Valve's new controller launches May 5 for $99 with PC game streaming

Valve announced the Steam Controller will launch May 5 at $99 (roughly ¥675), with accessory maker Mechanism releasing the Basegrip phone mount on the same day.

The pricing is competitive. Compared to premium controllers pushing four figures, the Steam Controller targets PC streaming—using Steam Link to push computer games to your phone. Mechanism moved fast here, securing design specs early enough to launch Basegrip alongside the controller. Clamp the controller to your phone and you're ready to play, which solves a real problem for mobile gamers.

Reality is messier. iOS and Android compatibility isn't fully sorted yet, with partial system feature support. Early adopters will likely hit issues—button mapping glitches in certain games, or unstable latency. Wait for first-wave user feedback before ordering.

Mechanism also has a dedicated charging display dock up for waitlist signup. If you're the type who likes gear as desk ornaments, the combo has appeal. But the core question remains streaming performance—network conditions, phone specs, game compatibility. Any one of these variables underperforming will tank the experience.

The Steam Controller targets hardcore players who want to grind PC games during commutes. The $99 entry point is reasonable, but whether the compatibility hurdle gets cleared depends on Valve's firmware update cadence. If you're not in a rush, waiting for mid-May community reviews is the safer play.