Valve's long-awaited return to the game controller market is finally happening. On May 4, the company will start selling the new Steam Controller, a device that promises to deliver a console-like experience for PC gaming. But what if you could take that experience on the go? That's where Mechanism, a company known for its innovative mounts and grips, comes in. On the same day, Mechanism is launching the Basegrip for Steam Controller, an accessory that turns the gamepad into something resembling the Steam Deck.
The Basegrip is a specially designed bracket that fits onto the back of the new Steam Controller. It provides a mounting point for Mechanism's existing phone mount, allowing you to attach your smartphone directly to the controller. This setup, combined with Valve's Steam Link app, creates a portable gaming device that streams your Steam library to the phone's screen. While it may not have the integrated screen and controls of the Steam Deck, it effectively turns the Steam Controller into a makeshift handheld console.
Steam Link, which was first released in 2018, allows you to stream games from your PC to your mobile device over a local network or even the internet. The app is available for both Android and iOS, though Mechanism notes that compatibility is not yet universal. However, for supported devices, the experience is surprisingly smooth, especially when combined with a responsive controller like the Steam Controller. The gamepad itself has been redesigned from the original 2015 model, now featuring a layout that closely mirrors the Steam Deck's button configuration, including dual trackpads, a left thumbstick, and face buttons.
The Basegrip is not the only accessory Mechanism has in the works. The company is also developing a dedicated dock for the Steam Controller, which will serve both as a charging station and a display stand. The dock is expected to launch in June, and interested customers can already sign up for a waitlist on Mechanism's website. The dock will work seamlessly with the Basegrip, allowing you to charge the controller while the phone mount remains attached. This integration makes the setup even more convenient for daily use.
Pricing for the Basegrip is set at $9, which is quite affordable for a 3D-printed accessory. However, Mechanism is also offering the design files for free to anyone with a 3D printer. This open-source approach allows enthusiasts to print their own Basegrip and even a stripped-down version of the dock. The full phone mount itself costs $25, bringing the total for the complete mobile-gaming package to $34, not including the cost of the Steam Controller itself, which is priced at $99.
This is not the first time Mechanism has catered to mobile gamers. The company has previously released mounts for Xbox and PlayStation controllers, as well as a variety of grips for tablets and phones. Their experience in ergonomic design shows in the Basegrip, which is engineered to keep the phone securely in place while maintaining comfortable access to the Steam Controller's buttons and triggers. The grip also allows the controller to sit flat on a table, and the phone mount can be adjusted to multiple angles for the best viewing position.
The timing of the Basegrip's launch is strategic. The new Steam Controller is Valve's most significant hardware release since the Steam Deck, and it's aimed at PC gamers who want a high-quality controller for their desktops or laptops. The controller features haptic feedback, gyro controls, and customizable back paddles, all of which are perfectly suited for the wide range of games on the Steam platform. By adding a phone mount, Mechanism is essentially filling a gap in the market: a portable solution that doesn't require investing in a full handheld console like the Steam Deck, which starts at $399.
While the Steam Deck remains the ultimate mobile Steam machine, its price and availability may be prohibitive for some. The Steam Controller plus phone mount combo offers a more affordable alternative, especially if you already own a suitable smartphone. The concept is not entirely new—smartphone clips for Xbox and PlayStation controllers have been around for years—but the Steam Controller's unique capabilities, such as its trackpads and deep customization, make it a particularly compelling choice for games that rely on mouse-like precision or complex control schemes.
It's worth noting that the Steam Link app has its limitations. Not all games support streaming, and network latency can be an issue, especially over the internet. However, for local streaming on a home Wi-Fi network, the experience is generally excellent. Mechanism's phone mount also works with the app's touch controls, but having a physical controller obviously provides a much better gaming experience. The Steam Controller itself supports Bluetooth and can be used with the phone even without the app, but the full benefit comes from integrating it with PC streaming.
The 3D printing community has already shown interest in the Basegrip. Mechanism's decision to release the files for free is likely to be welcomed by makers who want to customize the design or print multiple units for friends. The company's previous open-source releases have fostered a small community of users who share modifications and improvements. This approach not only builds brand loyalty but also ensures that the accessory evolves over time through user feedback.
Looking ahead, Valve's continued support for the Steam Controller and the Steam Link ecosystem bodes well for accessories like the Basegrip. The company has promised firmware updates and driver improvements, and the controller is fully compatible with the Steam Deck itself, allowing it to be used as an external controller when docked. This means that Mechanism's mount could even be used to attach a phone as a second screen for the Steam Deck, adding yet another layer of functionality.
For now, the Basegrip for Steam Controller represents a clever, low-cost way to extend the capabilities of Valve's new gamepad. Whether you are a mobile gamer on a budget, a 3D printing enthusiast, or simply someone who wants a more versatile controller setup, this accessory is worth considering. The launch on May 4 aligns perfectly with the Steam Controller's release, and with a price of just $9, it is an easy addition to any gaming kit.
Source: Android Authority News