A fresh leak has sparked intrigue among gaming enthusiasts, suggesting a tantalizing glimpse at what’s rumored to be Valve’s next iteration of the Steam Controller. This redesigned version, currently known by the codename “Ibex,” appears to have undergone a significant transformation from its predecessor, hinting at a potential shift that could attract more success this time around.
Valve’s adventures into hardware and gaming peripherals have seen varied levels of success over time. While some endeavors like the original Steam Controller and Steam Machine didn’t quite hit the mark, the company’s Steam Deck has been a notable exception. Lauded as a triumph outside of Valve’s central PC gaming platform, the Steam Deck has resonated well with gamers, achieving impressive sales across its different versions.
Emerging now is the Ibex, a revamped Steam Controller, traced back to Valve with supporting evidence discovered by YouTuber and Valve aficionado, Brad Lynch. A detailed thumbnail unearthed within SteamVR drivers presents a glimpse at this potential new device. The rendering is sparse but hints at notable changes; the Ibex sports repositioned buttons, an additional control stick, and dual touchpads, aligning its look more closely with mainstream console controllers like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. The Ibex, however, stands out with unique design tweaks, appearing slightly taller due to the integrated touchpads.
So, why is Valve revisiting the notion of a new controller after the initial model’s lukewarm reception? The answer may well lie with the Steam Deck. Offering the allure of pairing the versatile Steam Deck with a controller that harmonizes perfectly could appeal to gamers keen on hooking up to a larger screen experience. The echoes of the Steam Deck’s design in the Ibex, particularly its touchpads, could enhance precision in games traditionally optimized for mouse control.
Lynch suggests that Valve is getting ready to move the Ibex into mass production, and the addition of a thumbnail in SteamVR might signal the company is nearing an official reveal. With Valve noting a surge in controller usage among Steam users, the timing couldn’t be more opportune. For now, fans of Steam are left in anticipation, hoping for an announcement that sheds more light on the Ibex’s official debut, pricing strategies, and launch dates.
