Valve's New Steam Controller Leaks at $99 (And Gamers Are Not Happy)

[TheGamerScene Daily News]

View this post on the web at https://thegamerscenedaily.substack.com/p/valves-new-steam-controller-leaks

Hey gamers,
Weekend news. Valve’s new Steam Controller just leaked at a price nobody expected, Sega is reviving basically its entire back catalogue in a huge new initiative, and we’ve got all the weekend gaming news you need. Let’s dive in.
Thanks for reading TheGamerScene Daily News! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
Steam Controller Price Leaks at $99—Double What Gamers Expected
A YouTuber accidentally broke embargo and posted an early review of Valve’s new Steam Controller yesterday, revealing a $99 price tag before quickly taking the video down. But the internet never forgets—someone recorded and reuploaded it.
The controversy
$99 puts the Steam Controller $25 more expensive than a PS5 DualSense ($74.99) and significantly above an Xbox Wireless Controller ($64.99). Fans were expecting $60-80 max. The original Steam Controller from 2015 launched at $50.
Reddit reaction: “If it’s a hundred I’m out. I paid $50 for my original steam controller and loved it. Was willing to spend $80 on impulse but now I’ll wait.”
Another user: “Way too much. Some people are going to be shocked.”
What you get for $99
According to the leaked review from TechyTalk, the Steam Controller includes:
Dual trackpads (the standout feature—reviewer says they’re exceptional for PC navigation)
Magnetic TMR thumbsticks (hall-effect sensors that can’t develop drift like traditional analog sticks)
Six-axis gyro for tilt-based input
Four back paddle buttons
HD rumble
Wireless charging puck that doubles as the wireless dongle (magnetic clip-on charging)
Improved face buttons and D-pad (larger, crisper feel than Steam Deck)
The reviewer’s verdict: “No single controller can be perfect for every use case, but for anyone wanting one device that handles both gaming and general PC navigation with genuine competence, the Steam Controller makes a very strong case.”
The defense
Some fans argue $99 is justified:
Xbox Elite Series 2: $200
DualSense Edge: $200
Razer Wolverine: $200
All these premium controllers cost twice as much with fewer features. The Steam Controller sits at half their price with TMR sticks, dual trackpads, and gyro.
When it launches
Valve hasn’t officially announced a release date, but reviews going out = launch is imminent. The Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset remain delayed due to RAM/storage shortages, but the controller doesn’t require those components—it could launch independently.
Watch the leaked review (reupload) → [ https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/b9edb815-dc51-42b3-ba49-d5c7526266cf?j=eyJ1IjoiN3A2MWozIn0.YRN2YwNG0HqFxemR3daCLb-UZMXA4tOgW1oRDnkbq00 ]
Read our Steam Controller deep-dive at thegamerscene.news → [ https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/3f223358-6ff2-49de-881d-9534d684617c?j=eyJ1IjoiN3A2MWozIn0.YRN2YwNG0HqFxemR3daCLb-UZMXA4tOgW1oRDnkbq00 ]
Sega Announces “Sega Universe”—Reviving OutRun, NiGHTS, Streets of Rage, and More
Sega just announced Sega Universe, a massive transmedia initiative to revive its classic IP across games, movies, music, fashion, and more. The tagline: “No Old, Stay Gold.”
The franchises getting revived
Sega is celebrating nine major anniversaries in 2026:
40th anniversaries:
Fantasy Zone (1986)
OutRun (1986)
35th anniversaries:
Streets of Rage (1991)
Rent-A-Hero (1991)
30th anniversaries:
NiGHTS into Dreams (1996)
Guardian Heroes (1996)
Sakura Wars (1996)
Dynamite Deka (1996)
25th anniversary:
Segagaga (2001)
What “Sega Universe” actually means
This isn’t just game remasters—Sega is going full transmedia:
Movies (OutRun and Streets of Rage films already in production)
Music releases (soundtracks, new arrangements)
Fashion collaborations (clothing lines, merchandise)
New game releases (remakes, sequels, collections)
Led by Justin Scarpone, former Disney executive who joined Sega in 2024 as global head of transmedia. His job: replicate Sonic’s multi-platform success across all legacy IP.
What we might see
Based on the teaser video and website:
NiGHTS merchandise (toys, figures spotted in trailer)
Sakura Wars fashion/merch line
OutRun movie + racing game (possibly remaster of OutRun 2006)
Streets of Rage movie + potential SOR5 game
Guardian Heroes re-release or remake
The catch
Sega has announced big IP revivals before and delivered... mixed results. Recent successes: Streets of Rage 4 (2020), Sonic Mania (2017), Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (2026). Recent failures: Most of the “Sega Ages” line quietly died, many titles delisted from Steam.
Fan skepticism: “I’ll believe it when I see actual products. Sega has disappointed too many times.”
Watch the Sega Universe trailer → [ https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/a0843db5-3e41-4e1b-b23d-4b21090a4918?j=eyJ1IjoiN3A2MWozIn0.YRN2YwNG0HqFxemR3daCLb-UZMXA4tOgW1oRDnkbq00 ]
Read our full Sega Universe breakdown at thegamerscene.news → [ https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/3f223358-6ff2-49de-881d-9534d684617c?j=eyJ1IjoiN3A2MWozIn0.YRN2YwNG0HqFxemR3daCLb-UZMXA4tOgW1oRDnkbq00 ]
Quick Hits
🎮 Forza Horizon 6 pre-orders hit 500K on Steam ahead of May launch—massive numbers for a racing game
📊 Pragmata gets “Overwhelmingly Positive” on Steam with 96% positive rating one week after launch
🎨 Indie Live Expo 2026 concluded yesterday with 200+ indie game reveals (biggest indie showcase ever)
🕹️ Troy Baker transitions into game development—voice acting legend starting new studio
⚔️ No Rest for the Wicked hits 2 million copies sold after 2 years in Early Access
Read all Quick Hits at thegamerscene.news → [ https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/3f223358-6ff2-49de-881d-9534d684617c?j=eyJ1IjoiN3A2MWozIn0.YRN2YwNG0HqFxemR3daCLb-UZMXA4tOgW1oRDnkbq00 ]
What to Play This Weekend
Now: Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves (all platforms) - $19.99, free story mode update just dropped
Now: Kiln (Game Pass) - Pottery brawler, perfect for weekend couch co-op
Catch up: Vampire Crawlers (all platforms) - $9.99, roguelike deckbuilder from Vampire Survivors devs
More on The Gamer Scene
Steam Controller at $99: Is It Worth It? → [ https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/3f223358-6ff2-49de-881d-9534d684617c?j=eyJ1IjoiN3A2MWozIn0.YRN2YwNG0HqFxemR3daCLb-UZMXA4tOgW1oRDnkbq00 ]
Complete breakdown of features, comparisons, and our verdict
Every Sega Universe Franchise Explained → [ https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/3f223358-6ff2-49de-881d-9534d684617c?j=eyJ1IjoiN3A2MWozIn0.YRN2YwNG0HqFxemR3daCLb-UZMXA4tOgW1oRDnkbq00 ]
Full history of OutRun, NiGHTS, Streets of Rage, and more
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Preview → [ https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/3f223358-6ff2-49de-881d-9534d684617c?j=eyJ1IjoiN3A2MWozIn0.YRN2YwNG0HqFxemR3daCLb-UZMXA4tOgW1oRDnkbq00 ]
Everything we know ahead of July 9 launch
Why Everyone Is Going Back to Retro Games in 2026 → [ https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/3f223358-6ff2-49de-881d-9534d684617c?j=eyJ1IjoiN3A2MWozIn0.YRN2YwNG0HqFxemR3daCLb-UZMXA4tOgW1oRDnkbq00 ]
Modern gaming’s trust problem explained
Visit thegamerscene.news → [ https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/3f223358-6ff2-49de-881d-9534d684617c?j=eyJ1IjoiN3A2MWozIn0.YRN2YwNG0HqFxemR3daCLb-UZMXA4tOgW1oRDnkbq00 ]
Would you pay $99 for the Steam Controller? Hit reply and let me know—I’m genuinely curious what the price ceiling is for you.
Thanks for reading The Gamer Scene! Enjoy your weekend. See you Monday with fresh gaming news.
— Romello
thegamerscene.news [ https://link.sbstck.com/redirect/3f223358-6ff2-49de-881d-9534d684617c?j=eyJ1IjoiN3A2MWozIn0.YRN2YwNG0HqFxemR3daCLb-UZMXA4tOgW1oRDnkbq00 ]
Thanks for reading TheGamerScene Daily News! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Unsubscribe https://substack.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.7-2qNSmXiKAhHeit8seSVw6O2DWg1mOJQH0ppghYE-Q?
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://alioth-lists.debian.net/pipermail/pkg-voip-maintainers/attachments/20260427/1714b2bd/attachment-0001.htm>