I will breifly go through the applications for which I see the Steam Controller as a novel alternative to existing technologies for navigation, control, and configurability.

Configurability is what stands out with this device beyond the realm of gaming; but be warned, it takes quite some time to fine-tune a configuration for "off-label" utilization such as desktop navigation (Linux, Windows), and other custom set-ups - there is no work-around when you are calibrating a device to personal preference, so this is not a fault - starting with a template can help greatly. It is worth the time in the end, especially if a physical disability limits your navigation of a computer, and you want an alternative to existing voice dictation, and body movement/gesture technologies.



No aggregate score was calculated on the above criteria due to the broader application, and thus - variable per-application potential.


Gaming (General)

This is a subjective area, and so I will simply mention my experience very breifly. As many have mentioned, 3D games and FPS games in particular don't offer the ease and precision that a mouse and keyboard offer. I'm sure habituation has a lot to do with this; but that takes time. I have a preference to use the Steam Controller for more casual games and platformers, and other obvious style games such as turn-based strategy and puzzle games.

I feel the Steam Controller with time, tweaking, and adaptation, will be my primary choice for gaming. It is too early to say.

Configurability

The configurability of the Steam Controller is incredibly advanced; even overwhelming. and button can be bound to a single function, a macro funtion, or a pressure/axial function - with sensitivity and angular adjustment (for personal preference and off-set) that can change the out-of-box akward controls to the fine-tuned controller that fits like a glove (just rememeber that everyone will hold the controller and handle it differently, so no single config is going to suit everyone).

One of the best resources Steam offers to support the device is the ability to share templates for quick tweaks, and game developer presets that can be slightly tweaked without having to reinvent the wheel, valve, and joystick.

Advanced users may want a task or job specific setup that is made from scratch - and this is possible; although it takes time. You will also have to learn your own config, which is not as easy as some may believe. In time, the fluidity of the control will definately become natural and a great new way to control other, non-recreational applications.

Desktop Navigation

As mentioned above, the controller can be used as the sole USB controller for your computer, taking place of both mouse and keyboard. When you finally adapt, it feels great, however each application will need a new (secondary) config - which can be switched to easily, but often limits you to one or two applications/software programs.

Persons with Disabilities

Although I'm not disabled, I can appreciate the potential of the Steam Controller for those that are. Having suffered an accute immobilizing injury, I did find this device to be a god-send, when I had to get work done and I couldn't handle the "fixed" and limiting motion of the mouse and keyboard combo. It came down to either A) Using and configuring the Steam Controller so I could sit comfortably and work or B) Take opioid painkillers and get tired, distracted, and cognitively impaired so I could sit in a position to use the mosue and keyboard, all the while inhibiting the recovery process due to the strain my body was signalling via the opioid receptors as pain/discomfort.

The opportunities are vast with this incredible device, and the compelexity leaves much of this under-appreciated unfortunately. I'll be the first to admit that I am intimidated by the undertaking of setting up a new configuration. And although I could be spending my time on that now, I figure that some more self-disciplined people could benefit from the extensive applications that the Steam Controller offers.

Excellent Product. Recommended without reservation - for gaming, navigation, and assisstive use.