The Steam Controller’s experimental nature served as a proving ground for innovative features like touchpads, rear buttons, and haptic feedback, which eventually found their way onto the design of Valve’s Steam Deck. While the corporation has yet to update its 2015 Wi-Fi gamepad, Hori, a leading peripheral manufacturer, has taken steps forward. The brand-new $59.99 Wi-Fi enabled Horipad controller is now available for pre-order on Amazon, with a launch date set for December. The revised text is: Fortunately, this feature borrows some options that you might appreciate having on your Steam Deck.
Significantly, the controller’s thumbsticks feature capacitive technology, similar to that of the Steam Deck, allowing for intuitive detection of whether a user’s thumb is resting on them or not. Through Steam’s controller customization tools, you can programme features onto the sticks, such as enabling gyroscopic aiming assistance, displaying a mini-map, or assigning any other command that suits your playstyle by tapping your finger on the stick. The Steam-compatible HoriPad features an array of identical buttons to those found on the Steam Deck, including essential system-level controls, accompanied by two pairs of programmable macro keys. While the original Deck design situates paired controls near the grip handles, this controller innovatively positions one pair at the device’s entrance, situated beneath the directional pad and right stick, with an additional pair located at the rear.
The Razer Raiju Hydro’s Horipad mode seamlessly enables Bluetooth functionality, and when connected via the provided 9.8-foot USB cable, it can also function as an XInput controller for PC. The option to switch between Wi-Fi and wired modes allows for toggling, while another adjustment enables users to select between analog and digital trigger settings. Without the Horipad’s rumble feedback, trackpad, and headphone jack, you won’t find these features in this controller.
While this controller may seem suitable for its price point, it’s worth noting that having multiple gaming options available, including consoles and gamepads, can influence your preferences when using the Steam controller or Steam Deck. A former colleague at The Verge, Sam Byford, previewed the Horipad on his blog, Multicore, before its wider release, concluding that while it’s an interesting controller, it falls short of being a top contender.
