Auto-Charge Tracker makes Steam Controller move toward its charging dock
A modder has created a self-docking Steam Controller that automatically moves toward its charging puck. The project, called Auto-Charge Tracker, uses a motorized base and tracking system to guide the controller back to its charger when not in use.
Background
- The Steam Controller is a gamepad released by Valve in 2015, notable for its unusual dual-trackpad design and haptic feedback. It was discontinued in 2019, but retains a cult following among PC gamers.
- A "charging puck" is a magnetic dongle — sold separately by third parties — that snaps onto the controller's back and provides USB-C charging without plugging a cable into the controller itself.
- This article covers a hobbyist mod that adds a motorised mechanism to the controller so it autonomously drives itself onto the charging dock, similar to how a Roomba returns to its base. It is a fan project, not an official Valve product.
- The story reflects the broader "right to repair" / hardware-hacking community that keeps discontinued devices alive through custom firmware and mechanical modifications.