Steam's new controller eliminates stick drift while Sony begins internal PS6 handheld training

Valve's tackling stick drift with TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) technology in the new Steam Controller—a hardware-level fix borrowed from industrial sensors. The upgrade also brings linear motors for finer haptic feedback compared to the previous generation's rumble motors.

The back panel stands out: four capacitive zones allow custom gyro triggers, and the dual touchpads remain intact. This control scheme should shine in strategy titles and indie games. The Steam Controller Puck doubles as a wireless receiver and magnetic charging dock, supporting Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired connections. Stacked against Microsoft's Elite controller and Sony's DualSense Edge, Valve's offering holds its ground in both functionality and innovation.

Sony's making moves too. The PS6 handheld, codenamed Canis, has already reached internal studios with official briefings and training underway. The key detail: Canis will tie closely to PS6 as a full-fledged platform capable of running high-spec games, not a streaming accessory like PS Portal. Sony's clearly aiming to reclaim its handheld foothold after the PSP and PS Vita era. If Canis can handle PS6-level games, it'll pressure both Switch 2 and Steam Deck.

On the merchandise front, the Ming Dynasty: Feather of the Abyss vinyl soundtrack is up for pre-order—double LP with 29 tracks at $42. Two variants are available: standard black and limited Crimson Blade edition, shipping September 2026. The game's music production has been consistently strong, making this a solid collectible.

Saros Cycle landed 68 positive reviews out of 70 on Metacritic, with only two outlets scoring it at 70. Meanwhile, Existence Identified revealed the mocap actor behind child character Diana to player approval—the dev team clearly invested in character work. Between hardware iteration and content quality, 2026's gaming market competition is heating up.