So what's the point of the Steam controller?

[Neo Typhoon Alpha]

Ok, not a personal attack for the fanboys. Genuinely curious as to why anyone would purchase this when I have an Xbox and PS4 controller? Would like to take advantage of it's unique design but not quite sure what I would do with it? Thanks.

[Peace2051_on_Utube]

Many of us play on our computers rather than trying to keep up on the separate platforms. This strategy helps justify moving upscale when I upgrade my laptop. The Steam controller has transformed my flying ability in GTA5. I still use the keyboard for driving/shooting (although some reverse this pattern and many use just the controller). I don't think you'd see value with yet another controller. So now I'm genuinely curious as to why you feel you need both the Xbox and PS4 consoles.

[Neo Typhoon Alpha]

Publicado originalmente por claude102:

Many of us play on our computers rather than trying to keep up on the separate platforms. This strategy helps justify moving upscale when I upgrade my laptop. The Steam controller has transformed my flying ability in GTA5. I still use the keyboard for driving/shooting (although some reverse this pattern and many use just the controller. I don't think you'd see value with yet another controller. So now I'm genuinely curious as to why you feel you need both the Xbox and PS4 consoles.

I've had my old Xbox 360 controller for years. And I recently got a PS4. So I have 2 options to use on PC. That's all. It's fun trying to tinker around on what I can use it for. Currently trying to use Minecraft with it and it works surprisingly well.

[Peace2051_on_Utube]

Can the other controllers be remapped easily? Judging by the other postings I see this can be done easily with templates (I think) but others can have issues. I'm not really the person to help you on this as I'm kind of a plug and play type of player. Maybe check YouTube or Google for the manual if other replies aren't helpful. Have fun!

[JK_Mooney]

Speaking for myself. Once I got used to the right touchpad, a mini-joystick feels awkward and imprecise. Beyond that, it's just crazy configurable and, if you peruse other people's configs, you can learn new tweaks pretty much every day. The only game in mine or my kid's library that I can't configure this for is an RC Flight simulator....but only because it's designed for me to plug my actual RC controller into.

[ugafan]

The point is to allow you to play as many games as possible with a controller, even those designed for keyboard and mouse. It's easier to control a cursor with the trackpad than it is a joystick. It also has gyro, buttons on the grips, and is more customizable than other controllers.

[shadowboy813]

Publicado originalmente por ugafan:

The point is to allow you to play as many games as possible with a controller, even those designed for keyboard and mouse. It's easier to control a cursor with the trackpad than it is a joystick. It also has gyro, buttons on the grips, and is more customizable than other controllers.

And dual-stage triggers, a nifty feature, too.

[JarateMan]

Publicado originalmente por claude102:

Many of us play on our computers rather than trying to keep up on the separate platforms. This strategy helps justify moving upscale when I upgrade my laptop. The Steam controller has transformed my flying ability in GTA5. I still use the keyboard for driving/shooting (although some reverse this pattern and many use just the controller). I don't think you'd see value with yet another controller. So now I'm genuinely curious as to why you feel you need both the Xbox and PS4 consoles.

Lots of people have both consoles for console specific exclusives. What's wrong with owning everything and a pc?

[figmentPez]

Touchpad & gryo for aiming is vastly superior to an analog stick. They're not even in the same league.

The DS4 gets closer, since it has motion controls (and technically a touchpad), but the Steam Controller still has some advantages over a DS4. Namely: better battery life, grip paddles/buttons, and I generally like the ergonomics better (though that is a subjective advantage.)

[figmentPez]

Publicado originalmente por JarateMan:

What's wrong with owning everything and a pc?

Money.

[ToysRsus]

Publicado originalmente por Glenallen Mixon:

Ok, not a personal attack for the fanboys. Genuinely curious as to why anyone would purchase this when I have an Xbox and PS4 controller? Would like to take advantage of it's unique design but not quite sure what I would do with it? Thanks.

Especially shooters are difficult to play with a twinstick layout (DS, Xbox Controller). In the end people use something like flick stick. See:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzbZq4OjEwE

It can be done, but I personally prefer to play with the touchpad right away. In addition, the Steam Controller is extremely configurable.

[RAM WIZ of the DON]

Pick a game, watch a youtube video that explains someones config for that game. Try their config out and tweak. Personally I prefer the steam controller as I have tweaked it really intuitively to my personal taste

[MrRiXter]

I just got mine today and its by far the best gamepad I've ever owned. An awesome kit for pc gaming on the couch. I'll be really sad if Valve doesnt make a SC2.

[cad80_99]

well for me, one is the price. i have a 360 controller as well and a very nice ps4 (astro) controller. but i dont like either of those for fps games at all. i am hoping that this steam controller will make it a nice touch to playing fps games on pc for those times i just want to sit back. or split screen, like portal 2, or cod ww2 etc. and again, the price for what you get.

[Neo Typhoon Alpha]

Publicado originalmente por cad80_99:

well for me, one is the price. i have a 360 controller as well and a very nice ps4 (astro) controller. but i dont like either of those for fps games at all. i am hoping that this steam controller will make it a nice touch to playing fps games on pc for those times i just want to sit back. or split screen, like portal 2, or cod ww2 etc. and again, the price for what you get.

Yeah but I just use a keyboard and mouse for FPS games

[figmentPez]

Publicado originalmente por Glenallen Mixon:

Yeah but I just use a keyboard and mouse for FPS games

On that side of things, I prefer using my SC over KB&M because gaming is more comfortable with my SC. I get RSI in my wrist from long gaming sessions with KB&M, along with numerous other aches and pains from having to sit in, pretty much, one position. I can game for much longer with my SC without feeling sore afterwards.