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Steam Controller trailer, $50

Krejlooc

Banned
This is super interesting to me! If your skill is at 10 when you use a mouse, how much of that are you able to transfer over when using the steam controller, in your opinion? (0-10)

My buddies and I played Quake 3 the other day online - I'm in Houston, one is in seattle, one is in Austin, one in Lubbock. Two of my buddies were playing with Xbox controllers mapped using xpadder on their TVs, my buddy in lubbock was playing KB&M, and I was playing with my steam controller.

My buddy with KB&M and I split the games. I probably would have done just as well with a KB&M. He won some games, and I won some games, but the deciding factor was usually which one of us could kill the gamepad players fastest and most often.

Keep in mind I'm using the prototype without the analog stick, I'm simply used to using the left pad like a d-pad (without the rocker setup I described earlier because you can't currently emulate that in-software using steam).
 

Sorcerer

Member
Wow, I honestly have no idea how I didn't notice those. Embarrassing, I take back what I said.


I didn't even notice it had buttons, I'm an idiot please disregard my post lol.




I bet your confusion comes from The Owl, witch is completely understandable if you haven't kept up. How I wish they could have made this work. Maybe one day.



steam-controller-xl.jpg
 

Backlogger

Member
Is there footage of high level FPS played with the steam controller?

Because as much as you guys swear it isn't there, there's still that lift and drag action of the thumb that's making it look janky as hell. It's like a hybrid between a Lenovo clit-mouse and a laptop trackpad.

Then don't buy one
 

Ziffles

Member
Is there footage of high level FPS played with the steam controller?

Because as much as you guys swear it isn't there, there's still that lift and drag action of the thumb that's making it look janky as hell. It's like a hybrid between a Lenovo clit-mouse and a laptop trackpad.

Did the Steam controller take your dad's job at the factory or something?
 

Krejlooc

Banned
Is there footage of high level FPS played with the steam controller?

Because as much as you guys swear it isn't there, there's still that lift and drag action of the thumb that's making it look janky as hell. It's like a hybrid between a Lenovo clit-mouse and a laptop trackpad.

You do know that touchpads have resolutions, right? The resolution of the steam controller touchpad is about 2-3 times higher than the touchpads you find in laptops.

What you are complaining about is "mouse sensitivity" which is an option in-game. You can set it so that one full swipe of the touchpad from left to right will rotate the camera entirely around your character twice if you want. The video had the sensitivity turned down low.
 
Not really. I don't see a need to reinvent the wheel here.
Pointing interfaces are abysmall with an analog stick.

Too bad gamers didn't want the Wii Remote (or Gyro aiming) to become industry standard, so the Steam controller is the only hope right now.
 

Serick

Married Member
I mean the lag between sending the control signal to my PC from Steam Link, then the PC sending the audio/visual signal back to Steam Link.

If there's any noticeable lag, it'll basically be useless.

I can't imagine there would be any noticeable input lag if you have a proper network setup. I mean, the PS4 can stream games to you in real time over their pretty crummy network with "playable" input lag.

Maybe I'm being naive, I'm just assuming it will work flawlessly.
 

jester_

Member
My buddies and I played Quake 3 the other day online - I'm in Houston, one is in seattle, one is in Austin, one in Lubbock. Two of my buddies were playing with Xbox controllers mapped using xpadder on their TVs, my buddy in lubbock was playing KB&M, and I was playing with my steam controller.

My buddy with KB&M and I split the games. I probably would have done just as well with a KB&M. He won some games, and I won some games, but the deciding factor was usually which one of us could kill the gamepad players fastest and most often.

Keep in mind I'm using the prototype without the analog stick, I'm simply used to using the left pad like a d-pad (without the rocker setup I described earlier because you can't currently emulate that in-software using steam).

I see, thanks. Quake is a very different pace and playstyle from CS:GO (my main game), so in CS if you had to assign a number, I'm guessing 9+ ?
 
I bet your confusion comes from The Owl. How I wish they could have made this work.

steam-controller-xl.jpg

Yes, thank you I was beginning to think I was going crazy. This is what I have seen countless times and I guess it's just been ingrained into my mind. Didn't notice they added ABXY face buttons and an analogue to a newer version, even in the op video at first.
 

jwk94

Member
This thing looks awful. What's valves plan to get people to try before they buy? Will they have demo units in retailers?
 

Dr.Acula

Banned
My buddies and I played Quake 3 the other day online - I'm in Houston, one is in seattle, one is in Austin, one in Lubbock. Two of my buddies were playing with Xbox controllers mapped using xpadder on their TVs, my buddy in lubbock was playing KB&M, and I was playing with my steam controller.

My buddy with KB&M and I split the games. I probably would have done just as well with a KB&M. He won some games, and I won some games, but the deciding factor was usually which one of us could kill the gamepad players fastest and most often.

Keep in mind I'm using the prototype without the analog stick, I'm simply used to using the left pad like a d-pad (without the rocker setup I described earlier because you can't currently emulate that in-software using steam).

The real question is, can you do the Q3DM6 rail jump with a Steam controller?
 

Krejlooc

Banned
I see, thanks. Quake is a very different pace and playstyle from CS:GO (my main game), so in CS if you had to assign a number, I'm guessing 9+ ?

CS isn't really my game, I don't want to pretend I'm badass at it. I'm more of the UT/Q3 crowd. I'd say I am about a 7 or so with KB&M in CS, roughly the same with the steam controller in hand.
 
Agreed. Some things are best with a regular controller, and some things are best with KB/M. I'm sure it'll work well with some games, but this best of both worlds attempt looks like it'll half ass both sides in most cases.

I don't really see that at all. It's primary focus is replicating the keyboard and mouse experience on a controller. The only thing that could be argued that it's "missing" compared to the mouse and keyboard are all of the keys of the keyboard (if you use a shit load of macros or stuff like that), and if I remember right you can program one of the touchpads to simulate button presses (up on d-pad=flashlight on, down=crouch, etc.). Like people who have tried it have said, these are a lot more advanced than shitty laptop touchpads.

You've got an analog stick for movement (better than WASD, IMO), right track pad for mouse look (heavily customizable to your preference of sensitivity and play style), triggers and buttons on the back, 4 face buttons on the front, and a second touch pad for whatever you want (from what I've heard).

I'm sure there are plenty of games (specifically console ports) that will still probably play better with a normal controller, but this controller seems like the perfect solution for playing KB+M games in your living room (RTS, city building, shooters, etc.). And console ports have been getting better PC ports than in the past with better KB+M support, so those games will probably play exactly as well, if not better than with a normal controller (faster camera control, easier button customization, buttons on the back of the controller).
 
Meh. I was kinda interested in it when it was announced, but I've since discovered the glory (and simplicity) that is bringing the damn keyboard and mouse over to the couch. All my PC gaming woes were solved that day.
 

Sorcerer

Member
This thing looks awful. What's valves plan to get people to try before they buy? Will they have demo units in retailers?

Remember Valve sent Steam Machine and Steam Machine controller prototypes out to about 300 people for testing.

I am pretty sure that's what led to the final design of the controller.

They must feel confident in their feedback.

Very few retailers carry the Alpha, I doubt the Steam Machine itself will have a big presence in retail stores, so I don't know how practical demo units would be in this situation.
 

jester_

Member
CS isn't really my game, I don't want to pretend I'm badass at it. I'm more of the UT/Q3 crowd. I'd say I am about a 7 or so with KB&M in CS, roughly the same with the steam controller in hand.

Appreciate the quick and honest replies! (I'm probably a 7 or so in CS as well, not a pro). Really looking forward to trying this out, even if I don't end up using it for FPS games. Too many other possibilities since I have my HTPC hooked up to my 60 inch plasma~ Pre-ordered!
 

Lingitiz

Member
This thing looks awful. What's valves plan to get people to try before they buy? Will they have demo units in retailers?

Well you currently can't play games like Civ, Total War, and other mouse driven games with a controller. I'm sure that's enough for some people to at least give it a try.
 

-Amon-

Member
Not convinced, looks like a gimmick and not much more.

The problem is simple, if a game is designed around mouse and keyboard, use that peripheral, if it is designed for dual analog, play it with a pad.

Solutions like that have been tried many times before, never worked apart from a single case, the negCon, a pad by Namco made to substitute racing wheels.
 

Qassim

Member
Not convinced, looks like a gimmick and not much more.

The problem is simple, if a game is designed around mouse and keyboard, use that peripheral, if it is designed for dual analog, play it with a pad.

The problem is, in a typical living room style setup a keyboard and mouse isn't anywhere near as practical or comfortable as a controller. So telling people to just use a keyboard and mouse doesn't really address that.
 

Krejlooc

Banned
Appreciate the quick and honest replies! (I'm probably a 7 or so in CS as well, not a pro). Really looking forward to trying this out, even if I don't end up using it for FPS games. Too many other possibilities since I have my HTPC hooked up to my 60 inch plasma~ Pre-ordered!

I think these will be great for HTPCs. I would use it normally to control my windows interface if A) the version I had was wireless (it's wired) and B) I didn't have this:

C4TEWkp.jpg


Which also acts as a keyboard and mouse (press the center button and you can wave it like a wiimote to control your mouse on screen) and is universal so it controls my TV and stereo in addition to my PC. That remote is the main reason I don't use the steam controller to control the OS normally, otherwise the steam controller is perfectly fine for using every inch of windows or steamOS from a couch.
 

Tobor

Member
Meh. I was kinda interested in it when it was announced, but I've since discovered the glory (and simplicity) that is bringing the damn keyboard and mouse over to the couch. All my PC gaming woes were solved that day.

This isn't feasible for some and isn't comfortable for others. Believe me, I've tried several setups and nothing feels as good as just lounging with a controller.
 
Not convinced, looks like a gimmick and not much more.

The problem is simple, if a game is designed around mouse and keyboard, use that peripheral, if it is designed for dual analog, play it with a pad.

Solutions like that have been tried many times before, never worked apart from a single case, the negCon, a pad by Namco made to substitute racing wheels.

Well sure, but in the grand scheme of things, it's time to stop designing for dual analog.
 

-Amon-

Member
The problem is, in a typical living room style setup a keyboard and mouse isn't anywhere near as practical or comfortable as a controller. So telling people to just use a keyboard and mouse doesn't really address that.

Not my problem. Want the couch? Play games designed for gamepads. Want to play games made for mouse? Play on a desk, or settle for a controller like that, but be ready to have problems.
 

sprinkles

Member
It's already the #1 seller on Steam. They'll be fine.
Oh I know it will sell (I preordered the Controller+Link bundle as well). But incentives for the crowd that is supposed to use this thing (like Dota players) would get them great word of mouth in October.
 

Krejlooc

Banned
Not my problem. Want the couch? Play games designed for gamepads. Want to play games made for mouse? Play on a desk, or settle for a controller like that, but be ready to have problems.

Or I can just use this and not have to settle or "have problems."
 

jester_

Member
This isn't feasible for some and isn't comfortable for others. Believe me, I've tried several setups and nothing feels as good as just lounging with a controller.

Couchmaster is the only way! Wife uses hers allllllll the time and plays CS:GO from the love seat on our plasma.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7_N8I7Y4jU


However, $50 for the steam controller, vs $200 for a (well-constructed) plastic board with foam pads. Linus really addresses the convenience of having perfect cable routing and build quality though, so tbh I don't regret buying ours.
 

DSix

Banned
I still hate the left touchpad not being replaced by a proper dpad.

There is no advantage to having 2 touchpads when the right one is already doing the mouse work.
 

Dr.Acula

Banned
This is perfect for games like GTAV. Switching back and forth between KBM and controller is annoying. And shooting in a car is hard because I either had to aim with the controller, or drive with the keyboard. I usually ended up using KBM to drive-by, but not having analog gas or steering was super awkward. I can't play the game online in any competitive capacity. It might be alleviated if I were able to remap the left trigger to gas, but I don't think I'm able to.
 

Krejlooc

Banned
He requested high level play. I would like to see some too, but hearing from Krejlooc has been satisfactory enough for me to pull the trigger. Helps that I don't plan to ONLY use it for FPS games.

What has been really cool is playing old games that really don't work with controllers at all, and having the steam controller do marvelously. System Shock 2 goes from being completely unplayable on a 360 pad to a pretty great experience with this controller.
 

mrklaw

MrArseFace
Wouldn't it be better to just buy the package from Game then?, its £99.99 for the pad, link & £20 steam credit - why pay £95 for the pad and link only, when for £5 more you can get £20 credit to.

Hmm. I was on valve site because they had the link solus up for preorder and GAME don't, but then was swayed by the returns policy. I guess GAME would still have distance selling regs and probably easier/cheaper to return too? Good point.
 
Couchmaster is the only way! Wife uses hers allllllll the time and plays CS:GO from the love seat on our plasma.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7_N8I7Y4jU


However, $50 for the steam controller, vs $200 for a (well-constructed) plastic board with foam pads. Linus really addresses the convenience of having perfect cable routing and build quality though, so tbh I don't regret buying ours.

The couchmaster has solved some problems for me, but it is pricey and playing on a couch at desk height takes some getting used to. That's why I'm excited for that Corsair thread, the lap desk with memory foam could work for me.

However, I use a gamepad a majority of the time so I am very ready for the steam controller
 
50 bucks for a streaming solution is so tempting. Can we bet on hands-on write-ups after E3?

Im really wondering how it works and how well it works, Im guessing its a super light Linux box running a really light Big Picture Mode that doesnt allow local content.
 

jester_

Member
I still hate the left touchpad not being replaced by a proper dpad.

There is no advantage to having 2 touchpads when the right one is already doing the mouse work.

From posted impressions, it sounds like that is not an issue at all and it performs very precisely, but you can only imagine so much when reading an impression. Wish Steam would team up with a few brick and mortar stores to get demo units on the floor for people to try it themselves!
 
What does the steam link do? Couldn't I just use a $5 HDMI cable and get the same or better results? So it's basically for people who want to spend an extra $45 to stream instead of directly connecting via HDMI?

Or am I completely missing something?
 

mrklaw

MrArseFace
I guess they look suboptimal to me for anything that requires 3rd person world movement.

That small moment in the video when you see the user having to swipe his thumb multiple times to move Geralt really stood out.

I have on ordered now since I think it's the only controller compatible with Steam Link.


Steam link also supports xbox 360 wired or with wireless adapter, xbox one wired, and a logitech wireless controller too
 

Krejlooc

Banned
From posted impressions, it sounds like that is not an issue at all and it performs very precisely, but you can only imagine so much when reading an impression. Wish Steam would team up with a few brick and mortar stores to get demo units on the floor for people to try it themselves!

they sell alienware alpha machines at quite a few brick and morter retail stores: walmart, best buy, fry's, microcenter, etc. They usually have the same type of console-style setup you see for the xbox and ps4 and wiiu with a controller attached to try. I bet once the steamOS variants launch, bundled with steam controllers, you will be able to demo them at those kiosks.
 
What does the steam link do? Couldn't I just use a $5 HDMI cable and get the same or better results? So it's basically for people who want to spend an extra $45 to stream instead of directly connecting via HDMI?

Or am I completely missing something?

Not everybody has their computer within reach of their TV.

Or they don't want to run long HDMI cables all around the house.
 

Qassim

Member
What does the steam link do? Couldn't I just use a $5 HDMI cable and get the same or better results? So it's basically for people who want to spend an extra $45 to stream instead of directly connecting via HDMI?

Or am I completely missing something?

Running a HDMI cable all the way through your house isn't practical or desirable for many people (and it'd cost more than $5) if you can even get a HDMI cable long enough.
 

Samus4145

Member
What does the steam link do? Couldn't I just use a $5 HDMI cable and get the same or better results? So it's basically for people who want to spend an extra $45 to stream instead of directly connecting via HDMI?

Or am I completely missing something?

Everyone doesn't have their PC hooked up to a TV in the living room or bed room. This saves them from running a long distance HDMI cable.
 
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