A Deeply Comprehensive Evaluation of the Steam Controller as a Controller
After spending some time with the Steam Controller, I can confidently say that it is definitely one of the controllers I have used. The overall experience feels very present, especially when you are holding it and interacting with the buttons, which do respond when pressed.
In terms of design, it certainly has a shape, and that shape affects the way it feels in the hand in ways that are difficult to ignore. The layout exists, the features are there, and the controller gives you things to notice while using it.
The more time you spend with it, the more you begin to understand that it is a device made for controlling things. Whether that is good or bad depends mostly on what you expect from a controller and how strongly you feel about controllers in general.
Pros:
• The buttons can be pressed.
• It has a noticeable shape.
• Holding it feels like holding something.
• The features are present.
• The experience continues while you use it.
Cons:
• The shape may feel like a shape.
• Some buttons require pressing.
• The experience depends on experiencing it.
• It may not be ideal for people who do not want a controller.
• Using it involves using it.
Overall, I would say it offers a very controller-like experience, with advantages and disadvantages that become apparent depending on whether you like or dislike the things it does.