If you are playing games where trackpads are useful, there's not really another option, so it's automatically a good value. I know my steam deck experience would have been a whole lot worse without those, and I would probably never consider a gaming handheld without them. But for the gaming I do with an xbox controller, I currently just use it for some video games at my computer (where I have access to a mouse anyways), and maybe split screen with family. I think my Gamesir Cyclone 2 controller (at half the price) is an unambiguously better deal for that, in the premium controller space. If I were using it mostly for couch gaming, that might put the Steam controller in a better position, or if I were mostly playing games that support whatever haptic trigger things Sony has, that controller might be in a better position.

One of the other more unique features is the tracking in the Steam Frame. It would be cool if they could standardize that sort of thing so it would work with other headsets. I wonder if they've considered that.

Oops yeah, thanks for the catch. Fixed now.

The old video is so much better. Showing why this controller is different. Feels like a missed opportunity.

In case you haven't already, preload your Steam Wallet and make sure to account for any tax. As someone who got my Steam Deck order in the first 15 minutes it dropped, payment processing was the biggest barrier then. They might have fixed it since, but they also might not have. Good luck!

Yeah, I definitely think how much you value this controller is directly proportional to how much of the full Steam Deck control scheme you use. As a heavy user of the Deck's touchpads to the point I'll never consider another handheld without them, this is still a day one purchase for me even at $99, but I'm not going to recommend it to anyone without huge caveats.

The Ultimate 2 Gyro works on PC too, at least on the Wireless version.
Update the dongle and controller firmware via the 8BitDo App then hold the B button when turning on the controller. Steam can make use of the Gyro and extra buttons directly.

I never use the capacitive touchpads on my SteamDeck

Only in desktop mode when I don't have my full docked setup with real keyboard and mouse. They are IMO better than touchscreen when everything is so small (and the Deck is too heavy for holding it in one hand for a longer duration).

Seems so. Would make sense too, as Valve has reportedly already received a lot of stock.

Likewise. Its 1/3 of what a deck has sold for.

designed for HTPC control

If you want more than gaming (like YouTube), wouldn't it make more sense to get a wireless keyboard with an integrated touchpad, like the recently announced Framework Wireless Touchpad Keyboard?

I have an OG Steam Controller as well as a Steam Deck and I never ever thought to myself that for HTPC tasks would I want a controller in my had over a good wireless keyboard and mouse/touchpad.

I figured it would be at least $100. PS5 controllers are like $70, and this has 4 paddles, bigger battery, magnetic charger\high speed dongle, touch sensors, track pads, and the thumb sticks are like 2 generations ahead of sonys.

It's more like a cheaply priced "pro controller" than an expensive normal controller.

Almost certainly not natively. It might have a fallback to an XInput mode, in which case it could work with an adapter (but without the back buttons, gyro etc).

Not natively, because Sony has a mandatory certification program for wireless controllers.

In theory you make it emulate a PS controller, or you can use a USB receiver like XIM MATRIX or do a ridiculous workaround like connect it using Playstation remote play. Maybe somebody will reprogram the included adapter to work with PS5.

Maybe a stupid question, but could this work with a playstation too?

Maybe as a mouse. It's the same as with the Steam Deck: Without Steam running, it acts as a mouse NOT as a game pad. It required games to be launched from Steam to use it as a game controller.

I don't like the 99,- price either, but the joy cons are too expensive even when compared to that, imho. I love the idea of them but wow are those ever uncomfortable for me, it just feels like a different class to me.

I also loved the OG Xbox BIG CHUNGUS, so, you know, different tastes for different people

Oof, 25 CAD more than a Joy Con 2 and 35 CAD less than a XB Core 2

There a fine 8bitdo game pads that are less fancy but work really well for way less. https://www.8bitdo.com/ultimate-2c-wireless-controller/ is a good deal, especially for people who are tight on money or simply don't play that often to care for higher end stuff.