Hori’s upcoming Steam controller, officially licensed by Valve, will make its U.S. debut on December 16, priced at $59.99. Originally launched in Japan in October, this controller is designed to integrate smoothly with Steam and the Steam Deck, appealing particularly to those who prefer traditional controls but with features that enhance the Steam experience.

The Wireless Horipad for Steam offers several Steam-specific functionalities that set it apart from typical controllers. It includes a Steam button for quick access to menus, such as Steam’s Big Picture Mode, which makes navigating through games and settings easier without needing to leave the controller. Similar to the Steam Deck, the controller has touch-sensitive joysticks that support gyro-based motion controls for precision aiming and other interactive experiences. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled and comes with a USB-A dongle for versatile connectivity with PCs and Steam Decks. Hori claims that a full battery will last around 12 hours, and you can also play while it charges via a USB-C cable.

For customizability, the Horipad allows users to adjust stick sensitivity, gyro settings, and remap buttons, catering to different gameplay styles. However, some may find the lack of features like rumble feedback, a headphone jack, and trackpads—a key component of Valve’s original Steam Controller—a downside. Despite these omissions, the controller’s four mappable buttons and compatibility with XInput mode make it a strong contender for both Steam and PC gamers looking for an alternative to Microsoft or Sony controllers.

While some fans of Valve’s original Steam Controller may miss its unique features, the Hori controller fills a gap in the market for a modernized, officially licensed Steam controller that adapts to both Steam’s interface and traditional console-style play.