Hori Unveils Valve-Licensed Steam Controller for Japanese Market

[AleksandarK]

Hori, a veteran Japanese peripheral maker, is set to release a Valve-licensed Steam controller in Japan on October 31. Priced at ¥7980 (about $50), the controller will come in four vibrant colors: Neon Yellow, Luminous Violet, Shiny White, and Midnight Black. This Japan-exclusive launch represents an intriguing development in the Steam Controller's evolution and potentially signals Valve's ongoing efforts to capture the Japanese gaming market, long known for its affinity for portable gaming. Unlike its predecessors, the Hori Steam Controller avoids trackpads in favor of traditional analog sticks and D-pads, a design choice that may appeal to console gamers, particularly Nintendo Switch users.

Despite this significant change, the new controller retains several key features from earlier Valve designs. It boasts dual analog sticks with touch sensitivity, a feature inherited from the Steam Deck that enables precise gyro aim toggling. The controller offers comprehensive Steam Input configuration options in its "Steam Mode," as well as an "XInput Mode" for non-Steam games. It supports both Bluetooth and wired USB connectivity and includes built-in gyro functionality. Additional features include four programmable buttons, rapid-fire capability, and dedicated Steam and Quick Access buttons for use in Steam Mode. While its availability beyond Japan remains uncertain, this release shows Valve's commitment to expanding its footprint in the global gaming hardware market.



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[Kadath]

The purple one looks great.

 

[Gigaherz]

That ridge near the anlogue pad seems like an unnecessary design choice that could sooner or later eat into you thumb.

 

[JIWIL]

Not really a controller person but those are pretty great, visually. Market is flooded with bedazzled abominations that look like they spent the night in a warehouse rave circa 2004.

 

[WatchThe80s]

Hori, a veteran Japanese peripheral maker,

I guess it will be Japan only.

 

[The Quim Reaper]

Another unfortunate opportunity for the professional scalpers in the West.

 

[AusWolf]

Looks like a standard Xbox controller with some minimalist retro styling. I like it. Shame it's Japan only.

 

[bonehead123]

Looks like a standard Xbox controller with some minimalist retro styling

Which is to say "yet ANUTHA same ole same same, boring AF rehash of a rehash of another rehash" controller thingy...

Also, no mention of AI this & AI that, how dare they launch a product without it.

 

[AusWolf]

Which is to say "yet ANUTHA same ole same same, boring AF rehash of a rehash of another rehash" controller thingy...

Also, no mention of AI this & AI that, how dare they launch a product without it.

To be honest, with all this "AI this, AI that" bullshit, it's kind of refreshing to see something simple for a change.

 

[bonehead123]

To be honest, with all this "AI this, AI that" bullshit, it's kind of refreshing to see something simple for a change.

Trudat, I was just being sarcastic in my remarks about the AI stuff, as it seems that practically EVERY single PR nowadays is automatically required to mention it somehow, some way, in some context, regardless of the product involved

 

[Bones]

Well, it is a Valve-licensed Steam controller - Makes me wonder what one would do when your account is banned from using the controller.

Good thing (Whether that's a real thing or not) is I don't have to worry about it.

 

[vantila]

Buyee.com here I come. These look cool

 

[Klemc]

I like this Hori better :

https://www.amazon.fr/Hori-Edge-301-Gaming-Noir-Japan/dp/B0160MAY1G

 

[darakian]

Really hope valve brings this to the US. I'd buy one in a heart beat

 

[Caring1]

Well, it is a Valve-licensed Steam controller - Makes me wonder what one would do when your account is banned from using the controller.

Good thing (Whether that's a real thing or not) is I don't have to worry about it.

Says on their website it can be used for Windows and Steam

 

[AusWolf]

Trudat, I was just being sarcastic in my remarks about the AI stuff, as it seems that practically EVERY single PR nowadays is automatically required to mention it somehow, some way, in some context, regardless of the product involved

Yep. I want AI onions in my AI potato soup.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Another unfortunate opportunity for the professional scalpers in the West.

I suppose you can just order them directly from Amazon.co.jp? All regional Amazons ship worldwide, all you need is an international credit card that accepts payments done directly in JPY (my best guess is the most if not all do, at least my Visa, Master, Amex and Elo/Discover cards do)

These do look awesome, although I suppose the DualSense is still the best option for PC gaming taking DS4Windows and DSX into account

 

[Blaeza]

Looks good but no hall effect sticks = nope.

 

[cmguigamf]

Honestly this looks awful.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Honestly this looks awful.

I like the design. Looks very comfy for my big hands.

 

[Yashyyyk]

Would've expected touchpads

Also still waiting for a joycon/VR-esque PC controller you can split apart

 

[Prima.Vera]

I guess it will be Japan only.

never heard of it either, and guess where I'm living...

 

[Imouto]

never heard of it either, and guess where I'm living...

If you know what an arcade stick or hit box is you know Hori.

 

[SOAREVERSOR]

If you know what an arcade stick or hit box is you know Hori.

They didn't invent the hitbox those started off as custom jobs.

Snark aside Hori is a good no bullshit brand that sells high end peripherals with a minimal markup and minimal styling. They get "official" from Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox, and more. There stuff is generally comparable to the top first party stuff and better in some key areas. If it's Hori it will be no frills, built like a tank, and with a reasonable ask.

 

[AusWolf]

They didn't invent the hitbox those started off as custom jobs.

Snark aside Hori is a good no bullshit brand that sells high end peripherals with a minimal markup and minimal styling. They get "official" from Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox, and more. There stuff is generally comparable to the top first party stuff and better in some key areas. If it's Hori it will be no frills, built like a tank, and with a reasonable ask.

Sounds like my kind of brand, then. Shame they're not available in Europe.