The updated Steam Controller, revealed last November, initially escaped my notice. Perhaps that was a mistake on my part.

I viewed it as a potential substitute for my cherished Azeron Cyborg controller, which I hesitate to take on trips. Sourcing spare parts or a full replacement remains costly amid ongoing U.S. tariffs. Priced at half the Azeron’s rate and designed for greater durability, the Steam Controller appeared ideal for packing alongside a portable gaming setup.

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The postponement of the Steam Machine and Valve’s subdued updates on its hardware offerings pushed the controller out of focus for me. It faded from my thoughts as I embarked on a trip.

The release schedule and rollout occurred during my time with spotty internet access, which proved frustrating.

My teammate Mike Crider can feel relieved knowing I won’t pursue one through resellers at inflated prices. Still, I’ve begun pondering the path forward.

Securing a Steam Controller doesn’t concern me greatly; it will arrive eventually. Even a delay of several months is manageable. Yet I question whether such accessible, budget-friendly items will grow harder to obtain in the coming years.

During a team conversation, The Full Nerd members—Adam, Brad, Mike, and Will—debated what remains viable for PC fans to invest in freely. High-end displays made the cut, for instance. Whenever Mike or Brad highlight a fresh OLED monitor promotion, my resistance weakens noticeably. Just this morning, Mike flagged an LG curved OLED option, prompting me to reaffirm that my existing wide-screen display remains excellent.

However, displays aren’t frequent purchases. I acquired mine amid the COVID-19 crisis, and after four years, it still seems modern. Many share this perspective. I doubt I’ll face shortages when seeking an upgrade in five or six years. And no, I’m not inviting any major disruptions in the industry to challenge that view.

In essence, the Steam Controller represents both relief and an alert for enthusiasts. It introduces an exciting new option, yet it hints at a time when consumers might rush to buy before stocks vanish for extended periods.

That prospect doesn’t appeal to me. Nor does the notion of constantly monitoring announcements for desired gear to avoid missing limited release slots.

On a brighter note, the Steam Controller might serve as a cue to unwind, much like I managed during my getaway.

This installment of The Full Nerd features Adam Patrick Murray, Mike Crider, and Will Smith discussing evaluations of Microsoft’s Auto SR feature on the Xbox Ally X, the Xbox interface for Windows 11 systems, and the debut of the Steam Controller. Notably, Will exits the chat abruptly amid the controller talk, sparking curiosity about any undisclosed details he might possess.

Wondering about that myself, I’m sure I’m not alone.

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Returning to my feeds brought unexpected items, such as a dedicated TrackPoint accessory, alongside a chilling fact about ancient amoebas enduring over 400 million years, underscoring nature’s resilience.

Unsure if that qualifies as tough, but it has me reflecting on past instances of using untreated water for cleaning injuries.

Over the last week, I’ve progressed in mentally switching between kilograms and pounds. At minimum, I now grasp the sensation of carrying 3.7 kilograms. That equated to lugging a load of Haribo treats in my bag across Europe. Surprisingly, trekking with about 9 pounds turned into an accidental workout I didn’t mind.

This newsletter honors the legacy of Gordon Mah Ung, originator and presenter of The Full Nerd, and hardware executive editor at PCWorld.

With 15 years in tech and gaming media, Alaina Yee addresses diverse subjects at PCWorld. Joining in 2016, she has covered processors, Windows, system assembly, Chrome, Raspberry Pi, and beyond, while excelling as the outlet’s deal finder (#slickdeals). Her current emphasis lies in cybersecurity, guiding users on effective online protection. Previous contributions include PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine.