Valve opens Steam Controller modding season with free CAD files

The Steam Controller was launched on Monday for $99, but quickly sold out. Compared to conventional gamepads such as the Xbox Wireless Controller ($52 on Amazon), the Steam Controller offers a range of innovative features, led by two square trackpads that make it easier to control a mouse pointer and a puck that also serves as a magnetic charger and wireless transmitter.

However, the design is almost boring with a matt black finish. To solve this problem, Valve is relying on the community. To this end, Valve has now published CAD files of the Steam Controller and the puck on Gitlab which are distributed under a Creative Commons license and can be downloaded free of charge. These STP and STL models are intended to make it easier to develop accessories such as a controller holder, a protective cover or ergonomically shaped grips and produce them using a 3D printer.

Valve warns that damage caused by modding is not covered by the warranty, so caution is advised. CAD files for the Steam Machine, which has been designed to be particularly mod-friendly with a removable front panel, will also be published at a later date. If you just want to customize the design of your Steam Controller, you can already find numerous skins at dbrand, either in a single color or with an elaborately designed pattern, including one skin that glows in the dark.