The “dropping” charger for the Steam Controller almost set the owner on fire

Reddit user Toikka shows the results of a Steam Controller puck meeting a metal clock face.

The Steam Controller is far from the only device with a controller with exposed metal pins for easy “dropping”. The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 console, for example, they advertise “Copper pins for good conductivity.” Sony’s Official DualSense Charging Station they use the same pins, although they are protected by recessed grooves and a plastic release that keeps them out of sight when not in use.

The Microsoft and Sony models are both add-ons that are marketed as alternatives to standard USB charging for the “core” controller itself. The Steam Controller comes complete with its own magnetic puck, which doubles as a wireless adapter that expands the range of controllers in the room. This makes it difficult for many users to know about moving forward, especially since the Steam Controller sold out quickly after it went on sale in the last few weeks.

Fortunately, Toikka wrote that he caught the issue with the watch team “just in time” and that it only caused “visual damage” to the device and its surroundings. The Redditor added that he has contacted Valve’s hardware team, which will send the puck in place and agree to bring back the affected items “so they can bring this issue back up.”

For everyone else, this should be a reminder to keep the Steam Controller away from any metal or magnetic objects.