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.

With the brand-new GP XID PRO, PC gamers will now be able to get their hands on a totally plug-and-play gamepad that lets them start playing games right away, under optimal conditions and with absolute precision in all of their actions. Thrustmaster is the specialist looked to by simulation professionals, and the most advanced sim gamers, thanks to its decades of unmatched R&D expertise. Thrustmaster is thrilled to now be able to offer all of that know-how in this next-generation PC gamepad.

Built-in XInput standard: A powerful advantage
The GP XID PRO benefits from featuring the XInput (XID) standard built right into the gamepad, allowing it to be totally plug-and-play: just plug the gamepad in and start playing - there's nothing to install! Incorporation of the XInput standard ensures that the controller is instantly recognized as an Xbox gamepad in Windows. The main advantage of this is that all buttons and axes are assigned the proper functions and actions in games, without the need to go through a long and laborious setup phase. Even better is the fact that the GP XID PRO is the long-awaited PC-compatible gamepad that's plug-and-play in Windows 7, 8 and 10.