Don’t Wait for the Official Steam Controller 2!

Tommy B, an electrical engineer, DIYed his own modular and open-source Steam Controller 2, named OpenSplitTech, which offers unique features like splitting in half and custom ergonomics before Valve's official version is released.

• Tommy B's OpenSplitTech is a DIY, open-source Steam Controller 2, with unique split design.

• The controller offers custom ergonomics, advanced trackpads, and costs $250-300 to build.

• Construction involves soldering, 3D printed parts, and high-quality components for a customizable gaming experience.

Tommy B, an electrical engineer, developed the 'OpenSplitTech' controller, a DIY Steam Controller 2, featuring a unique split design and custom trackpads that he designed from scratch. Despite Valve's announcement of an official Steam Controller 2 for 2026, Tommy's version is available now, is open-sourced, and offers distinct advantages like enhanced ergonomics and independent halves. The project, while requiring soldering and a significant investment in parts, provides a high-quality, customizable gaming experience.

Project Motivation and Features

• 00:00:16 Tommy B, the creator of the OpenSplitTech controller, decided to build his own Steam Controller 2 due to the uncertainty and distant release date of Valve's official version. His DIY creation stands out with its ability to split into two independent halves that still communicate to the same dongle, offering a unique modularity not found in the official product. The project also served as a significant learning experience, covering wireless protocols and trackpad design, and its open-source nature allows others to build their own.

• 00:01:48 The OpenSplitTech controller is essentially a standalone version of the Steam Deck's built-in controller, constructed using a combination of official Valve and third-party parts, custom trackpads, and custom PCBs for affordability. A key appeal of this controller, similar to the original Steam Controller, lies in its versatile input options, including gesture inputs, accurate mouse-like control, and improved interface navigation outside of Big Picture Mode. The design also incorporates 3D printing for rapid prototyping and customizable ergonomics, allowing users to adjust the angle and fit of the controller halves.

• 00:04:53 Building the OpenSplitTech controller involves several soldering steps, with the custom trackpad assembly being a critical component due to its unique design and the unavailability of pre-made Steam Deck trackpads. The process includes soldering MCUs, specifically the Xiao NRF52840 Sense Plus, which features a USB-C connector and internal battery charging. While designing the trackpad was challenging, assembly is made simpler with pre-designed components, and flashing firmware is a straightforward process involving a double-click reset and copying a .uf2 file.

• 00:13:55 The estimated cost to build one OpenSplitTech controller is around $250-$300, which often provides enough parts for multiple units, reflecting a premium for its high-quality, customizable components like aftermarket Gilly kit sticks. The controller incorporates linear resonating actuators (LRAs) for haptic feedback, which are more advanced and expensive than typical vibration motors. A notable quirk is the necessity for the device to be powered on to charge, due to power draw from the hall effect sticks in sleep mode and a lack of available GPIO pins for a dedicated power control, a design challenge acknowledged for future improvement.