A detailed AI-generated render of Valve’s Steam Controller 2 just surfaced online, revealing a Steam Deck-inspired design with capacitive hand detection. The controller, codenamed Ibex, is reportedly finalized and extremely close to launch, according to prominent Valve leaker Brad Lynch, also known as SadlyItsBradley.
The Leaked Render and What It Shows
On November 9, 2025, Brad Lynch posted an AI-generated render on X that was trained on a real image of the new Steam Controller. He chose not to share the actual photograph to protect his source and avoid revealing potentially sensitive information. The render shows a controller that looks remarkably similar to the Steam Deck’s control layout, but without the screen in the middle.
The Steam Controller 2 features dual analog sticks positioned symmetrically like a Nintendo Switch Pro controller, along with a traditional D-pad on the left and standard ABXY face buttons on the right. What sets it apart are the two large trackpads positioned below the analog sticks, a signature feature that made the original Steam Controller unique and later became a defining characteristic of the Steam Deck handheld. The Steam button appears to be positioned near the top center, similar to where the Xbox home button sits on Microsoft’s controllers.
Capacitive Sensors for Hand Detection
The most intriguing technical detail revealed in the leak involves capacitive sensing technology. According to Lynch, the Steam Controller 2 can detect how far your hands are from the handles using simple capsense features. This is similar to the technology used in Valve’s Index VR controllers, though it does not include full finger tracking capabilities in the grips.
This hand detection feature could enable several interesting gameplay mechanics. The controller might automatically activate gyro aiming when you grip it properly, or it could put itself into a low-power state when set down. Touch-sensitive analog sticks, a feature already present on the Steam Deck, allow players to toggle motion controls only when actively touching the right stick. This level of input customization through Steam Input has become one of Valve’s signature features.
From Steam Controller to Steam Deck and Back
Valve launched the original Steam Controller in November 2015, exactly ten years before this latest leak surfaced. The first-generation device featured an unconventional design with a single analog stick on the left, dual trackpads, and oddly positioned face buttons that some players found awkward. Despite its innovative approach to PC gaming input, Valve discontinued the controller in 2019, eventually selling remaining units for just five dollars in a clearance sale.
The original Steam Controller’s legacy lived on through the Steam Deck, which launched in 2022 to massive success. The handheld took the dual trackpad concept and combined it with a traditional dual-stick layout, four back buttons, gyro controls, and touch-sensitive analog sticks. This hybrid approach satisfied both traditionalists who wanted familiar inputs and enthusiasts who appreciated advanced customization options.
Now it appears Valve is bringing that refined design philosophy back to a standalone controller. The Steam Controller 2 essentially takes everything that worked on the Steam Deck and packages it into a traditional gamepad form factor. For players who love the Steam Deck’s control options but want to play on their TV or monitor, this represents the perfect solution.
The Road to Production
The Steam Controller 2, codenamed Ibex internally at Valve, has been in development for some time. Brad Lynch first revealed in November 2024 that both Ibex and Roy, the controller for Valve’s upcoming Deckard VR headset, were being tooled for mass production. Since then, additional leaks have confirmed more details about the design and features.
In November 2024, Pavel Djundik, creator of SteamDB, discovered render model thumbnails in a SteamVR update after Valve accidentally set the app to free-to-download, making all depots accessible. These crude renders showed the basic layout but lacked the detail of the recent AI-generated image. The progression from those early thumbnails to the current detailed render suggests the controller is indeed approaching launch.
Lynch stated that the controller is finalized and extremely close to release. Valve might simply call it Steam Controller rather than labeling it as a sequel or giving it a new brand name. This naming approach would make sense given that the original has been discontinued for over five years, and an entire generation of Steam users may never have owned one.
Competition and Market Position
The Steam Controller 2 enters a crowded market dominated by Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Controller and Sony’s DualSense Wireless Controller. Third-party manufacturers like 8BitDo, GameSir, CRKD, and Hori have also released high-quality alternatives targeting PC gamers. Hori even released an officially licensed Steam controller earlier in 2025, though it lacked many of the advanced features that made the Steam Deck’s controls special.
What gives the Steam Controller 2 an edge is its tight integration with Steam Input, Valve’s powerful remapping software. Steam Input allows per-game profiles, community configurations, touch menus, mode shifting, and incredibly granular customization that no other platform matches. The trackpads enable mouse-like precision for strategy games, while the gyro controls provide fine-tuned aiming for shooters. This combination makes it particularly appealing for games that were designed with keyboard and mouse in mind but feel awkward on traditional gamepads.
Pricing remains unknown, though the original Steam Controller launched at 49.99 dollars. Given inflation and the additional features packed into the sequel, the Steam Controller 2 will likely retail between 59.99 and 79.99 dollars, positioning it competitively against premium controllers from Sony and Microsoft.
What Comes Next
Valve has remained characteristically silent about the Steam Controller 2, offering no official announcements or teasers. The company confirmed last month that it is working on future new hardware, though it did not specify what products are in development. Beyond the controller, rumors suggest Valve is also preparing a Steam console codenamed Fremont, which would run SteamOS and potentially bundle with the new controller.
The timing makes sense for both products. SteamOS has matured significantly since the Steam Deck’s launch, and other manufacturers like ASUS and Lenovo have begun shipping handheld gaming PCs with SteamOS pre-installed. A dedicated home console running Valve’s operating system paired with a controller designed specifically for it could challenge traditional console ecosystems, especially if priced competitively.
FAQs About the Steam Controller 2
When will the Steam Controller 2 be released?
Valve has not officially announced a release date for the Steam Controller 2. However, according to leaker Brad Lynch, the controller is finalized and extremely close to release, suggesting it could launch within the next few months.
How much will the Steam Controller 2 cost?
No official pricing has been announced. The original Steam Controller launched at 49.99 dollars in 2015. Considering inflation and additional features, the Steam Controller 2 will likely be priced between 59.99 and 79.99 dollars to compete with premium controllers from Sony and Microsoft.
What is the codename for the Steam Controller 2?
The Steam Controller 2 is internally codenamed Ibex at Valve. This is separate from the Roy controller, which is being developed for Valve’s upcoming Deckard VR headset.
Does the Steam Controller 2 have the same features as the Steam Deck?
Based on leaks, the Steam Controller 2 appears to replicate the Steam Deck’s control layout, including dual analog sticks, dual trackpads, traditional buttons, and likely gyro controls and back buttons. It also features capacitive hand detection similar to Valve’s Index VR controllers.
Will the Steam Controller 2 work with non-Steam games?
While not officially confirmed, the original Steam Controller worked with any game through Steam Input, including non-Steam titles added to the library. The Steam Controller 2 will likely maintain this functionality, making it compatible with games from any platform.
Why did Valve discontinue the original Steam Controller?
Valve discontinued the original Steam Controller in 2019, four years after its launch. The company never provided specific reasons, but the controller’s unconventional design with a single analog stick and awkward button placement limited its mainstream appeal. Many of its innovations were later refined and incorporated into the more successful Steam Deck.
Is the leaked render image real?
The render posted by Brad Lynch is AI-generated but was trained on a real image of the controller that he has access to. He chose not to share the actual photograph to protect his source and avoid revealing sensitive information. The render should be fairly accurate to the final design.
What is capsense technology on the controller?
Capsense refers to capacitive sensing technology that can detect the proximity of your hands to the controller handles. This feature, similar to what is used in Valve Index controllers, allows the controller to know when you are gripping it, though it does not include full finger tracking capabilities.
Conclusion
The Steam Controller 2 represents Valve’s second attempt at creating the perfect PC gaming controller, informed by years of feedback and the massive success of the Steam Deck. By combining traditional gamepad inputs with innovative features like dual trackpads, capacitive hand detection, and deep Steam Input integration, Valve is positioning the controller as the ultimate tool for PC gamers who demand flexibility and precision. While we still await official confirmation and a firm release date, the leaked render shows a product that looks polished, practical, and ready for primetime. For fans of the original Steam Controller who felt abandoned in 2019, and for Steam Deck owners who want that same control experience on their TVs, the wait appears to be almost over.