Live data from Hacker News

Valve demonstrates Steam Controller [video]

joystiq.com

31–40 of 98 posts

Re: Valve demonstrates Steam Controller [video]

#31
post #29

They could just make an app for a phone to act as a wireless controller. In fact, many mobile games already use similar control layouts.

Though it's heavily touch-driven, the new Steam controller does have several physical buttons, as well as tactile feedback (ridges) on the circular touch controls. Not having to look at the screen to use the controls radically changes the experience.

Re: Valve demonstrates Steam Controller [video]

#32
I was surprised to see the negative comments on the article page. I'm personally excited for it. As I think it will open up "couch" gaming to more genres and it looks like a pretty decent controller when compared against other controllers. I don't think it will be a true mouse + keyboard replacement but will do great for big screen HTPC / SteamMachine type setups.

Re: Valve demonstrates Steam Controller [video]

#33
post #28
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

2. It looks like the pads are "pressable", so whilst they can react to touches, you can configure them to only react to presses. Not quite the same as buttons, but it might be good enough. You might be interested in looking at Tommy Refenes thoughts on his testing of the steam controller prototype. He discusses using it to play his difficult platformer Super Meat Boy: http://tommyrefenes.tumblr.com/post/62476523677/m…

and IIRC he says he will keep playing with an Xbox Controller eventually.

What he _actually_ said is slightly more nuanced:

   If you were to ask me to choose between Steam Controller and a 360 
   controller, I would choose 360. Don’t take that as slight to the controller 
   though because it’s more about the comfort of familiarity over 
   functionality. I would choose a 360 controller because I have several 
   thousand hours experience using it, however if tomorrow all game controllers 
   were wiped off the earth and the only option was the Steam Controller, I 
   don’t think this would be a bad thing. In fact, I don’t think gaming would 
   miss a beat.

Re: Valve demonstrates Steam Controller [video]

#35
Maybe his aiming in a fps is not up to competitive level of quake/cs, but this is definitely a step up from controllers for these types of games. Hopefully, this thing will bring the skill of being both fast and precise to consoles. It will be good for consoles, and good for gaming in general.

Re: Valve demonstrates Steam Controller [video]

#37
post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

1. It's like having your mouse on a tiny mousemat. As someone who once had a tiny mousemat, it works great for turn based games but anything real time is no fun at all. You can simulate this feeling right now by using a round beermat. 2. Something as simple as putting one tiny raised dot at each of the 4 main positions would make a huge difference.

There are haptics, so it feels like you have a button on the trackpad even if one is not actually present.

Haptics don't allow for many touch instincts, like edge-detection and depth of depression. It's better than no acknowledgement, but it's dramatically different.

As an exaggerated counterpoint: imagine operating a buttonless, flat "haptic" vibrating keyboard in a moving vehicle, and contrast with a conveniental keyboard.

Re: Valve demonstrates Steam Controller [video]

#38
It would be nice if a single two-handed controller or even some type of two element controller (ala. wii) could somehow approach the accuracy of a mouse and a keyboard.

This clearly does not appear to be at the same accuracy and speed level as the combination of a mouse and keyboard. There may be a console controller that can approach, equal or exceed the speed and accuracy of a mouse and keyboard, but this doesn't seem to be it.

Addition: I suspect that every steambox will have USB ports available for whatever controller, keyboard and mouse floats your boat.

Re: Valve demonstrates Steam Controller [video]

#40

Looking at this, I'm starting to wonder why trackballs on console controllers never became popular.

Likely for the same reason that mouse balls went out of favor -- they get gummed up with dust and gunk from your fingers, and are a PITA to maintain and keep clean.
Post reply on HN