There’s a buzz in the air about a potential new Steam Controller from Valve, hinted to be named Ibex. This fresh take on the controller seems to borrow its design cues from popular console controllers, and there’s speculation it will integrate smoothly with the successful Steam Deck.
Rumors have been fueled by recent leaks giving us a glimpse of what this new controller could look like. It’s a significant departure from its predecessor, which might just help it gain a better reception this time around.
Valve’s attempts at gaming hardware have seen various degrees of success over the years. While the Steam Deck has been a standout hit, capturing gamers’ hearts and pocketbooks, not all of Valve’s ventures have been as triumphant. The original Steam Controller, along with the Steam Machine, didn’t quite hit the mark and were eventually shelved.
Recently, clues have surfaced from within Valve’s ecosystem suggesting the Ibex Controller is in development. Noted Valve expert and YouTuber Brad Lynch shared insights from a render model thumbnail found in the SteamVR drivers. Though the thumbnail is light on details, it reveals some intriguing changes: repositioned buttons, an additional control stick, and two touch pads. These features align the new controller more closely with popular console controllers, like the Nintendo Switch Pro, while adding a unique taller profile due to its touch pads.
You might wonder why Valve is investing in a new controller after the first one’s lackluster performance. It’s likely linked to the Steam Deck’s success. While the Steam Deck is a portable powerhouse, introducing a compatible controller could entice those who prefer their gaming on a bigger screen. The design continuity, particularly the dual touch pads, promises a blend of familiar console ergonomics with precision enhancements, appealing to a broader spectrum of gamers.
Lynch mentions that the Ibex Controller is set for mass production at Valve’s factories, signaling that an official reveal might be on the horizon. With Valve noting a surge in controller usage on Steam, launching a revamped controller seems timely. For now, fans are in wait-and-see mode, hoping Valve makes an announcement soon to satisfy their growing curiosity.
Valve, renowned for its digital gaming platform and storefront, has been a pivotal player in the gaming industry since 2003. As gamers gear up for what’s next from this iconic brand, the potential launch of the Ibex Controller is sure to be watched closely by fans and industry analysts alike.
