r/SteamController • u/overlyobvious3D • 1d ago

Discussion Does the controller seem too narrow?

Is anyone else experiencing this? I have to play with my arms tucked in a bit more than a standard Xbox-shaped controller. I don’t know if my hands are just bigger, or my shoulders are too broad, but my hands get cramped up easily when gaming for more than an hour. The same thing happened to me with the 8bitdo controller and that’s why I don’t use it, as much as I love it.
Is there a grip that fixes this issue or do any 3D printer dudes have something in the works? I reeeeally wanna love this controller but this is the only thing holding it back for me.

Edit: I don’t get any cramping in my fingers at all, whatsoever. It’s just in my hands. My thumbs default to the joysticks and it feels natural, so no issue there. For context I’m 6’4” and 220lb. So I might be bigger than the average person using this controller. I feel like I have to tuck my elbows in to hold the controller properly.

7 Upvotes

69% Upvoted

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7

u/Squ4tch_ 1d ago

If you look at it beside an Xbox controller it seems the “arms” of the controller are not as angled outward, they come more straight back. As someone with big hands and broad shoulders I also noticed this. It’s a little annoying but far from a deal breaker for me at least.

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u/overlyobvious3D 1d ago

Glad I’m not the only one. I’m sure something can be made to help people experiencing this issue. I think just a grip that widens the arms/grips would make this controller 10x better.

2

u/FappyDilmore 1d ago

I have really big hands and I have the same issue with it. The Xbox One/whatever they're called now controller was the best controller I've ever used for ergonomics; this controller is a moderately distant second. I also don't like the symmetric joysticks; my thumbs touch when I angle them both toward the midline.

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u/overlyobvious3D 1d ago

Dang dude, you must have some long ass thumbs lol

1

u/FappyDilmore 1d ago

My hands are pretty big lmao. But I also don't use the tips of my thumbs on the joysticks, I use the base of my pads closer to my knuckle for comfort. So if I tilt then both to the middle at the same time they'll touch.

I've always preferred asymmetric joysticks for this reason.

1

u/JohnnyBeeGaming 1d ago

If it's an angle problem a grip that flares the grips out more might help.

Ergonomics is always going to involve a lot of personal preferences after getting something that seems reasonable for the average person.

3

u/an_edgy_lemon 1d ago

I’m personally pretty comfortable with the new Steam Controller, but I agree that Xbox controllers are a bit more comfortable. I think it has to do with the angle, like you said, and the symmetrical sticks. Offset sticks just make it easier to support the weight of the controller.

Still, unlike other symmetrical stick controllers (mainly looking at the dualsense edge), the Steam controller doesn’t really fatigue my hands over long play sessions.

3

u/Grewenth 1d ago

Yes, I'm experiencing wrist pain with the Steam Controller in comparison to controllers where the bottom of the controller is angled outward/flared, it forces an unnatural feeling bend to my wrists. Yes, I'm thinking of getting 3d printed grips to combat this.

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u/overlyobvious3D 1d ago

Right? I love the controller so much though. I need to find a solution.

3

u/Gama3000 8h ago

So I made this a while back, maybe it can help? Theres a larger model and 2 more classic shapes on my page.

https://makerworld.com/models/2973424?appSharePlatform=copy

1

u/overlyobvious3D 2h ago

Hell yes. Just wish I knew someone in Las Vegas with a 3D printer.

1

u/Gama3000 1m ago

some libraries (in the usa) seem to have 3d printers, maybe try that, or something like pcbway.

2

u/reas1113 16h ago

Yeah coming from years of using Xbox series controller I find my right wrist cramps up after a while of using the steam controller

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u/Tatsuota 1d ago

I wouldn't say the controller is more narrow or anything however the arms of the controller are a little to short depending on how your hands sit on the controller. I utilize this controller to mainly use the right track as a mouse in some games where controller movement is viable for the sticks.

With this I noticed my hands are lower and I'm holding the controller more with the track pads in mind than the joysticks. Noticing I don't even have my thumb flat on the left joystick more controller it by the side of it for movement and aiming with the right track pad. This placement is just due to the track pads being slanted unlike them being on the same flat plan on the steam deck.

The new hand placement I have on this compared to other controllers does feel a little weird but not due to it being small but bcuz my hands aren't in the same placement as a standard controller out there.

For your use the controller setup is that of a PlayStation controller than a Xbox due to the joystick setup. The changing of this could be causing your cramp as they are getting used to the new placement than when you use your Xbox one.

1

u/overlyobvious3D 1d ago

It’s 100% the grips, not the buttons. I have to hold it weirdly when lying down in bed.

Edit: I don’t get any cramping in my fingers at all, whatsoever. It’s just in my hands. My thumbs default to the joysticks and it feels natural. For context I’m 6’4” and 220lb. So I might be bigger than the average person using this controller. I feel like I have to tuck my elbows in to hold the controller properly.

2

u/Tatsuota 1d ago

Yeah it's just your body getting used to the new placement of your hands. I am getting the same way as we are not used to holding the controllers in this way. People get it from going between Xbox and ps5 after using one for long periods.

However I am also on the boat this is one of the best feeling controllers I've had. But my weird placement will be getting used to

1

u/BrownieWarrior 1d ago

I had to print grips for proper comfort. Both for my wrists/arms but also usage of trackpads.

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u/overlyobvious3D 1d ago

Shoot, I really need to invest in a 3D printer.

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u/BrownieWarrior 1d ago

It is one of those things that make you feel like you live in the future 😎

1

u/overlyobvious3D 1d ago

Can you send/post a pic of the grip setup you have?

2

u/BrownieWarrior 1d ago

I just used this https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7352594 I printed in petg and used double sided tape to adhere. Also added sports griptape for mitigating sweaty palms and better grip. The model was made very early so maybe new better models have been made. I remember seeing one that was in only one piece that looked cool.

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u/overlyobvious3D 1d ago

Thank you so much!

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u/BedrockBen101 Steam Controller (2015) & Steam Controller (2026) 1d ago

I quite like it actually. It's in-between the angle of an Xbox and switch pro controller, which feels quite comfy for how I usually hold controllers.

1

u/SneakyBadAss 1d ago

Yeah I developed a new posture for this controller. Left hand typically on the left side, right hand planted on teh right side in leasure-claw style.

1

u/robotbeatrally 16h ago

same, i was noticing the same thing the other night. ive been putting a pillow under my left elbow and kind of holding it from the side, and my right hand it in line with the side and I hold it off center towards my right side so my right arm is naturally in line. kind of a shame.

I dont' know why they angled it so aggressively parallel, i guess maybe they made it for little kid hands or something. as an adult it doesn't really fit my hands well, even though i love the controller otherwise.

1

u/SneakyBadAss 15h ago

It looked quite big on demos and previews but its really small boi for an adult man. Guess everyone has small hands or something.