A leaked review has reportedly revealed the Steam Controller release date, pointing to a launch as early as next week.
Japanese gaming outlet 4Gamer briefly published a review of the Steam Controller before pulling it down. The page now shows as “hidden,” but it was already indexed by Google, allowing parts of the text to be read.
According to the review, the Steam Controller will release in Japan on May 4, 2026, at 3 PM JST. The date listed was specific to Japan, so it is not confirmed whether the same window applies to North America or Europe.
Cached versions of the article and translations still point to the same date, lending the leak some credibility.
This is the second embargo break in a short span. Earlier this week, a separate review revealed the Steam Controller price at $99. The 4Gamer piece added a release date to what was already known.
Release Times by Region
If the 3 PM JST launch time from the 4Gamer review is accurate, here is how that converts across major regions:
| Region | Local Time | Date |
|---|---|---|
| North America (PT) | 11:00 PM | May 3 |
| North America (ET) | 2:00 AM | May 4 |
| UK (BST) | 7:00 AM | May 4 |
| Europe (CEST) | 8:00 AM | May 4 |
| Japan (JST) | 3:00 PM | May 4 |
| Australia (AEDT) | 4:00 PM | May 4 |
These times are based on the leaked review and have not been confirmed by Valve.
Before the 4Gamer article went down, users managed to save a full gallery of HD images from the preview. The photos show size comparisons of the Steam Controller against the Xbox Series X|S controller and the PlayStation 5 DualSense. The Valve hardware is noticeably larger, built to accommodate its dual trackpad design.
The images confirm what the first leaked review noted: the Steam Controller does not have textured grips, meaning the surface is smooth all around. One reviewer described it as “slippery” and listed it as a main complaint.
The photos also confirm the Steam Controller does not have removable joysticks or hair triggers, features found on the Xbox Elite Controller and PS5 Dual Edge.
As of writing, Valve has not opened pre-orders for the Steam Controller. If the May 4 date holds, the company has very little time to announce pricing pages, pre-order windows, and regional availability. Both the price and release date leaks look credible, but Valve has yet to officially confirm either.
