Steam Controller gets a slight redesign for its GDC 2014 appearance

By Adam Rosenberg Published March 23, 2014

Valve’s Steam Controller has undergone some big changes since the last time we saw it. The touch-sensitive pads built into the center of the controller are no more, replaced with four face buttons on the lower right side and a four-button directional pad on the lower left. It looks a whole lot more like a standard console gamepad, save for those funky touchpad-like circles that replace the expected analog sticks. Valve sees plenty of opportunity to evolve the design from here, including more use-specific builds that cater to different genres.

This controller design isn’t final; it’s simply another step toward realizing Valve’s vision for PC gaming in the living room. The device’s body was created using a 3D printer. In addition to the controls on its face, it’s also got four shoulder buttons and a pair of paddle-like buttons on the back. In the final design, this paddle will snap off to reveal the battery housing.

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Previously, Adam worked in the games press as a freelance writer and critic for a range of outlets, including Digital Trends…

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