The brand-new Steam Controller from Valve just dropped, and it’s already sold out. But now, the company is doing the most Valve thing ever by handing people the design files. Valve has released the CAD renders for the Steam Controller’s shell, which lets users download the exterior design and create custom accessories or casing ideas.
The files are currently available under a Creative Commons license, which should make them especially useful for modders, 3D-printing hobbyists, and accessory makers. Although, it is worth noting that these files are only for the controller’s exterior, and not a full blueprint for recreating the Steam Controller from scratch. So you won’t be able to 3D print the internal components that made the gamepad work.
What it does do is open the doors for experimentation and modding. Users could design alternative grips, custom shells, docks, cases, puck accessories, or other add-ons built around Valve’s official dimensions. This is clearly an enthusiast-friendly design, which makes Valve’s controller more appealing to even a niche audience.
Most companies keep accessories locked down and let third-party brands figure things out through measurements, scans, and trial-and-error. Valve is taking a more open route by giving creators official design data from the start.
Steam Controller ran out faster than we anticipated, and we hate that not everyone who wanted one was able to get it. We’re working on getting more in stock and will have an update on expected timeline soon.
This fits perfectly into the company’s wider hardware personality. Between the Steam Deck, SteamOS, and its long-running relationship with PC modding culture, Valve has often leaned into user tinkering rather than fighting it. The Steam Controller is also just a small part of Valve’s broader hardware revival, which includes the upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset.
As of right now, the Steam Controller is already sold out. This early shortage is already frustrating for many who wanted to try Valve’s new take on PC-friendly gamepad controls right away. The CAD file release does not solve the stock problem, though it at least feels less like a closed accessory.
Google Play is borrowing one of the Nintendo Switch’s most useful little tricks. A new Sidekick tool called Playbacks captures a short clip after something interesting has already happened, sparing players from running a screen recorder throughout an entire game.
Playbacks is part of Google Play Store v53.8 and keeps saved clips on the phone. Google first announced it earlier this month, but the new Play Store update marks its arrival for players. Anyone who has watched a perfect win vanish because the record button came too late already understands the appeal.
Imagine tapping a Zelda icon on your iPhone and jumping straight into Hyrule. A new open-source project called nxnative makes that possible by repackaging Switch games you’ve bought into apps for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, with no emulator in the middle.
Why does this run so well on Apple devices?