The quest for gaming relics often leads down unexpected paths, and sometimes, those paths end up in a Goodwill bin. Recently, a curious trend has emerged within the online community as members discover prototypes of the original Steam Controller tucked away in thrift stores, sparking theories about Valve’s peculiar donation habits.
Seven years ago, one enthusiast found a prototype at a local charity shop. Adding to this strange phenomenon, another member of the community recently reported finding a second prototype in the same retail environment, leading some to wonder if Gabe Newell is simply dropping off gaming history around America.
One such find involved a user whose father discovered the original ‘Chell’ Steam Controller prototype in Seattle. When questioned, the dad admitted to picking it up because he knew his son was a fan of Valve. This discovery instantly bridged generations and unearthed a nostalgic conversation about older gaming eras. For the young fan, finding these items felt like discovering ancient relics, connecting him to games like Portal 2 and Half-Life that represent a bygone era of innovation.
These prototypes offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of controller design. Believed to date from around 2013 or 2014, the prototype featured an inward curved shape and two prominent trackpads on either side, reminiscent of the original Steam Controller. However, it was significantly different from today’s sleek designs.
The missing face buttons were scattered across the center of the pad, and crucial buttons like Select and Start were moved to the bottom. Furthermore, this prototype entirely lacked thumbsticks—making it even stranger than its modern counterparts. While some might assume this relic is useless for competitive gaming, the prototype is a testament to how far controller ergonomics have come in the last decade.
Despite its outdated appearance, the functional aspects remain surprisingly relevant. The finder’s father successfully tested the prototype, confirming that the four central buttons actually functioned as a D-Pad (Up, Right, Left, Down). While it wouldn’t serve well for high-speed action, it proved capable of being used as a generic controller.
Adding another layer to the story is the surprising value of these historical artifacts. The prototype found seven years ago was reportedly purchased for only $8, which is just three dollars more than what the original Steam Controller was selling for when it was discontinued. It serves as a quirky reminder that some of the most interesting gaming history isn’t found in museums, but rather in the unexpected corners of thrift stores.
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Credit: PC Gamer
