Valve is pressing ahead with the launch of its new Steam Controller, even as the highly anticipated Steam Machine has been delayed. The controller, which features innovative trackpads designed to bring mouse-precision to console-style gaming, will cost $99 and hit store shelves on May 4th.
Originally unveiled alongside the Steam Machine last November, the controller is now decoupled from the console. Valve confirmed that while the controller is ready for release, the Steam Machine requires more development time and will arrive later.
The Steam Controller aims to bridge the gap between keyboard-and-mouse and traditional gamepad input. Its dual trackpads offer high-resolution haptic feedback, and the controller is compatible with PC games via Steam's input customization tools. Valve has also optimized the controller for use with its Steam Link app, which streams games from a PC to a TV.
Gamers eager to try the new control scheme can pre-order the Steam Controller now from Valve's website. No release date has been set for the Steam Machine, though Valve promises more updates soon.