A Reddit user has shared a Steam Deck Controller concept that tries to integrate all of Valve’s handheld buttons into an Xbox gamepad layout. A nice but difficult task to achieve.
Redditor Theoldroni has an interesting idea: salvage all the buttons, touch pads, and sticks from Steam Deck, then put them close together like a regular controller. The screen isn’t needed, which is why they’re calling on those with broken handhelds to supply the parts.
It comes with cobbled concept art, which might not resemble the final product but gives you a good idea of what to expect. In a way, this is like the Nintendo Switch Pro controller which carries all the original commands from the Joy-Cons, just catering to PC users instead.
The modder got the idea of making a Steam Deck controller after seeing the multitude of crazy DIY projects shared online. Thankfully, Theoldroni is also a software developer, which should come in handy when tinkering with the firmware side of things. Moreover, this is not the modder’s first rodeo, as they’ve previously built a keyboard based on existing open-source projects.
That said something about it makes me uncomfortable. I think it reminds me of those tiny “cute” spiders with big eyes. Looks aside, the button layout is a bit cramped. For instance, the D-pad looks too high, and so do the joysticks. Players with small hands will have a hard time reaching all the buttons.
Next, while the touchpads are nice, they take a lot of real estate. The original Steam Controller sacrificed a joystick to fit one in, which begs the question of why both are needed here. It makes sense to give Steam Deck users the freedom to choose how they want to play since it’s a complete system, and I admire the attempt at an all-in-one solution, but something will likely have to give. Besides, the original works with any game using Steam’s Controller Configurator, and you can add any game to the platform as a Non-Steam game.
Everyone here at Club386 has their own opinion on how the final product should look. Damien would’ve liked the same layout as the original but with the right-hand trackpad swapped with the face buttons for a more Xbox-style layout. For my part, I prefer to have one touchpad pushed more to the right to leave room for a joystick. I think the official pad is also a good starting point.
Generally, Valve’s first attempt was a wonderful showing; it just needed a more premium alternative. Steam Controller debuted at $49.99 and quickly fell in price given its niche audience and noticeably plastic build. If Valve followed up with a more expensive version that features a rechargeable battery, a hall effect joystick, and possibly mechanical face buttons, like Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, it’d be an instant purchase for me.
In any case, this mod is ambitious, and we hope Theoldroni manages to finish it. For the time being, the modder is looking for some help, be it spare Steam Deck parts or clues on the best/easiest way to achieve this vision. So, if you care about giving a hand, head to the Reddit post and share some love.
