Steam Controller

[Bungee]

Well, the age of being 'allowed' to be in a separate room than the family to play seems to be coming to an end and as I just can't into console gaming and having my laptop attached to the TV with a m+kb setup on the couch isn't comfy, I'm seriously thinking about giving the steam controller a whirl. I mostly play strategy games like Stellaris and Total War but also some World of Warships. Anyway, any experiences? Does it 'work'?

[ezrast]

Here's what I wrote when I got mine a couple years ago:

The Steam controller's niche is to be a mediocre-but-passable substitute for KB+M in couch gaming situations where the real thing isn't viable. It can also be a mediocre-but-passable substitute for a real gamepad, but that's irrelevant since you can already use a Dual Shock anywhere you can use a Steam controller. So [a strategy game] is actually basically the only reason for it to exist.

I wasn't thrilled with the controller but it basically works and your use case sounds optimal for it. If you've got the cash I'd say give it a shot.

Sky will have some strong opinions about all this, of course.

[schild]

Well, the age of being 'allowed' to be in a separate room than the family to play seems to be coming to an end and as I just can't into console gaming and having my laptop attached to the TV with a m+kb setup on the couch isn't comfy, I'm seriously thinking about giving the steam controller a whirl. I mostly play strategy games like Stellaris and Total War but also some World of Warships. Anyway, any experiences? Does it 'work'?

https://www.steigerdynamics.com/productcart/pc/configurePrd.asp?idproduct=375

use that for 3 months and you'll be allowed to go back to where your computer is and behave like a normal human with an attachment issue

[Tale]

I have a Roccat Sova.

It's the best thing. I game from the couch. I work from the couch.

I have the membrane version and it's perfect for me, but there's a mechanical keyboard version if that's your thing. Look into it.

[Sky]

Sky will have some strong opinions about all this, of course.

Nah. I've had a workable pc setup on my sofa for over 15 years now but apparently it only works for me. Every other option looks horrible.

Carry on.

I'm considering moving to a pair of recliners in the living room and ditching the sofa. Not sure my setup works with that, oh noes.

[Bungee]

I have a Roccat Sova.

It's the best thing. I game from the couch. I work from the couch.

I have the membrane version and it's perfect for me, but there's a mechanical keyboard version if that's your thing. Look into it.

How did I not find this earlier?! That looks a lot more...reasonable than what schild 'suggested'. Thanks!

[Signe]

You aren't people.  You're potatoes. 

[schild]

Trust that a lapboard is not the same as what I linked.

[Tale]

You aren't people.  You're potatoes.  

Today so far: 1-hour bicycle ride before working at a standing-desk in a bright office. I earn my potato time.

World Cup season was bad though.

[schild]

i ate 1.5 caneles, 2 meringues, had pizza and pasta for dinner, and ate thanksgiving leftovers for lunch idgaf tis the season

edit: though i also confirmed a time-period to receive my Peloton Tread so, it all balances out in the end or something

[Cyrrex]

I did not know that Roccat Sova thing was a thing.  Interesting.  I have been looking for a solution for playing certain games in VR in a seated position, while still having keyboard and other devices in a convenient position.  Elite: Dangerous being the prime example....I need to have the keyboard easily accessible while having my simple logitech joystick in its proper position (so that it lines up with where it appears while in VR).  The Roccat might be an option.  And Schild's ridiculous Couchmaster is actually an interesting option as well for this problem, and just couch gaming in general.  I only balk at the cost.  And wish I could find somewhere to try one.

[eldaec]

I found the steam controller fine. I've never rated any controller above 'fine' though and the games you list I wouldn't bother to attempt with any controller.

I'd be sceptical about anything that sits on your lap like the Roccat. Sounds like a quick route to back, neck, and wrist pain if used for the length of time something like TW, Stellaris, or Elite takes to play.

[Cyrrex]

Well for my use case, that Couchmaster abomination might be the better alternative for me.  The option right now for E:D is a joystick sitting on my thigh, and a keyboard sitting on the couch on my left side.  The built in hub is also useful.

The bigger problem is where to put the monstrosity when not in use.  And whether I want to drop 150 bucks on something I could attempt to fashion with a wooden plank cleverly fastened to some firm pillows 

[schild]

wooden plank cleverly fastened to some firm pillows  awesome, for real

tried this

not the same at all

[Cyrrex]

Well, I don't really want or need a permanent platform, because most of my couch gaming is done with a playstation controller in hand, not kb/m.  I literally only have one use-case for it, which is Elite:Dangerous with an HMD...both for a bit of stability, and also to get stuff positioned in more or less the right place in the real world.  Just doesn't seem worth the cost for that purpose alone.

Of course, if I did get a couchmaster, it probably would have me doing more traditional kb/m stuff with it, so there is that.

[Bungee]

I went with the Steam Controller instead of the Sova. Mostly came down to the Sova setup costing thrice as much as the SC and because I wanted to have something rather handy.
I gotta say I'm more than pleasantly  surprised. I never had a knack for controller and the last time I used one was 4 years ago when I first tried to get into couch gaming with a PS3 which I sold again after a month because I was hooked on the DotA back then.
This thing just works. The configurations that are available are great starting points. World of Warships works extremely well, Total War took some customization of the controls and more pausing than usual in battles but otherwise works well to scratch that itch as well. And as a "controller game" I started Warframe. I suck at aiming (needed 2 tries to get MR1) and I completely lose any orientation (and the camera controls) when I panic, but I got semi (maybe more like quarter) competent within the first 3 hours played.

Bonus: Missus actually enjoys casually watching me play on the big screen.

[Falconeer]

My roommates have the Steam controller and I can't stress enough how underwhelmed I was with the clicking. That's right, just the clicking of the rubbery soft surface. It doesn't feel right at all, and it was enough for me to think that the production value was low.

[Bungee]

My roommates have the Steam controller and I can't stress enough how underwhelmed I was with the clicking. That's right, just the clicking of the rubbery soft surface. It doesn't feel right at all, and it was enough for me to think that the production value was low.

Yeah, that bothered me a bit as well. Would like to have that a bit smoother. Still, it works. Lets see for how long.

[WayAbvPar]

Bought it a couple of years ago. Tried to configure it for a couple of games. Decided it was a steaming pile of shit. Bought an off brand Xbox controller and use that instead when I need it.

[Signe]

It's on sale.  Right now.  As I type this.  25 buckaroos.