Valve Reportedly Making Both a Steam Controller 2 and a New VR Controller

Valve is reportedly working on a sequel to its original Steam Controller, according to an insider report.

Per YouTuber Brad Lynch, a Steam Controller 2 codenamed "Ibex" is in the works, and en route to mass production.

Codename for Steam Controller 2 is “Ibex”

Separate product from Deckard’s “Roy” controller(s)

Both are being tooled for a mass production goal in their factories right now. That’s why I know they’re in later stages of productization

— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) November 19, 2024

We don't have too many details on controller specifics, but Lynch did say in replies on X/Twitter that it will look like a standard gamepad. The biggest change is reportedly the shape and size of the trackpads "to get into that gamepad-y form." It will also allegedly have symmetrical sticks.

Additionally, Lynch said Valve seems to be working on a new VR controller also for mass production, codenamed "Roy." Roy is apparently referenced in Valve's SteamVR code, and would supposedly be a wand-shaped companion to the rumored wireless "Deckard" headset that's also reportedly in the works.

Roy would reportedly double as a Steam Controller gamepad when not being used with VR, including a D-pad, shoulder buttons, and a set of ABXY buttons for more traditional gameplay in addition to its motion and VR functionality.

Valve Roy controller(s) have at least: DPAD, Bumpers, Grip Buttons, Triggers, ABXY, system button, and some sort of strap

I am confident in this info based on datamining AND sources who wished not to be named

There is also an unreleased OpenXR extension for these controllers pic.twitter.com/36WBtLvYZ5

— Brad Lynch (@SadlyItsBradley) November 14, 2024

While it's unclear when either of these products will be in our hands, Lynch alluded in one post that it's unlikely Deckard specifically is a holiday 2024 release. The headset has allegedly been in the works for some time and was first reported on in 2021. Though Valve already released one VR headset in 2019, the Index, it requires multiple base station sensors and connection to a PC. Deckard allegedly would be standalone, more akin to a Meta Quest headset, making it a more accessible (and theoretically more affordable) option.

As for the Steam Controller 2, while we're still short on details, fans are hopeful its control scheme and customizability will be reminiscent of the Steam Deck handheld, which got a fancier OLED model just last year. IGN has reached out to Valve for comment.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.