A fresh wave of speculation suggests that Valve might soon unveil a new Steam Controller, potentially named Ibex, which seems to adopt a familiar style akin to popular console controllers. This potential release appears designed to integrate smoothly with the well-received Steam Deck.
Recent leaks have stirred interest in what might be Valve’s latest attempt at redesigning the Steam Controller. Judging by the buzz, this iteration seems poised to sidestep some of the pitfalls encountered by its predecessor, possibly paving the way for greater success this time around.
Valve has ventured into the hardware realm several times with varying outcomes. While the Steam Deck stands out as a notable triumph beyond its digital storefront, other ventures like the original Steam Controller and the Steam Machine didn’t fare as well, leading to their eventual discontinuation.
Now, intriguing new clues suggest that Valve could be preparing a revamped Steam Controller, known internally as Ibex. This information comes courtesy of a discovery made in Steam’s own ecosystem. Valve insider and YouTuber Brad Lynch revealed a render model thumbnail within the SteamVR drivers. Though the image is not particularly detailed, it hints at significant changes such as repositioned buttons, an additional control stick, and twin touch pads. There’s a noticeable resemblance to modern console controllers, but with Ibex’s tall design, thanks largely to the touch pads, offering a unique twist.
So, why is Valve revisiting the controller concept after an earlier setback? The answer might lie in the success of the Steam Deck. As a portable gaming powerhouse, the Steam Deck is already a hit, but a dedicated controller that pairs perfectly with it could appeal to users who prefer gaming on a bigger screen. This might explain why the new design echoes some features of the Steam Deck, notably the touch pads, which aid in replicating the fine-tuned control typical of mouse-based games.
According to Lynch, Valve is well into the development stages, possibly gearing up for mass production. With the integration of the Ibex thumbnail into SteamVR, Valve could be on the brink of a formal announcement detailing the controller’s specs, price, and launch date. Given Valve’s acknowledgment that controller usage on its platform has surged, the timing seems ideal for a new release. For now, enthusiasts will have to hang tight, eagerly awaiting news from the company.
