https://x.com/valvesoftware/status/2051695149026353424
“Steam Controller ran out faster than we anticipated, and we hate that not everyone who wanted one was able to get it. We’re working on getting more in stock and will have an update on expected timeline soon.”
Honestly I don’t even blame them for underestimating demand. Based on comments here and my own personal intuition, I would’ve guessed that it would’ve sold great, to a very niche audience.
Maybe it has more widespread demand than expected, those track pads make it amazing for any couch PC usage, gaming or not, and many existing SteamDeck owners like myself are already aware of this.
I have a steam deck, and love using the device in handheld mode due to the trackpads. But I also like a bigger screen and prefer to play it docked to my TV.
When doing that, I miss the track pads and their value as a precise input or macro pad. There are some games that I have to play handheld because a controller doesn’t give me enough options.
I didn’t buy a steam controller yet, but it’s absolutely on my wishlist for when I can justify it. Waiting on my old PS4 controller to bite the dust. Its trackpad is close, but not as good.
I think in a decade, we will see the Steam Controller trackpads redefining the default controller the way joysticks and bumpers/triggers did.