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Valve's New Steam Controller Screams When You Drop It

Independent tests suggest Valve uses the controller’s haptics to mimic audio, showing a playful design touch.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets on Wednesday confirmed the controller sometimes plays the classic Wilhelm scream when it is dropped.
  • The effect tends to trigger when the device is on and Steam is in Big Picture mode on the main menu, and it does not fire every time.
  • Users and reviewers report a cooldown of about a minute between screams.
  • The controller lacks a speaker, and coverage points to the haptic motors recreating the sound.
  • After May 4 sales sold out, Valve opened a May 8 reservation queue with one-per-user limits and 72-hour purchase windows.