In gaming, many times things boil down to choices. Ditto for the hardware side of things: while console controllers are extremely comfortable, accuracy is the big winner when playing PC games with a mouse and keyboard. The two methods also haven’t really crossed over to each other’s platform, up until now if Steam gets its way. The Steam Controller is set to offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to play your Steam games on television, even those usually played via keyboard and mouse.

This week a new video has been released from Valve, showcasing what the Steam Controller is capable of. What looks intriguing is the customisation options available for the controller, with Steam claiming that the layout is changeable on a game-to-game basis. One thing we are not quite convinced of yet, is typing via the controller, but the hand model in the video seems to have it clinched.

The Steam Controller, currently on pre-order, is set for release on 16 October with a $50 asking price. Here are some of its key specs:

• Dual trackpads
• HD haptics
• Analog stick
• Dual-stage triggers, each with 10° of travel, a magnetic flux sensor, and a tactile switch
• Gyroscope and accelerometer sensors enabling tilt-to-steer racing wheel functionality and other motion-controlled input
• Configurable controls
• Local multiplayer capability, as supported by games
• Wired or wireless (dual mode)
• USB 2.0 via Micro USB port (cable not included)
• Estimated 5 meters of wireless communications range. Actual results may vary.
• Provides up to 80 hours of standard game play using the included AA batteries during preliminary testing.