Dual trackpads return in Valve’s leaked next-gen Steam Controller design

HARDWARE NEWS manhkbrady - Nov 12, 2025, 03:00

It seems that Valve is getting ready to unveil new hardware, specifically a second Steam controller. Brad Lynch, known for his credible Valve leaks, has revealed a design mock-up of this upcoming gamepad. The new controller borrows several design aspects from Valve’s Steam Deck handheld, including its dual trackpads and general button arrangement.

For several months, there have been speculations about Valve's upcoming VR headset, dubbed Steam Frame. Recently, @SadlyItsBradley has provided insights about the new Steam Controller, designed for this headset, but may also attract desktop PC gamers.

The Steam logo on a blue background. The logo features a circle with a gear symbol and the word "STEAM" below it.

The mockup shown below was created using AI and is based on an image of a current prototype to safeguard Lynch’s sources. Reportedly, the Steam Controller mimics the control configuration of the Steam Deck. In addition to two analog sticks, a D-pad, shoulder buttons, and the standard ABXY buttons, the Steam Controller also includes two square trackpads. This feature is expected to simplify cursor movement, potentially allowing gamers to play strategy games like Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition comfortably without a mouse.

The new Steam Controller will look like this when it launches

Im told that it can also detect how far your hands are from the handles using a simple capsense feature

Similar to the index controllers, but not full finger tracking in the grips pic.twitter.com/loIqpJb0YZ
— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) November 9, 2025

An interesting aspect is that both grips are said to sense the distance between the player’s hands and the controller. Although this technology won’t track individual finger movements, it could be beneficial for specific VR functions, such as enabling or disabling motion tracking. The controller's plastic surface is reported to have a slightly textured feel, akin to that of the Steam Deck. Finally, it's anticipated that the controller will launch within the next few months, but no specific release date has been confirmed at this point.

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Rumors suggest Valve’s next-gen Steam Controller is in the works

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