Hori, a Japanese company, is set to release the Hori Wireless Horipad Steam Controller, nearly five years after Valve discontinued its experimental Steam Controller.
Hori Wireless Horipad – Official Steam Controller
The controller named the “Wireless Horipad” for Steam is a PC-centric controller with touch sensors, Bluetooth wireless and USB-C connections, and customizable programmability. It shares similarities with the Steam Deck but lacks rumble, back buttons, and trackpads.
The Hori Wireless Horipad resembles the wired Horipad Pro for Xbox consoles, which is known for its serviceability, ergonomics, and D-pad.
Additionally, the Wireless Horipad connects via Bluetooth, and has four programmable buttons, with two on the rear and two on the front. It is expected to be available in the US or elsewhere.
This is part of Valve’s plan to introduce a branded gamepad for Steam and docked Steam Deck use in Japan, partnering with Hori for sales. This move may reflect the rise of PC gaming in Japan.
Valve’s recent statistics reveal a rise in gamepad usage in Steam, indicating new controller optimizations. This could lead to a wider range of licensed Steam controllers from various manufacturers, similar to Xbox consoles, with more wireless options, and the Wireless Horipad being eagerly anticipated.
The new controller will be available in four colorways – Black, White, Neon Yellow, and Violet and is set to Launch in Japan on October 31, 2024, priced at JPY 7,890 (around PHP 2,900).
Started his freelancing adventure in 2018 and began doing freelance Audio Engineering work and then started freelance writing a few years later.
Currently he writes for Gadget Pilipinas and Grit.PH.
He is also a musician, foody, gamer, and PC enthusiast.
