May the Fourth be with you… and with the surprisingly swift return of Valve’s Steam Controller. The redesigned device appeared for sale today, and vanished almost as quickly, sparking a frenzy reminiscent of securing a rare artifact.
The initial rush saw the controller sell out in under an hour, leaving many hopeful gamers empty-handed. But before you succumb to the temptation of inflated prices, a crucial message: resist the scalpers.
Do not, under any circumstances, feed the market of resellers. Put down your credit card, close the auction site, and breathe. The inflated prices – some listings already reaching nearly three times the retail cost – are simply not worth it.
Valve is grappling with widespread supply chain issues, impacting the availability of components like RAM and storage. This has already caused significant delays for the Steam Deck and pushed back the release of the Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset to a tentative 2026.
However, the Steam Controller sidesteps these critical shortages. Its simpler design requires far fewer of the scarce components plaguing other devices. This means Valve is far more likely to replenish stock quickly.
A return to the store within weeks is highly probable. While the exact quantities remain unknown, the likelihood of another opportunity to purchase at retail price is significantly higher than falling prey to a reseller’s scheme.
It’s tempting to secure one immediately, but patience will be rewarded. The retail price was already a considered investment at $99, but paying exorbitant sums to opportunistic individuals is a needless expense.
Expect to see similar inflated listings cropping up on various online marketplaces. Be strong. Remember the value of waiting and avoid supporting those who exploit demand for profit.
While some resellers may be driven by desperation, others are simply capitalizing on a situation. Regardless of their motivations, fueling this practice only encourages it.
You likely already possess a perfectly functional controller. Utilize it while you wait. The Steam Controller will return, and you’ll be able to acquire one without being financially penalized for simply wanting to play.
