The Steam Controller, Valve's innovative gamepad that launched in 2015, has been one of the most sought-after pieces of gaming hardware since it was discontinued in 2019. Yesterday, Valve surprised the gaming community by restocking the Steam Controller, but as expected, it sold out within hours worldwide.
Valve Confirms More Stock Coming
Following the rapid sellout, Valve took to Twitter to address disappointed fans and confirm that more stock is on the way:
"Steam Controller ran out faster than we anticipated, and we hate that not everyone who wanted one was able to get it. We're working on getting more in stock and will have an update on expected timeline soon."
While Valve hasn't provided a specific restock date yet, they've promised to share an update on the expected timeline soon. Currently, the Steam Controller is simply listed as "out of stock" on the Steam Store, with no pre-order option available.
Scalpers Strike Again
Unfortunately, scalpers were quick to capitalize on the high demand. Within hours of the sellout, resale listings appeared across various marketplaces at prices far above Valve's €85 MSRP:
- UK: Listings for almost €200 (more than double the retail price)
- US: Controllers listed for up to €280
- Spain: Some listings on Wallapop reaching as high as €700
Here are real examples from Wallapop, a popular Spanish marketplace, showing scalpers selling Steam Controllers at inflated prices:
These inflated prices highlight the massive demand for Valve's PC-native controller and underscore why setting up stock alerts is crucial for securing one at retail price.
Why the Steam Controller Matters
The Steam Controller was ahead of its time when it launched. Its dual trackpads, haptic feedback, and extensive customization options made it a favorite among PC gamers who wanted precise control without sacrificing the comfort of a traditional gamepad.
Key features that made the Steam Controller unique:
- Dual trackpads: Offering mouse-like precision for games that traditionally required keyboard and mouse
- Gyroscope: Motion controls for enhanced aiming and camera control
- Back paddles: Additional programmable buttons for complex control schemes
- Steam Input: Deep integration with Steam's configuration system, allowing community-shared controller profiles
How to Get Notified When It's Back in Stock
Given how quickly the Steam Controller sold out yesterday, it's clear that the next restock will be just as competitive. To maximize your chances of securing one at the retail price of €85, we strongly recommend setting up instant stock alerts.
Never Miss a Restock
Get instant Telegram alerts the moment Steam Controller comes back in stock in your region. Our monitoring system checks every minute.
Get Instant AlertsWhat to Expect from the Next Restock
Based on yesterday's launch and previous Steam hardware restocks, here's what you should prepare for:
- Extremely high demand: Yesterday's stock sold out in hours; expect the same or faster next time
- Regional rollout: Stock may appear in different regions at different times
- Purchase limits: Valve will likely implement a one-per-customer limit to prevent scalping (though this didn't stop yesterday's scalpers)
- Steam account required: You'll need a Steam account in good standing to make a purchase
- No pre-orders: Valve is not offering pre-orders, so you'll need to act fast when stock appears
Is the Steam Controller Still Worth It in 2026?
With modern alternatives like the Steam Deck and various third-party controllers available, you might wonder if the Steam Controller is still relevant. The answer depends on your use case:
You should consider buying if:
- You play strategy games, simulation games, or other genres that traditionally require mouse and keyboard
- You want the most customizable controller experience available
- You're a collector of gaming hardware
- You appreciate unique input methods and are willing to invest time in configuration
- You want to avoid paying scalper prices of €200-€700
You might want to skip it if:
- You primarily play games with native controller support
- You prefer traditional gamepad layouts
- You're not interested in spending time customizing controls
Valve's Hardware Supply Challenges
The Steam Controller isn't the only Valve hardware facing stock issues. Currently, none of Valve's Steam Deck variants are in stock in the UK. Additionally, DRAM shortages have prevented Valve from releasing its Steam Machine console-like gaming PC and Steam Frame VR headset as planned.
Stay Updated
We'll continue monitoring the Steam Store API for any signs of the Steam Controller restock. Make sure to check our Steam Controller tracking page for real-time availability across all regions.
For the latest updates on Steam hardware availability, follow our blog or join our Telegram channel for instant notifications.