New Steam Controller makes a scream sound when dropped

Valve’s latest Steam Controller has a notable quirk: it plays a scream when it falls from a sufficient height. This hidden easter egg is meant to add a playful reaction to dropping the controller. The sound in question is the famous Wilhelm scream, first heard in the 1951 film Distant Drums.

The hidden sound

According to several players who have tested the controller, the scream can be triggered when it falls from around three feet. That also applies if the landing is softened by a cushion. The scream doesn’t only play in midair; even setting the controller down on a soft surface can trigger it. This fun detail adds another layer of interaction to using the controller, especially for gamers who tend to drop their pads during frustrating moments.

Confirmation of the sound

The scream was first shared by a few players on social media. PC Gamer later confirmed that the sound does indeed appear to be real, convincing skeptical gamers. The Wilhelm scream isn’t overly loud and even includes a built-in cooldown to prevent it from playing repeatedly if the controller is dropped multiple times.

Popularity and availability

The Steam Controller went on sale on May 4, 2026, priced at $99. Demand was so high that Valve’s website quickly showed it as sold out. That led to a wave of resales with prices climbing to more than $200 from scalpers. Valve has since said it is working on restocking, but no timeline has been given for when it will be available again.

Overall, the new Steam Controller offers an improved experience compared with its predecessor. Its unique features and design are aimed at both casual gamers and enthusiastic customizers. This controller can serve not only as a tool for playing PC games, but also as a platform for community-driven personal tweaks.