When Valve’s Steam Controller launched years ago, it introduced a radical split design and dual-trackpad approach. Now, a community-driven project called the OpenSplitDeck is pushing further—adding gyroscopic controls, tiny internal screens, and a fully modular build process. The latest iteration isn’t just a Steam Deck accessory; it’s a proof-of-concept for what a next-gen controller could be.
The OpenSplitDeck has undergone a dramatic overhaul since its early days. Where earlier versions relied on Arduino for control, the new design swaps to the Nordic nRF Connect SDK—a more robust platform for the Seed Studio XIAO nRF52840 microcontroller at its core. This shift improves stability and unlocks features like dual gyroscopes (one in each half), though current calibration is described as ‘noisy’ and still in refinement.
Dual Screens and Gyro Precision
Each half of the controller now includes a slim internal display along its edge, offering potential for in-game feedback or custom UI elements. The gyroscopic controls, while functional, require fine-tuning to reduce drift—a common challenge in dual-axis motion systems. The creator acknowledges these quirks but emphasizes that future hardware revisions could simplify assembly, potentially eliminating soldering entirely for users.
Who’s This For?
At a projected cost of **$200–$300** (depending on parts and whether you 3D-print components), the OpenSplitDeck isn’t a plug-and-play solution. It’s aimed at enthusiasts who enjoy hardware experimentation. For comparison, Valve’s upcoming Steam Controller—designed for direct Steam Deck compatibility—is expected to be far more accessible, though pricing remains unconfirmed.
Current builds use a repurposed Steam Deck shell and iFixit-sourced parts, but the project’s long-term goal is full 3D-print compatibility. Until then, the OpenSplitDeck stands as a testament to open-source innovation: a controller that evolves not through marketing, but through community collaboration.
Key Specs
- Controller Type: Split-design, dual-trackpad with internal displays
- Microcontroller: Seed Studio XIAO nRF52840 (Nordic nRF Connect SDK)
- Inputs: Dual gyroscopes (one per half), capacitative thumbsticks (current version has pin limitations)
- Displays: Slim internal screens (purpose: in-game feedback/UI)
- Build Process: Modular; future revisions may eliminate soldering
- Estimated Cost: **$200–$300** (parts-only; assembly adds labor)
- Shell: Currently repurposed Steam Deck casing; 3D-print files in development
- Power: Sleep mode requires optimization (current draw higher than ideal)
The OpenSplitDeck’s dual-gyro system and internal displays position it as a platform for experimental controls—think precision aiming or dynamic feedback. However, the tradeoff is clear: this isn’t a ready-to-use device. For most gamers, Valve’s official controller will likely remain the practical choice. But for those who relish the challenge of building something from scratch, the OpenSplitDeck offers a glimpse of what’s possible when hardware and community-driven development collide.
