I’m job searching right now and can’t really justify the Steam Controller purchase this week. Before getting laid off and RAM-pocalypse, the plan was to buy a Steam Machine and controller when it was going to release early 2026, but clearly that plan has changed a bit.
The FOMO is hitting after the previews this week! Do we think we need to worry about Steam Controller availability later in the year?
I use a DualSense Edge for my PS5, and either an old PS controller when docked or my 8BitDo SN30 when I travel for the Steam Deck. If I had the Steam Machine I’d buy it instantly, but who knows when that will happen and how much it’ll cost.
I suspect that, given it’s just a controller, they likely won’t run into the same supply issues that might hit the steam machine or frame. That and I’m anticipating it will sell stronger, for longer, than their first steam controller; so even if stock does sell out at some stage I wouldn’t expect them to discontinue it for some years, any stock shortage would likely be brief.
Lastly, the staggered release cycle will probably help them manage supply issues (if they do arise) better than if they were to release all of them at the same time (the people buying a controller now, won’t need to buy one bundled with a steam machine later, etc).
I really wouldn’t worry about this while on a job hunt. Wait til you’re financially secure and then treat yo self.