Controllers / Compare

Sony Access Controller vs Valve Steam Controller (2026)

A

Product A: Sony

Access Controller

55 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

ASony Access Controller

BValve Steam Controller (2026)

General

7 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.

CFI-ZAC12Maker spec sheet (PDF)playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026Model No. CFI-ZAC1 in the compliance section.

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

Not available

Not available

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

18 May 20235Press releaseblog.playstation.com/2023/05/18/first-look-at-new-images-and-ui-of-the-access-controller-for-ps5-an-all-new-accessibility-controller-kitRead 10 October 2026"Official name for Project Leonardo revealed" on this post. The device was first shown at CES 2023 as Project Leonardo.

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

Status

Available1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026Page offers the controller with a Buy now button. The PlayStation Direct store lists it as low stock in some regions.

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.

$89.994Press releaseblog.playstation.com/2023/07/13/access-controller-for-ps5-launches-globally-on-december-6Read 10 October 2026Suggested retail price $89.99 USD.

$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.

€89.994Press releaseblog.playstation.com/2023/07/13/access-controller-for-ps5-launches-globally-on-december-6Read 10 October 2026Suggested retail price EUR 89.99 as published.

€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.

Not available

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

White9Retailer pagedirect.playstation.com/en-us/buy-accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026Store lists Color: White.

Not available

Form factor

Adaptive1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026"A highly customizable PlayStation 5 controller kit designed to make gaming more accessible". Stored as adaptive.

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

Not available

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

Face button labels

Swappable1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026Button caps carry swappable cap tags (23 tags) that mark which input each socket is mapped to. Stored as swappable.

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

Made by the platform holder

Yes1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026Made and sold by Sony Interactive Entertainment as PlayStation hardware.

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

Compatibility

6 of 9 differ

Platforms

PS59Retailer pagedirect.playstation.com/en-us/buy-accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026"Compatible with the PlayStation 5 console." Release Date 12/06/2023.

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

ASony Access Controller

Platform	Connection
PS5	USB (wired)
PS5	Bluetooth

Source7Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026Pairing over USB, then wireless use. A second controller is paired through Settings > Accessories > General > Bluetooth Accessories.

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

8 of 15 differ

Connections

USB (wired), Bluetooth6Press releaseblog.playstation.com/2023/12/04/the-access-controller-for-ps5-starters-guideRead 10 October 2026"needs to be paired with PS5 initially through a wired connection, but otherwise operates wirelessly". The support page names the wireless link as Bluetooth.

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

None7Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026No receiver or dongle is listed. The controller pairs with the console directly.

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

17Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026"Your controller can pair with only one PS5 console at a time."

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-C6Press releaseblog.playstation.com/2023/12/04/the-access-controller-for-ps5-starters-guideRead 10 October 2026Same sentence: USB-C port. The controller pairs once over USB and then operates wirelessly.

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

Yes4Press releaseblog.playstation.com/2023/07/13/access-controller-for-ps5-launches-globally-on-december-6Read 10 October 2026The controller has a USB-C port and the box holds a separate USB Type-C to Type-C cable.

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

Cable length

1.5m4Press releaseblog.playstation.com/2023/07/13/access-controller-for-ps5-launches-globally-on-december-6Read 10 October 2026"1.5m USB Type-C to Type-C cable (Hi-Speed USB)".

Not available

Cable type

USB Type-C to Type-C (Hi-Speed USB)4Press releaseblog.playstation.com/2023/07/13/access-controller-for-ps5-launches-globally-on-december-6Read 10 October 2026Verbatim: 1.5m USB Type-C to Type-C cable (Hi-Speed USB).

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.

ASony Access 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

7 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.

Yes1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026"Tailor stick sensitivity and deadzone to better suit your personal control needs", set in PS5 console settings.

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)

Yes10Reviewreviewed.com/accessibility/content/ps5-access-controller-review-sony-adaptive-remoteRead 10 October 2026Reviewer: "I programmed a downward press of the thumbstick to activate it." The stick can be pressed and mapped.

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

Swappable stick tops

Yes1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026

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.

Standard, Dome, Ball1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 20264Press releaseblog.playstation.com/2023/07/13/access-controller-for-ps5-launches-globally-on-december-6Read 10 October 2026Specifications table lists one ball, one standard and one dome stick cap.

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

3 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

No7Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026Unsupported list: Adaptive triggers.

Not available

Buttons

9 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

Yes1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026"Configure the Access controller's button layout" with swappable button caps on eight sockets. The Access has no fixed face button layout, so this field means swappable button caps.

Not available

Bumper switches

Not available

Not available

D-pad

Not available

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.

Not available

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.

Not available

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.

31Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026"Configure up to 30 individual control profiles from your PS5 console settings, store three profiles on the Access controller". Three slots are counted. The base profile is a separate default.

Not available

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

Yes8Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/access-profilesRead 10 October 2026"Press the profile button on the stick base" cycles the three assigned profile slots.

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

07Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026The unsupported-functions list names the vibration function, so the controller has no rumble motors.

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

07Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026Vibration is unsupported and the list also names adaptive triggers, so there are no trigger motors.

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

9 of 12 differ

Gyroscope

No7Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026Unsupported list: Motion sensor. Vibration function is also unsupported.

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

No7Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026Unsupported list: "Touch pad (except for the touch pad button)".

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

Not available

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

Light bar

Yes7Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026Setup text: "After the light bar blinks, the player indicator and the controller indicator light up."

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.

ASony Access 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.

ASony Access 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.

ASony Access 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

4 of 6 differ

3.5 mm jack

No7Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026Unsupported list: "Headset jack". The expansion ports are for accessibility accessories, not audio devices.

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

No7Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026Unsupported list: Speaker.

Not available

Microphone

No7Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026Unsupported list: Microphone.

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.

No7Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026Unsupported list: Mute button.

Not available

Expansion port

Four 3.5 mm expansion ports1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026"four industry standard 3.5mm expansion ports". The support page says the ports are for accessibility accessories, not audio devices.

Not available

Battery and charging

9 of 13 differ

Battery type

Built-in2Maker spec sheet (PDF)playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026Specifications table: "Built-in lithium-ion 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

12Maker spec sheet (PDF)playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026One built-in battery is listed.

Not available

Batteries included

Yes2Maker spec sheet (PDF)playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026The battery is built in.

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

1,050mAh2Maker spec sheet (PDF)playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026Specifications table: battery capacity 1,050 mAh at 3.7 V. Input power rating 5 V 1,200 mA.

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

3.885Wh2Maker spec sheet (PDF)playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026Computed from the published 1,050 mAh and 3.7 V (1.05 Ah x 3.7 V = 3.885 Wh). The guide does not print Wh.

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.

ASony Access Controller

Hours (h)
9

Source11Reviewgadgetguy.com.au/playstation-access-controller-reviewRead 10 October 2026Spec table: "Roughly 9 hours". Impulse Gamer's spec table says "Up to 9-hours". Sony's own pages state no battery life. Connection and settings are not stated, so only the hours are stored.12Reviewimpulsegamer.com/playstation-access-controller-review-ndisRead 10 October 2026Spec table: "Up to 9-hours". Matches the GadgetGuy table ("Roughly 9 hours"). Both are review tables, not a Sony page.

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.

9h=CalculatedFrom Claimed battery life

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-C6Press releaseblog.playstation.com/2023/12/04/the-access-controller-for-ps5-starters-guideRead 10 October 2026"The Access controller features a USB-C port for controller charging."

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

Button caps, Stick caps, Button cap tags1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026Swappable button caps, stick caps and button cap tags. The stick arm length is also adjustable.

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

2 of 3 differ

Companion app

Not available

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

Yes7Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/support/hardware/pair-accessRead 10 October 2026"Make sure to update the device software on your controller to the newest version available", done from the PS5 console.

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.

Width191Height141Depth39mm(7.5 × 5.6 × 1.5 in)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026Published as approx. 141 x 39 x 191 mm (width x height x depth), measured with the controller lying flat. Stored by the front face: width 191 (stick arm included), height 141, depth 39 (thickness).

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.

322g(11.4 oz)2Maker spec sheet (PDF)playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026Published as approx. 322 g (11.4 oz).

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

FCC Part 15 Class B, Canadian ICES-003 Class B2Maker spec sheet (PDF)playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026Compliance section: "Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules" and "This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003." The guide carries a supplier's declaration of conformity and prints no FCC ID.

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

Access controller, USB cable, 8x Pillow button caps (attached to controller), 4x Flat button caps, 4x Curve button caps, 2x Overhang button caps, 1x Wide flat button caps, Standard stick cap, Dome stick cap (attached to controller), Ball stick cap, 23x tags, Quick start guide and safety guide1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026Section "Inside the box", copied verbatim.

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

ASony Access Controller

Type	Length (m)	Count
USB Type-C to Type-C	1.5	1

Source4Press releaseblog.playstation.com/2023/07/13/access-controller-for-ps5-launches-globally-on-december-6Read 10 October 2026One USB cable in the box.

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.

1year2Maker spec sheet (PDF)playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026Limited warranty for the original purchaser: one year from the date of purchase, valid only in the United States and Canada. Batteries are consumables and excluded.

Not available

Stick drift warranty

Not available

Not available

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.playstation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controller1Maker product pageplaystation.com/en-us/accessories/access-controllerRead 10 October 2026

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

Spec sheet

www.playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI_ZAC1_ACCESS_Safety_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026

Not available

Manual

www.playstation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI-ZAC1_ACCESS_Quick_Start_Guide_Web$en.pdf3Owner's manualplaystation.com/content/dam/global_pdc/en/corporate/support/manuals/accessories/ps5-accessories/access-controller/CFI-ZAC1_ACCESS_Quick_Start_Guide_Web$en.pdfRead 10 October 2026Official quick start guide. It is a one-page box contents diagram. Setup steps are on the PlayStation support site.

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.