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Valve's New Steam Controller Screams When Dropped

The discovery underscores Valve's playful use of haptic motors to mimic sound.

Overview

  • Owners and outlets confirmed that dropping the pad can trigger the iconic Wilhelm Scream when Steam is in Big Picture mode on the main menu.
  • VGC and PC Gamer verified the trick after a Reddit post by user RF3D19 prompted tests across the community.
  • The controller has no speaker, and the scream is reproduced through precise vibration patterns on its haptic motors with about a one‑minute cooldown.
  • Reporters advise dropping only onto soft surfaces like a bed or pillow to avoid damaging the hardware during tests.
  • The $99 controller, which features dual touchpads, gyro aiming and magnetic thumbsticks, remains hard to buy as Valve runs a one‑per‑user reservation queue with 72 hours to complete orders and resellers ask up to triple the price.