Valve Corporation's Steam Controller can play music using its haptic trackpad motors without any built-in speaker [1, 2].
This capability demonstrates a shift in how hardware manufacturers approach tactile feedback. By converting vibrations into audible sound, Valve is exploring the intersection of haptics and audio to create a more immersive user experience.
The device produces sound through the haptic motors located in the trackpads [1, 4]. This design allows the controller to play simple melodies and a range of sounds, including beeps and full tunes, without requiring external audio hardware [1, 2].
"The way the controller makes noise is through the haptic motors in the trackpads, letting it play simple melodies without a speaker," The Verge staff said [1].
Reports from April 2026 indicate that the device is capable of more than just music. The Verge staff said that the controller can ring like a telephone or perform the Wilhelm scream [1]. This versatility highlights the precision of the vibration motors used in the hardware.
A reviewer from Kotaku said that the trackpads showcase the controller's tactile audio potential [2]. Valve designed these motors to provide audible feedback and demonstrate the unique vibration capabilities of the device [1, 2].
The integration of audio through haptics allows for a different type of sensory engagement, one where the user feels the sound as much as they hear it. This approach moves beyond standard rumble features found in traditional gamepads.
“The Steam Controller can play music using its haptic trackpad motors, without any built‑in speaker.”
The use of haptic motors to generate audible sound suggests a move toward 'tactile audio,' where hardware components serve dual purposes. By removing the need for a dedicated speaker to provide basic audio cues, Valve is testing a more efficient way to deliver sensory information to players, potentially influencing future controller designs and accessibility features for the hearing impaired.
