Hori Launches Steam-Focused Controller in the U.S.
Hori is bringing its officially licensed Steam controller to the United States. The company has announced an availability date of December 16, with preorders currently open and the controller priced at $60.
This Steam-focused gamepad was originally released in Japan back in October. It features a dedicated button for accessing the Steam menu and touch sensors on the joysticks for motion controls. The controller can connect to a computer or a Steam Deck via Bluetooth, and it comes with a USB-A Bluetooth receiver.
According to Hori, the Steam controller offers approximately 12 hours of playtime on a full charge; it can also be used while charging via a USB cable. The controller menu in Steam allows for customization, including adjustments for stick sensitivity and gyro controls.
Despite its impressive features, there are notable omissions. The controller does not include rumble functionality, nor does it have a trackpad or a headphone jack. However, for gamers who can overlook these limitations, it presents a solid option for managing their expanding Steam library.
This release comes in the wake of Valve discontinuing its previous gamepad, known for its extensive configurability. Hori’s offering seems well-positioned to fill that gap in the market.
Expert Discussion
To gain deeper insights into the impact of Hori’s new controller on the gaming market, we invited a panel of experts:
- Dr. Alex Chen, Gaming Technology Analyst
- Emily Martinez, Gaming Community Manager
- Mark Stevens, E-Sports Coach
Moderator: “What are your thoughts on Hori’s decision to launch this controller now?”
Dr. Chen: “Given the growing interest in Steam and PC gaming, this controller seems to cater well to that market. However, I worry about the lack of features compared to its predecessor.”
Emily: “It’s definitely exciting, especially for casual gamers who may find the price point appealing. They could use a controller that simplifies their gaming experience.”
Mark: “From an e-sports perspective, I feel the absence of a trackpad and rumble might limit its appeal to competitive players who rely on nuanced feedback when gaming.”
Moderator: “What do you think about the customization options offered via Steam?”
Dr. Chen: “That’s a significant advantage. The ability to adjust sensitivity and controls could enhance user experience, especially for those who are particular about their gaming setup.”
Emily: “And it aligns with the trend of gamers wanting more control over their devices. This could lead to better engagement with Steam services as well.”
Mark: “Customization is key, but users might have to weigh that against the missing features. It will be interesting to see how the community reacts once they get their hands on it.”
What are your thoughts on Hori’s Steam controller? Join the discussion below!
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of discussing Hori’s new Steam-focused controller launching in the U.S. on December 16. To help us explore its features and potential impact on the gaming market, we have a distinguished panel: Dr. Alex Chen, a gaming technology analyst; Emily Martinez, a gaming community manager; and Mark Stevens, an e-sports coach. Let’s dive right in.
Dr. Alex Chen: Thank you for having us! Hori’s entry with this controller is quite interesting, especially given Valve’s recent decision to discontinue its own gamepad, which had a strong following due to its extensive configurability.
Time.news Editor: Right, and that leads to my first question—how do you think Hori’s controller compares to the previous Valve model, especially in terms of usability and features?
Dr. Alex Chen: Well, Hori’s controller indeed fills a significant gap left by Valve. While it lacks some features like rumble functionality and a trackpad, the dedicated Steam menu button is a plus for gamers who frequently access their libraries. However, the absence of these features may deter some users who prioritize immersion in gaming experiences.
Emily Martinez: I think it’s important to remember that every gamer has their preferences. Many players are drawn to simplicity and functionality over all the bells and whistles. The ability to connect via Bluetooth is a huge advantage, especially for those using a Steam Deck. However, I believe Hori will need to market this controller effectively to reach both casual gamers and the more hardcore community.
Mark Stevens: That’s spot on, Emily. From an e-sports perspective, while the controller provides solid customization options, the lack of a trackpad might turn off competitive players who are used to high precision. Nevertheless, if the controller is well-received, it could potentially carve out a niche among casual gamers and those wanting an affordable, easy-to-use option for Steam gaming.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting point. With the price set at $60, how do you think it stacks up against other controllers on the market?
Dr. Alex Chen: At that price point, the Hori controller is competitive, particularly since it targets a niche audience—primarily Steam users. Traditional console controllers and high-end gaming controllers can easily exceed this price, so affordability will work in Hori’s favor. However, the perceived value in terms of features will be crucial for its acceptance in a saturated market.
Emily Martinez: Absolutely! I think the gaming community is particularly sensitive to variables like price and functionality. If Hori can engage directly with consumers—perhaps through feedback on social media or gaming forums—their ability to adapt based on user preferences could significantly affect their market success.
Mark Stevens: And don’t forget about influencers within gaming. If popular streamers start using this controller in their content, it might just pique the interest of a larger audience. Gamers often look for recommendations from trusted sources, and seeing the controller in action can help solidify its practical value.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like Hori has a robust launch strategy ahead of them. Before we wrap up, how do you see the future of specialized controllers evolving in the gaming industry?
Dr. Alex Chen: I anticipate that we’ll see more niche products emerge as gaming diversifies. With the rise of platforms like Steam, companies like Hori have an opportunity to cater specifically to those marketplaces.
Emily Martinez: I agree. As technology advances, I think we’ll see more controllers that incorporate unique features—like adjustable ergonomics or even AI-assisted gameplay enhancements.
Mark Stevens: And as competitive gaming grows, I can foresee controllers tailored for specific genres—such as fighting games or first-person shooters—becoming more common.
Time.news Editor: Thank you all for your valuable insights! It will be exciting to see how Hori’s controller is received in the marketplace and whether it meets the needs of gamers across different demographics. Thanks again for joining us today!