say it's the best and all must convert to the Steam Controller. The thread was asking if there is a reason to purchase a Steam Controller if you own an Xbox Controller and I listed mine.

I have some 360 Controllers for my Steam Link when guests are over. As for when I am playing Solo or Online I goto the Steam Controller.

If you want deeper controls.... Consider it.... Of course it's not for everyone. Also like I said Steam now offers many of the customizations for 360/One, PS4 and other Controllers. Look in the Controller settings in Big Screen Mode.

I can still play with KB&M or many types of Controllers.... It just depends. Just the more I use the Steam Controller and tweak settings for the various Titles I play the more I dig it.

For me it's like a right blend of the KB&M with Wiimote (which I loved for FPS) like aiming and such.

I think the videos I linked present more than enough evidence if the Controller is the right peripheral for you or not.

Use whatever makes ya happy. If it looks bad don't bother with it. If it looks neat, give it a whirl. All I can say.

 

[Stuka87]

I HATE the steam controller. I use an XBox One controller, which is the best controller I have ever used.

 

[Raduque]

Nope. The Xbox One controller is superior. Steam controller isn't something that needs to exist.

 

[Wardawg1001]

I didn't like it at all. Between the track pad instead of a second analog stick and the funky d-pad, I just couldn't get used to it. Maybe it was the games I play, and it plays better with others, but for me I used it for maybe 8-10 hours across a few different games, and now its just been collecting dust for the last 6 months.

 

[whm1974]

Nope. The Xbox One controller is superior. Steam controller isn't something that needs to exist.

I disagree. I brought mine when they come out in late Dec 2015 and for the games I play with it I love it. It is great for games that are not designed to use a gamepad since you can remap your KBM to the Steam Controller.