Based on the description on their site, the controller includes a built-in battery: "8.39 Wh Li-ion battery​, 35+ hours of gameplay… "

That was disappointing for me. Specially condidering the Steam Frame’s controllers make use of AA batteries: “​One replaceable AA battery per controller, ​ 40hr battery life​”

AA Batteries might not be as convenient to use, but being able to replace them is a great advantage. All my Xbox360 controllers still work fine, but none of my PS3’ Dualshock 3s.

The official docking station could be used to recharge (rechargables) AA batteries so the functionality could remain the same.

  • NightmareQueenJune@lemmy.worldEnglish
    13·
    19 hours ago

    Well, I completely understand your point. I also have rechargable AA batteries laying around, but I see it from this standpoint:

    1. The Steam controller includes this magnetic charging puck, which is a good way to make sure it’s always charged.
    2. It will mostly be used more or less stationary, sitting down in front of a PC. So even if the need arises to charge it this shouldn’t be a problem in many situations. This is vastly different than with the new VR controllers, because they will be moved around a lot and it’s not really realistic to charge them while using them.
    3. Many people still just use disposable batteries. Which is quite frankly just not good. So my best guess is that this connected with point two may be a leading factor for why they did it this way. I think a hybrid option (puck-rechargable battery pack or two AA’s) would have been awesome though.
    4. Valve’s repair policy was exceptional with the steam deck so I have reasons to believe that the battery for the steam controller will be available for a very reasonable cost. A very interesting question will be for how long.

    All in all I understand your point, but it’s not a huge issue for me personally.

    • highball@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      9 hours ago

      Valve’s repair policy was exceptional with the steam deck so I have reasons to believe that the battery for the steam controller will be available for a very reasonable cost.

      Just to piggy back on what you are say, one of the engineers in the LTT video mentioned they want to team up with iFixIt again, just like they did for the Steam Deck. And I saw the back shell off the controller in one of the videos. The batter looks dead simple to replace. It’s wild to even imagine that a company in 2025 would be be consumer friendly.