Controllers / Compare

Microsoft Xbox Nano Controller vs Valve Steam Controller (2026)

A

Product A: Microsoft

Xbox Nano Controller

31 of 151 known

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B

Product B: Valve

Steam Controller (2026)

86 of 151 known

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All 151 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AMicrosoft Xbox Nano Controller

BValve Steam Controller (2026)

General

6 of 11 differ

Series

Not available

Not available

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

EP2-69808, EP2-6981512Retailer pagebestbuy.com/product/microsoft-xbox-nano-wireless-controller-for-xbox-series-x-xbox-series-s-xbox-one-pcs-and-cloud-enabled-devices-robot-white/JJGXP3LWCGRead 21 October 2026US listing Model Number EP2-69808. The listing's 5.74 x 1.98 x 2.81 in and 0.34 lb match the Currys box figures, not the 99 g controller, so they are not used14Retailer pagejbhifi.com.au/products/xbox-nano-controllerRead 21 October 2026Australian listing Model EP2-69815 (XBXCNANO). The US listing has EP2-69808, so the model number differs by region. Regional rows are not stored because the markets of each model are not stated

101111Owner's manualsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/steamworks_docs/english/steam_controller_2026_manual.pdfRead 8 October 2026English regulatory section identifies Gamepad model 1011. The Puck is separate model 1012 and is not a controller model number.

GTIN / EAN

19638880818212Retailer pagebestbuy.com/product/microsoft-xbox-nano-wireless-controller-for-xbox-series-x-xbox-series-s-xbox-one-pcs-and-cloud-enabled-devices-robot-white/JJGXP3LWCGRead 21 October 2026US listing UPC 196388808182

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

14 October 20262Press releasenews.xbox.com/en-us/2026/10/14/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Xbox Wire post dated 14 October 2026, pre-orders open that day

12 November 20255Spec databaseen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_Controller_(2026)Read 28 September 2026Announced November 12, 2025 with Steam Machine and Steam Frame

Status

Available2Press releasenews.xbox.com/en-us/2026/10/14/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Pre-orders open on 14 October 2026. Availability begins in November 2026

Available2Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/api/packagedetailsRead 28 September 2026

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$49.992Press releasenews.xbox.com/en-us/2026/10/14/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026USD 49.99. Post says pricing varies by country. Excludes US sales tax

$993Reviewtomsguide.com/gaming/gaming-peripherals/steam-controller-reviewRead 28 September 20268Press releasegamingonlinux.com/2026/04/the-new-steam-controller-releases-may-4thRead 30 September 2026Valve April 27, 2026 launch press release reproduced and reported here. US USD 99 excluding sales tax. This is launch evidence, not a later package-price API.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€49.993Press articlepcgameshardware.de/Gamepads-Hardware-255540/News/Xbox-Nano-Controller-Microsoft-Mini-Gamepad-99-Gramm-1556790Read 20 October 2026Article gives EUR 49.99 RRP and release on 4 November 2026 in 36 countries including Germany. Price includes VAT as published. Microsoft Store pages did not load, so the maker's EUR page was not read5Press articlekitguru.net/gaming/joao-silva/microsoft-introduces-compact-xbox-nano-controller-launching-this-novemberRead 20 October 2026Lists GBP 44.99 / USD 49.99 / EUR 49.99 for the launch. Euro price includes VAT as published. Country not named

€998Press releasegamingonlinux.com/2026/04/the-new-steam-controller-releases-may-4thRead 30 September 2026Valve April 27, 2026 launch press release reproduced and reported here. EU EUR 99 including applicable VAT. This is launch evidence, not a later package-price API.

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

AR, AU, AT, BE, BR, CA, CN, CO, CZ, DK, DO, FI, FR, DE, GT, HK, HU, IE, IT, JP, KR, MX, NL, NZ, NO, PA, PE, PL, PT, SK, ES, CH, TW, TT, GB, US2Press releasenews.xbox.com/en-us/2026/10/14/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Xbox Wire list of 36 launch countries, converted to ISO codes. Additional markets to follow

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Robot White7Retailer pagecurrys.co.uk/products/xbox-nano-wireless-controller-white-10308865.htmlRead 21 October 2026UK retailer Specifications tab lists Colour: White, as a pre-order for 4 November 2026. The maker's page names no colour. The listing also shows 192 g, 71.4 x 50.4 x 145.7 mm and 12 programmable buttons, which contradict the maker's 99 g and one Action Button, so they are not used8Press articlegalaxus.de/en/page/xbox-nano-controller-the-smallest-microsoft-gamepad-ever-44100Read 21 October 2026Galaxus news article of 15 October 2026 says the Nano is available in white. The same article says the controller relies on classic potentiometers. That is the editor's statement and not a maker statement, so stick_technology is not stored12Retailer pagebestbuy.com/product/microsoft-xbox-nano-wireless-controller-for-xbox-series-x-xbox-series-s-xbox-one-pcs-and-cloud-enabled-devices-robot-white/JJGXP3LWCGRead 21 October 2026US listing names the colour Robot White, the maker's colour name for its white controllers. Release date 4 November 2026 matches

Not available

Form factor

Gamepad1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026

Gamepad1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table and hands-on sections: four grip inputs, TMR sticks and two trackpads.

Stick layout

Offset1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026From the maker's gallery photos: left stick top left, D-pad bottom left, right stick bottom right, ABXY top right

Symmetric7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026Joystick positioning: Symmetric

Face button labels

Xbox1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026From the maker's gallery photos: A, B, X, Y in the Xbox arrangement and colours

Xbox7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026Button layout: Xbox

Made by the platform holder

Yes1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026

Yes1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026

Compatibility

6 of 9 differ

Platforms

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, Android, iOS1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Tech Specs: Compatible with XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, Windows, Android, iOS. Page also lists select Smart TVs, which have no platform option

Windows, macOS, Linux, SteamOS, Android, iOS1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026Any device running Steam or the Steam Link app: Windows, Mac and Linux PCs, tablets and smart phones. Some titles do not work on macOS7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026Android and iOS listed as unverified community specs

Connection per platform

AMicrosoft Xbox Nano Controller

Platform	Connection	All features
Xbox Series X|S	Xbox Wireless	Not available
Xbox One	Xbox Wireless	Not available
Windows	Xbox Wireless	Not available
Windows	Bluetooth	Not available
Windows	USB (wired)	Not available
Android	Bluetooth	No
iOS	Bluetooth	No

Source1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Tech Specs: Xbox Wireless for XBOX consoles. Bluetooth for Windows 10/11 PCs, tablets, iOS, Android and compatible Smart TVs. The Windows 11 footnote in the maker's retail copy (see the JB Hi-Fi and Amazon entries) adds a compatible USB-C cable and the Xbox Wireless adapter, so those two Windows rows come from there. Android and iOS rows are marked as not full features because the same footnote says some functionality is not supported14Retailer pagejbhifi.com.au/products/xbox-nano-controllerRead 21 October 2026Same footnote: Windows 11 over Bluetooth, USB-C cable or Xbox Wireless adapter. Android, iOS and Bluetooth: select devices and versions, some functionality not supported. The listing also gives 1 year manufacturer's warranty for Australia15Retailer pageamazon.com/XBOX-Nano-Controller-Gaming-Console/dp/B0HHPXNZC9Read 21 October 2026Same footnote, including that some functionality is not supported on Android, iOS and Bluetooth. The page also says USB-C cable required for charging, sold separately, and that Action Button programming on PC requires the Xbox Accessories app

BValve Steam Controller (2026)

Not available

Official licence

Not available

Not available

Input modes

Not available

Steam controller mode, XInput, Keyboard and mouse7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026Test setup table separately names Steam mode and XInput mode. XInput is supplied through Steam software translation and does not imply a standalone Xbox-compatible firmware protocol.16Reviewgamersnexus.net/handheld-pcs-peripherals/valve-steam-controller-review-latency-benchmarks-battery-lifeRead 8 October 2026Review tests default trackpad/keyboard behaviour without Steam running. Gamepad behaviour requires Steam Input translation. Keyboard/mouse mode is not standalone Xbox compatibility.

Mode switching

Not available

Button combo12Maker product pagehelp.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/33E8-5EDF-24E6-4CFBRead 8 October 2026Current pairing guide uses Steam+A+R1/L1 for right/left Puck slots and Steam+B+R1/L1 for right/left Bluetooth slots. USB mode uses direct cable connection. Exact button hold conditions are in the linked boot-chord table.13Maker product pagehelp.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/345E-F55E-E96C-E0CFRead 8 October 2026Complete current table records power-state and hold-duration conditions for Puck and Bluetooth slot selection, Bluetooth pairing, and backpack mode.

Native Steam Input supportiOfficial Steam Input integration that exposes controller-specific inputs. This does not mean a game uses the Steam Input API or that the controller has only one input protocol.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026

Wakes the supported consoleiWhether the controller can wake a supported console from sleep. The applicable console or Steam Machine is identified in source notes.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026Wakes a Steam Machine

Max phone length

Not available

Not available

Works with phone case

Not available

Not available

Connectivity

7 of 15 differ

Connections

Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, USB (wired)1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth on the maker's page. The Windows 11 footnote in the maker's retail copy adds a compatible USB-C cable, so usb_wired is stored14Retailer pagejbhifi.com.au/products/xbox-nano-controllerRead 21 October 2026Same footnote: a compatible USB-C cable is one way to connect to Windows 1115Retailer pageamazon.com/XBOX-Nano-Controller-Gaming-Console/dp/B0HHPXNZC9Read 21 October 2026Same footnote: a compatible USB-C cable is one way to connect to Windows 11

USB (wired), 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: Puck 2.4G, Bluetooth and USB-C.

Controller Bluetooth versioniBluetooth version implemented by the controller. Host device minimum requirements are not the controller’s Bluetooth version.

Not available

Not available

Wireless receiver

Sold separately1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Includes: Wireless controller only. The page names no receiver. The Windows 11 footnote in the maker's retail copy names the Xbox Wireless adapter, sold separately14Retailer pagejbhifi.com.au/products/xbox-nano-controllerRead 21 October 2026Maker's footnote copied in the listing: Windows 11 requires Bluetooth, a compatible USB-C cable or an XBOX Wireless adapter, each sold separately15Retailer pageamazon.com/XBOX-Nano-Controller-Gaming-Console/dp/B0HHPXNZC9Read 21 October 2026Important information in the listing repeats the maker's footnote: Windows 11 requires Bluetooth, a compatible USB-C cable or an XBOX Wireless adapter, each sold separately

Included1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: Puck 2.4G.

Receiver connector

Not available

USB-C1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026Steam Controller Puck connects to PC via USB-C

Wireless range (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Paired device slots

Not available

412Maker product pagehelp.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/33E8-5EDF-24E6-4CFBRead 8 October 2026Two Puck memories plus independent left and right Bluetooth memories. Four remembered links, not four simultaneous active connections. Current guide and boot-chord table scope.13Maker product pagehelp.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/345E-F55E-E96C-E0CFRead 8 October 2026Table separately names left/right Puck bonding information and left/right Bluetooth pairing information. Read with the troubleshooting guide statement that Bluetooth pairing is independent of Puck pairing.

Wired connector

USB-C1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Page says it requires a USB-C cable for charging, sold separately. A cable is not in the box

USB-C1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: USB-C.

USB

Not available

Not available

Detachable cable

Not available

Yes3Reviewtomsguide.com/gaming/gaming-peripherals/steam-controller-reviewRead 28 September 2026

Cable length

Not available

Not available

Cable type

Not available

Not available

Claimed polling rate by connectioniMaker-claimed report rate for the stated connection and platform. Tournament modes or protocol requirements go in source notes. This is not input latency or a reviewer measurement.

AMicrosoft Xbox Nano Controller

Not available

BValve Steam Controller (2026)

Connection	Polling rate (Hz)
2.4 GHz	250

Source1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026Published as '~8ms full end-to-end, 4ms polling rate (measured at 5m)' over the Puck9Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: 250 Hz.

Polling rate wired

Not available

Not available

Polling rate wireless

Not available

250Hz=CalculatedFrom Claimed polling rate by connection

Polling rate Bluetooth

Not available

Not available

Sticks

5 of 15 differ

Stick sensor

Not available

TMR1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: TMR sticks.

Stick module nameiPublished module part number or maker-branded stick mechanism. A brand name does not establish the component manufacturer.

Not available

K-Silver JS134Reviewgamersnexus.net/handheld-pcs-peripherals/valve-steam-controller-review-latency-benchmarks-battery-lifeRead 28 September 2026K-Silver TMR sticks from the JS13 family, customised with Valve

Stick resolution (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Default dead zone (claimed)

Not available

Not available

Adjustable dead zoneiTrue when the stick dead zone can be changed on the controller or in an app. A switch between the default and a zero dead zone counts.

Not available

Not available

Adjustable response curve

Not available

Not available

Adjustable stick tension

Not available

No7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Tension levels

Not available

Not available

Stick throw

Not available

Not available

Stick gate

Not available

Not available

Stick click (L3/R3)

Not available

Yes5Spec databaseen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_Controller_(2026)Read 28 September 20262 x clickable analog sticks (L3, R3)

Swappable stick tops

Not available

Not available

Stick tops includediStick cap styles included in this configuration. Counts fitted caps as well as spare caps. Optional caps sold separately are not included.

Not available

Not available

Replaceable stick modules

Not available

Soldered14Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-teardown-simple-to-open-easy-to-fixRead 8 October 2026Exact 2026 teardown states that TMR stick mechanisms are soldered to the mainboard. Replacing the mechanism requires soldering or replacing the board. Steam Deck modular sticks are not inherited.

Stick calibration

Not available

Not available

Triggers

2 of 10 differ

Trigger sensoriDigital is on or off. Analog is for analog triggers whose sensor no source names.

Not available

Hall effect4Reviewgamersnexus.net/handheld-pcs-peripherals/valve-steam-controller-review-latency-benchmarks-battery-lifeRead 28 September 2026Hall effect triggers

Trigger resolution

Not available

Not available

Trigger travel

Not available

Not available

Trigger stops

Not available

No3Reviewtomsguide.com/gaming/gaming-peripherals/steam-controller-reviewRead 28 September 2026No trigger locks7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Trigger stop positions

Not available

Not available

Trigger stop type

Not available

Not available

Shortest trigger travel

Not available

Not available

Adjustable trigger dead zone

Not available

Not available

Hair trigger mode

Not available

Not available

Adaptive triggers

Not available

Not available

Buttons

7 of 17 differ

Face button switches

Not available

Membrane7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Face button switch nameiPublished switch or mechanism name. May be the maker’s branded design rather than a component part number.

Not available

Not available

Swappable face buttons

Not available

Not available

Bumper switches

Not available

Not available

D-pad

Cross1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026From the maker's overview photo: a four-way cross D-pad on a round base at the bottom left

Not available

D-pad switches

Not available

Membrane7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Rear grip buttons or paddlesiMaximum number of additional rear grip inputs the controller supports. Excludes standard shoulder buttons and triggers (L1/R1/L2/R2 or LB/RB/LT/RT), extra shoulder buttons and front buttons. Removable paddles are counted when fitted. Check the box contents for included paddles.

01Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Maker's gallery photo of the back shows four feet and a flat panel with no rear buttons or paddles. The page names the front Action Button as the only extra input. Gizmodo also says there are no extra back buttons9Press articlegizmodo.com/xbox-nano-controller-2000826304Read 21 October 2026Gizmodo says the Nano contains all the typical gamepad inputs but lacks any extra back buttons. The maker names only the front Action Button as an extra input. Stored as 0

41Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20264x assignable grip buttons9Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: four grip inputs.

Rear grip input typeiPhysical form of the additional rear grip inputs. Swappable means the same slots accept alternative button and lever or paddle shapes.

Not available

Buttons1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: four grip inputs.

Removable rear paddlesiWhether rear paddles or lever-shaped back buttons can be removed by the user. This does not count the standard shoulder buttons or triggers.

Not available

Not available

Additional shoulder buttonsiAdditional physical shoulder or bumper buttons. Excludes standard L1/R1/L2/R2 or LB/RB/LT/RT controls and rear grip inputs.

Not available

Not available

Additional remappable buttonsiCounts additional remappable controls across the rear, shoulders and front. Excludes normal face buttons, D-pad directions, stick clicks, standard shoulders and triggers, and system or profile buttons. Optional removable paddles count when fitted.

11Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Page names one programmable Action Button. Button mapping is customised in the XBOX Accessories app. Counted as one additional remappable button. Xbox Wire says the Action Button can be set for screenshots, gameplay capture and other shortcuts

41Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026Tech Specs control list has four assignable rear grip buttons. Standard ABXY, D-pad, stick clicks, L/R bumpers and triggers, Steam and QAM controls are excluded.9Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: four grip inputs.

On-controller remappingiAt least one configurable gameplay button can be remapped using controller controls without a companion app. Does not imply that every button is remappable without software.

Not available

Not available

Custom onboard profilesiNumber of additional named or custom profiles stored on the controller, beyond any separate default bank identified by the maker. Excludes app-only profiles. Does not assume the default bank is immutable.

Not available

Not available

Profile switch controliA dedicated button, or a dedicated function button used in a combination, that switches saved controller profiles.

Not available

Not available

Turbo

Not available

Not available

Macros

Not available

Yes7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Share or capture button

Not available

Not available

Feedback

4 of 5 differ

RumbleiFeedback features as published. Trigger rumble means dedicated trigger-vibration feedback, separate from motor-driven adaptive trigger resistance. HD haptics follows the maker’s stated high-definition feedback feature.

Not available

HD haptics1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table and hands-on sections: four haptic motors split two grips and two pads.

Rumble motor type

Not available

LRA1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026

Rumble motors in grips

010Press articletheshortcut.com/p/xbox-nano-controller-specsRead 21 October 2026Article of 21 October 2026 quotes a reply by the official Xbox DACH account on X, dated 15 October 2026: the Nano Controller has no vibration function. Stored as 0 motors. The rumble list is left out because the schema has no option for no rumble

21Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20262x high output LRA motors in grips. 2 more LRA motors sit in the trackpads9Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Four haptic motors split two grips and two pads. Only the two grip motors are counted here.

Trigger rumble motors

010Press articletheshortcut.com/p/xbox-nano-controller-specsRead 21 October 2026Same Xbox DACH reply, no vibration function, so no trigger motors. Stored as 0

07Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026Trigger vibration: No

Adjustable rumble

Not available

Yes11Owner's manualsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/steamworks_docs/english/steam_controller_2026_manual.pdfRead 8 October 2026English Vibration section states that controller vibration can be adjusted or turned off.

Motion and touch

7 of 12 differ

Gyroscope

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: six-axis gyro.

Combined motion sensor axesiTotal gyroscope and accelerometer axes. A three-axis gyroscope plus a three-axis accelerometer is a six-axis motion sensor.

Not available

61Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: six-axis gyro.

Gyro as mouse

Not available

Yes6Reviewtechradar.com/computing/peripherals-accessories/valve-steam-controller-2026Read 30 September 2026Review describes gyro and trackpad Steam Input mapping for mouse-style aiming. Requires Steam Input configuration.9Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Gyro controls operate the desktop mouse.

Touchpad

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: two trackpads.

Touchpads

Not available

21Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: two trackpads.

Clickable touchpadiSupports a press-to-click action, including pressure-sensed haptic clicks. Does not imply a mechanically moving switch.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026Pressure-sensitive for configurable click strength (haptic click)

NFC

Not available

No7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026

IR camera

Not available

Not available

Built-in display

No11Press articletheverge.com/news/1011216/xbox-nano-controller-release-date-pricingRead 21 October 2026The Verge, 14 October 2026: the tiny screen seen in earlier leaked images is not part of the final shipping model. The same article names a USB-C port at the rear and a pairing button, which have no field. Windows Central of the same date says the Nano has no Hall effect or TMR sticks, and Galaxus says it relies on potentiometers. Neither is a maker statement, so stick_technology is left out

No7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Light bar

Not available

Not available

RGB lighting

Not available

Not available

Lighting zones

Not available

Not available

Measured

13 of 13 differ

Measured input latencyiHardware-measured latency for the documented stock setup. Connection, input, operating system, input mode, firmware, tester and settings are recorded in source notes. Polling rate is a separate report-rate measurement. Different setups are separate rows.

AMicrosoft Xbox Nano Controller

Not available

BValve Steam Controller (2026)

Connection	Input	Average (ms)	Min (ms)	Max (ms)	Jitter (ms)	Polling rate (Hz)	Tested on
USB (wired)	Button	6.6	3.47	12.92	1.95	256	Windows
USB (wired)	Stick	4.07	1.51	6.81	1.32	253	Windows
USB (wired)	Button	4.12	1.78	6.09	1.11	241.49	Windows
USB (wired)	Stick	5.08	1.11	9.32	3.1	241.49	Windows
2.4 GHz	Button	6.25	4.15	8.71	1.15	258.46	Windows
2.4 GHz	Stick	7.75	3.94	14.9	3.19	258.46	Windows
2.4 GHz	Button	9.14	5.87	15.33	1.77	271	Windows
2.4 GHz	Stick	7.35	4.53	10.12	1.33	272	Windows
Bluetooth	Button	9.76	5.18	16.35	2.37	129	Windows
Bluetooth	Stick	8.04	3.87	13.66	2.14	131	Windows
Bluetooth	Button	7.26	3.57	10.87	2.07	134.23	Windows
Bluetooth	Stick	10.21	3.17	16.09	4.31	134.23	Windows

Source7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026Prometheus 82 on Windows. Cable, Dongle (Puck) and Bluetooth, each in XInput mode (vCuda, Win 10, 2026-05-08) and Steam mode (John Punch, Win 11, 2026-06-06). Polling is the reported rate

Button latency wired (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

6.6ms=CalculatedFrom Measured input latency

Button latency wireless (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

9.14ms=CalculatedFrom Measured input latency

Button latency Bluetooth (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

9.76ms=CalculatedFrom Measured input latency

Stick latency wired (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

5.08ms=CalculatedFrom Measured input latency

Stick latency wireless (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

7.75ms=CalculatedFrom Measured input latency

Stick latency Bluetooth (measured, highest average)iHighest average latency among the stored reviewer setups for this connection and input. It is not the maximum individual event or a guaranteed result for every platform. See source notes for each setup.

Not available

10.21ms=CalculatedFrom Measured input latency

Measured stick testsiReviewer measurements for each stick under the connection, input mode, firmware and calibration settings documented in source notes. Inner dead zone reported as absent is stored as zero. Outer dead zones in mm are not converted to percent.

AMicrosoft Xbox Nano Controller

Not available

BValve Steam Controller (2026)

Stick	Inner dead zone	Circularity error	Resolution steps	Centring error
Left	0%	8.2%	2,702	3.7%
Right	0%	9.1%	2,702	3.4%

Source7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026Stick Tracer, Steam Raw Input over cable, 2026-07-14 22:48, uncalibrated. 'No Inner Deadzone' stored as 0. 11.4 bit both sticks

Inner dead zone (measured, worst stick)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

0%=CalculatedFrom Measured stick tests

Circularity error (measured, worst stick)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

9.1%=CalculatedFrom Measured stick tests

Measured battery lifeiReviewer-measured runtime under the connection, activity, rumble and lighting settings stated in source notes. Missing setup cells are unknown, not disabled.

AMicrosoft Xbox Nano Controller

Not available

BValve Steam Controller (2026)

Rumble	Hours (h)
No	72.9

Source4Reviewgamersnexus.net/handheld-pcs-peripherals/valve-steam-controller-review-latency-benchmarks-battery-lifeRead 28 September 2026Sticks held deflected, Steam Input sends Enter once per second, no rumble. 6:12 PM Saturday to 7:06 PM Tuesday (72 h 54 min). Connection not stated16Reviewgamersnexus.net/handheld-pcs-peripherals/valve-steam-controller-review-latency-benchmarks-battery-lifeRead 8 October 2026Preserved existing 72.9-hour no-rumble row: sticks rubber-banded deflected, Steam Input sends Enter once each second, Saturday 18:12 to Tuesday 19:06. Reviewer warns that real gameplay is shorter with haptics. Connection, tracking, firmware and lighting conditions were not stated and remain unknown.

Full charge time (measured)iReviewer measurement from an empty battery to full. Source notes identify the power source, connection, controller operating state and test method when published. Partial charges and maker claims are excluded.

Not available

206min17Measurementgamersnexus.net/handheld-pcs-peripherals/valve-steam-controller-review-latency-benchmarks-battery-lifeRead 8 October 2026GamersNexus 2026 controller review, Charge Speed. Direct USB charging after the controller battery was depleted in its runtime test took 3 hours 26 minutes to full, exactly 206 minutes. Steam Deck adapter rated 15 W at 5 V or 45 W at 20 V, with a power interposer to record charging power. This is the measured controller charge duration, not the adapter rating or a Puck charging result. Numerical starting percentage, controller operating state, firmware and the exact full-charge endpoint criterion are not stated.

Weight (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

259g(9.1 oz)9Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Reviewer specification table explicitly reports claimed 292 g and 259 g as measured. Sample configuration is not given, so the 33 g discrepancy remains unresolved and is not treated as a corrected maker claim.

Audio

1 of 6 differ

3.5 mm jack

Not available

No6Reviewtechradar.com/computing/peripherals-accessories/valve-steam-controller-2026Read 30 September 2026No audio jack on the controller7Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Jack works over

Not available

Not available

Speaker

Not available

Not available

Microphone

Not available

Not available

Microphone mute controliDedicated physical button or switch on the controller that mutes a built-in or connected headset microphone. Excludes a normal gameplay button assigned to mute through software.

Not available

Not available

Expansion port

Not available

Not available

Battery and charging

8 of 13 differ

Battery type

Built-in1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Tech Specs, Battery: Internal, rechargeable battery

Built-in1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: 8.39 Wh Li-ion.

Batteries

Not available

Not available

Batteries included

Yes1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Internal rechargeable battery is part of the controller

Yes11Owner's manualsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/steamworks_docs/english/steam_controller_2026_manual.pdfRead 8 October 2026Product guide identifies the rechargeable lithium-ion battery contained in the controller. This is the built-in pack, not an additional spare.

Battery capacity

Not available

2,178mAh10Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-teardown-simple-to-open-easy-to-fixRead 30 September 2026Teardown reads the Getac battery label as 2178 mAh and 8.39 Wh. This is the nominal component rating, not a measured battery capacity or a calculated estimate.

Battery energy

Not available

8.39Wh1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: 8.39 Wh Li-ion.

Claimed battery lifeiMaker-claimed runtime. Missing connection, rumble or lighting cells mean that the maker did not state that condition. A plus sign or up-to qualifier is preserved in source notes.

AMicrosoft Xbox Nano Controller

Not available

BValve Steam Controller (2026)

Hours (h)
35

Source1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 202635+ hours of gameplay, less with Steam Frame tracking9Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: 35+ hours.

Longest claimed battery lifeiLargest numerical runtime figure in the stored maker claims. A 35+ hour claim is a lower-bound figure, not an upper limit. Up-to, approximate and plus qualifiers are preserved in source notes.

Not available

35h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

Charging connectoriConnector used for charging a rechargeable battery. On AA-powered controllers, USB charging requires a compatible rechargeable pack and does not recharge ordinary AA cells.

USB-C1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Requires a USB-C cable for charging, sold separately

USB-C1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: USB-C.

Full charge time (claimed)iMaker-claimed charging time from an empty battery to full. Charger, cable and controller power state are noted when published.

Not available

Not available

Charging dock

Not available

Included1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: Puck 2.4G.

Dock

Not available

Steam Controller Puck1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Product specification table: Puck 2.4G.

Play while charging

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026USB-C tethered play

Battery indicator

Not available

LED12Maker product pagehelp.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/33E8-5EDF-24E6-4CFBRead 8 October 2026LED above the Steam button indicates low battery with dim red and charging with a breathing pattern. Other colours identify the connection or update mode.

Build

2 of 5 differ

Shell material

Not available

Not available

Grip texture

Not available

Matte finish15Reviewtomsguide.com/gaming/gaming-peripherals/steam-controller-reviewRead 8 October 2026Exact 2026 review, Ergonomic design: same matte finish as Steam Deck. No unreported rubber grip or polymer grade is inferred.

Swappable grips

Not available

Not available

Swappable faceplate

Not available

Not available

User-replaceable parts

Not available

Battery11Owner's manualsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/steamworks_docs/english/steam_controller_2026_manual.pdfRead 8 October 2026The manual explicitly permits battery replacement using Valve instructions and an authorized replacement battery. Leaking or physically damaged batteries require qualified professional service. Other internal parts are not presented as normal user replacements.

Software

3 of 3 differ

Companion app

Xbox Accessories1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Page: customise button mapping with the XBOX Accessories app

Steam1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026Configured through Steam Input in the Steam client12Maker product pagehelp.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/33E8-5EDF-24E6-4CFBRead 8 October 2026Current guide requires Steam running for proper controller game functionality. Non-Steam games can need manual setup or may block emulated input. macOS needs the stated Input Monitoring and Accessibility permissions.

App platforms

Not available

Windows, macOS, Linux, SteamOS1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026

User firmware updates

Not available

Yes4Reviewgamersnexus.net/handheld-pcs-peripherals/valve-steam-controller-review-latency-benchmarks-battery-lifeRead 28 September 20267Measurementgamepadla.com/steam-controller.htmlRead 30 September 202612Maker product pagehelp.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/33E8-5EDF-24E6-4CFBRead 8 October 2026Public current guide: Steam Settings > Controller shows controller and Puck firmware updates. SteamOS uses Settings > System > Hardware Updates. Prelaunch beta requirement is not imposed on retail users.16Reviewgamersnexus.net/handheld-pcs-peripherals/valve-steam-controller-review-latency-benchmarks-battery-lifeRead 8 October 2026Prelaunch review used Steam beta for an update. Current official support now gives normal Steam and SteamOS update routes, so beta is not treated as a retail requirement.

Dimensions and weight

2 of 2 differ

Body dimensionsiController body dimensions, excluding packaging and dock. Width is side to side across the front face. Height is top to bottom across the front face. Depth is front-to-back thickness. Maker axes are reordered when needed without changing the published lengths.

Not available

Width159Height111Depth57mm(6.3 × 4.4 × 2.2 in)1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026Published as 111mm x 159mm x 57mm, read as height x width x depth

Weight (claimed)iMaker-published controller weight with its battery. Fitted sticks, paddles or other accessories and any published tolerance are stated in the source notes. Excludes packaging and dock.

99g(3.5 oz)2Press releasenews.xbox.com/en-us/2026/10/14/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Post states just 3.5 ounces, a little over 5 inches long. Grams come from Inven Global and PC Games Hardware, see their entries3Press articlepcgameshardware.de/Gamepads-Hardware-255540/News/Xbox-Nano-Controller-Microsoft-Mini-Gamepad-99-Gramm-1556790Read 20 October 2026German news article states about 99 g, which matches the maker's 3.5 ounces. Width given as a little over 12.7 cm, not stored because the maker says only a little over 5 inches. Maker's grams not found4Press articleinvenglobal.com/articles/27205/smallest-ever-xbox-controller-revealedRead 20 October 2026States 99 g and about 12.7 cm long, with a built-in rechargeable battery

292g(10.3 oz)1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 20269Reviewpcgamer.com/hardware/game-pads/steam-controller-2026-reviewRead 30 September 2026Reviewer specification table reports 292 g as the claimed weight.

Certifications

1 of 1 differ

FCC ID

Not available

2AES4-101111Owner's manualsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/steamworks_docs/english/steam_controller_2026_manual.pdfRead 8 October 2026English regulatory section: gamepad 1011, FCC ID 2AES4-1011. Puck certification is excluded.

Other certifications

Not available

ISED Canada 20207-101111Owner's manualsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/steamworks_docs/english/steam_controller_2026_manual.pdfRead 8 October 2026English regulatory section explicitly gives gamepad IC ID 20207-1011. Puck IC ID 20207-1012 is excluded.

In the box

2 of 3 differ

In the box

Wireless controller1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026Tech Specs, Includes: Wireless controller

Steam Controller, Steam Controller Puck, USB-C to USB-A cable2Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/api/packagedetailsRead 28 September 2026Steam Controller Puck (USB cable included)3Reviewtomsguide.com/gaming/gaming-peripherals/steam-controller-reviewRead 28 September 2026

Cables included

AMicrosoft Xbox Nano Controller

Not available

BValve Steam Controller (2026)

Type	Count
USB-C to USB-A	1

Source3Reviewtomsguide.com/gaming/gaming-peripherals/steam-controller-reviewRead 28 September 2026Puck connects with the included USB-C to USB-A cable

Carrying case

Not available

Not available

Warranty

1 of 2 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

0.25years12Retailer pagebestbuy.com/product/microsoft-xbox-nano-wireless-controller-for-xbox-series-x-xbox-series-s-xbox-one-pcs-and-cloud-enabled-devices-robot-white/JJGXP3LWCGRead 21 October 2026US listing Warranty - Parts and Labor 90 days. Matches Microsoft's US and Canada limited hardware warranty, which gives 90 days for Xbox accessories. The Microsoft Store page carries a generic 1 year line, and Currys UK and JB Hi-Fi AU list 1 year, so the term differs by market. Stored as 0.25 years for the US13Maker spec sheet (PDF)download.microsoft.com/download/e/0/b/e0bb27c1-33c1-469c-b88d-50823137dd49/HW-WARR-EN-NA(05-23)v.1.pdfRead 21 October 2026Microsoft Manufacturer's Limited Hardware Warranty, US and Canada, May 2023, section 2 Duration: 90 days for all Xbox Accessories except Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. The Nano is not named, as it is newer than the document

Not available

Stick drift warranty

Not available

Not available

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.xbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controller1Maker product pagexbox.com/en-US/accessories/controllers/xbox-nano-controllerRead 20 October 2026

store.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontroller1Maker product pagestore.steampowered.com/hardware/steamcontrollerRead 30 September 2026

Spec sheet

Not available

Not available

Manual

Not available

steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/steamworks_docs/english/steam_controller_2026_manual.pdf11Owner's manualsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/steamworks_docs/english/steam_controller_2026_manual.pdfRead 8 October 2026

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Both are also in the API. Back to all controllers.