Steam Controller, users are now free to modify thanks to CAD files

The Steam Controller is a game controller introduced by Valve to give completeness to a gaming platform that runs on the concept contained in the Steam Machine: making the PC a bit 'more like the console in terms of convenience of use, while maintaining the points strengths that PCs can boast in direct confrontation with the console, from the higher computing power, but by moving the game environment from the desktop to the living room. An undoubtedly interesting project, thanks to a concept that is well suited not only to Steam Machine in the strict sense but to any PC suitable for gaming.

The task of the Steam Controller is certainly not easy since the interaction with the keyboard and mouse on the PC - with some essential titles - is not easily replicable with a gamepad, inevitably more simplified. Valve has outlined the salient features of the Stream Controller - which works in perfect symbiosis with the Big Screen mode of Steam - replacing the traditional second analog stick which is found in the console controller with a trackpad eligible to perform mouse functions.

interesting project, many firmware updates released to improve the efficiency of the gamepad from launch, but still possible refinements and room for improvement still present. Who better than the people who use the controller on a daily basis know how what are your weaknesses and how to improve them? To directly involve users in the process of perfecting the Steam Controller, Valve has recently published the CAD files, thanks to which anyone (with the requisite knowledge) can make changes to the original project or propose new accessories for the gamepad.

The original models were released with a Creative Commons license, they can be freely downloaded, edited and enriched with new features. Using CAD files, theoretically, you could then proceed to 3D printing controller variants, providing, to make one of many examples, a version with an arcade stick works best for fighting games. To offer some ideas to interested users, Valve has shared two models that alter the original design, by introducing a slot to place the USB dongle necessary for wirelesss connection to Steam machine or PC: