According to a well-known leaker, Valve is developing a new version of its Steam Controller, the accessory that was first unveiled nearly ten years ago.
Brad “SadlyItsBradley” Lynch noted on X that Valve’s upcoming Steam Controller is internally referred to as “Ibex” and has entered mass production.
The codename for Steam Controller 2 is “Ibex.”
This is a distinct product from Deckard’s “Roy” controller(s).
Both are currently being tooled for mass production, indicating they are in the later stages of development.
— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) November 19, 2024
Details regarding the controller’s design remain sparse, including whether it will resemble the original Steam Controller or the controls found on the Steam Deck. However, Lynch mentioned in another post that he has seen several mockups, one of which features traditional joysticks positioned above two trackpads. He indicated that it is “much closer than the other mockups I’ve encountered so far.”
Lynch also shared insights regarding new VR technology, hinting at a controller dubbed “Roy” that will accompany a long-anticipated VR headset known as “Deckard.” This headset is rumored to be a standalone device that does not require a PC connection, addressing a significant limitation of the Valve Index, as described in a patent filed by Valve in 2022.
Additional leaks concerning Roy suggest features such as hand tracking, physical buttons similar to the ABXY layout, grip buttons, and “most” having “capacitive touch capabilities.” More specifics have surfaced about Deckard, including the integration of both eye and face tracking, akin to the Quest Pro.
Valve’s Roy controller(s) will include at least: DPAD, bumpers, grip buttons, triggers, ABXY buttons, a system button, and some form of strap.
I stand by this information based on both data mining and confidential sources.
There is also an unreleased OpenXR extension related to these controllers pic.twitter.com/36WBtLvYZ5
— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) November 14, 2024
Lynch is known for his reliable hardware leaks, including a past revelation regarding Meta’s Project Cambria, which ultimately became the Meta Quest Pro.
Valve has traditionally focused more on software than hardware, yet the company has explored various products over the years, such as the Steam Machine—a line of mini PCs running SteamOS that allowed users to enjoy PC games on their televisions. However, the Steam Machine struggled due to the need for multiple accessories and an oversaturated market. It did, however, lay the groundwork for the Steam Deck, which has propelled a new era of handheld gaming devices.