this post was submitted on 27 May 2026
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Steam Hardware
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I thought a controller was generally included with consoles?
It will probably come with and without gamepad. As you can use other gamepads too and maybe you have one already. At times like these, having the choice of buying without gamepad to get it 100 Dollars / Euros cheaper is worth a lot.
I absolutely get that it makes sense that a new console comes without a controller, many people already have controllers.
But a controller is also pretty essential, and controllers get worn out too. So a bundling price of the 2 could also be more attractive for most.
There is absolutely nothing necessary about the steam controller. Everything can be done with other controllers or input methods. We have steam input available.
I’ve used the deck and Linux in general on TVs and in desktop setups. I pretty much always need a keyboard and mouse handy for specific things or specific games. Just makes it easier.. like it’s always faster to type text on an honest to god keyboard than any other input methods from voice to motion to touch to sign language. A wireless keyboard is about the same price as a pizza where I live.
A controller is not essential for a PC / Steam Machine. Who says everyone wants to use a controller for the Steam Machine? One could just use mouse and keyboard and that is not wrong. Or another one already purchased the Steam Controller standalone (or has other controllers that could be used). On a console, usually you need the official controller as most controllers won't work. I mean if you have a Xbox or Switch controller, it would not work on a Playstation. But most controllers work on a PC / Steam Machine.
In example, if I were to buy a Steam Machine, I would choose one without controller. Why? Because I have multiple, even a Steam Controller already. There is 0 value for me to pay 100 Euros extra for a controller I would not need. Valve tries to get the price down as much as possible, and having that option is a simple way.
Yes of course you could use it as a PC on a desktop with mouse and keyboard.
I just don't think that will be the typical use, but more with a TV sitting in an armchair or on the couch.
Maybe I'm wrong?
The value in having the controller included default, would only be if the price is lower for the bundle. Since the latest retailed for 99 €, it obviously shouldn't cost 100 € as a bundled part.
I am not arguing that most people will use mouse and keyboard only. But nothing speaks against it and having the option to buy without controller makes sense to me. Even if it costs 70 Euros more with controller, why would I buy it with one? And I am surely not in the minority of having a controller already, and not everyone wants to use a Steam Controller anyway.
All I am saying is, that there will be an option to buy it without controller probably, which helps Valve keep the price down as possible. Which is a very important factor, so that will happen for sure.