Don’t Wait for the Official Steam Controller 2!

Quick Overview

The video demonstrates that creating a custom, modular, open-source Steam Controller clone called the OpenSplitDeck using a Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 Plus microcontroller is feasible, showcasing the assembly process, including soldering PCBs, integrating custom 3D-printed parts, and achieving functionality that emulates a standard controller, although the creator notes the complexity and potential flaws like the trackpad precision.

Key Points: The creator, TommyB, built a custom, modular, wireless controller inspired by the Steam Deck and Steam Controller, naming it the OpenSplitDeck (v0.2). The project relies on Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 Plus microcontrollers for its wireless communication and core logic. Key custom components include 3D-printed shells (shown in pink and black prototypes), custom PCBs, and custom-built trackpads using the Azoteq IQS7211E sensor. The controller features magnetic pogo-pin charging and attachment, allowing the two halves to communicate wirelessly while connected to the same dongle. The creator soldered the necessary components onto the custom purple PCBs, noting that getting the trackpad assembly right was the hardest part. The final controller successfully emulates a generic gamepad (and partially a DS4 controller) and supports mouse/keyboard HID modes, although the trackpad precision needs refinement. The creator mentions that the official Steam Controller 2 is expected in 2026, but this DIY project offers a unique alternative, albeit one that requires significant effort and may not be as refined as official hardware.

Context: This video follows a DIY electronics project where creator TommyB attempts to build a fully functional, modular, wireless game controller inspired by Valve's Steam hardware, specifically aiming to create a device with detachable halves similar to the original Steam Controller but using modern, open-source components like the Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 Plus. The context involves showcasing the entire build process, from soldering custom PCBs to integrating 3D-printed enclosures and testing the final result with games like Skate and War Thunder.