Valve Prepares An Unexpected Steam Accessory

Valve is not done with the hardware part of its business. According to several dataminers, the studio is working on a new version of its controllerprovisionally named Steam Controller 2. A project which would be added to the development of its Steam Frame virtual reality headset, and which confirms one thing for fans. After the success of the Steam Deck, Valve seems determined to build a real hardware ecosystem around SteamOS.

Older ones remember, the first Steam Controller released in 2015 caused a lot of buzz. With its atypical design which contains only a single analog stick, two touch pads and futuristic ergonomics, it sought to combine the precision of a keyboard-mouse with the comfort of a controller. On paper, the idea was brilliant, but in reality it was divisive. Its learning was complicated and despite a small loyal community, the controller was abandoned in 2019 after modest sales. Valve then sold its last stocks at a knockdown Price.

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Remember it will look more like this

The SVG that leaked tonight is a minimalist icon not meant to convey every freaking input/button on the controller https://t.co/RNPIi0NHcc pic.twitter.com/CDubP2jPZe

— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) October 29, 2025

Steam Controller 2: the revenge?

According to files discovered in a recent Steam update, a new controller codenamed “Triton” would be in development. The extracted icons show a more classic design: two analog sticks, a directional cross and two touchpads placed under each stick, like the Steam Deck. The latter would also have served as a model, as its comfort and precision have been praised since 2022.

The first leaks also mention the presence of gyroscopes, customizable back buttons and full compatibility with SteamOS. In other words, Valve seems to want to merge the modularity of the Steam Deck with the practicality of a home controller, to accompany its next range of accessories.

The Steam Frame in ambush

For now, Valve has not made anything official yet, but the schedule seems to be becoming clearer. Dataminers and insiders on the Steam scene agree that this Steam Controller 2 would be presented alongside another major hardware product, namely the Steam Frame.

Known under the code name Deckardthis new VR platform has already started production, and would aim to compete with standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3. The name Steam Frame has also been trademarked by Valve for a wide range of electronic products, which reinforces the idea of a coherent hardware ecosystem.

This strategy, more readable than it has ever been, shows the extent to which Valve seems determined to consolidate its impact on hardware. Long seen as a software company, Gabe Newell’s firm is continuing its hardware shift with patience. If the new controller model takes up the ergonomic qualities of the Steam Deck and integrates with the upcoming VR ecosystem, Valve could well succeed where the first attempt failed.