Steam Controller Turns into RC Car with New Web App

Can a Gamepad Really Become a Toy?

A developer has created a web app that turns Valve's second-gen Steam Controller into a remote-controlled car. The tool uses the Chromium browser and was revealed on June 20, 2026. It manipulates the controller's haptic motors to move it across flat surfaces.

The web app, built using WebHID technology, pulses the controller's rumble motors to make it scoot across desks or tables. This is achieved by carefully controlling the haptic feedback, usually used for in-game vibrations. By adjusting the intensity and pattern of these vibrations, the controller can be made to move in different directions.

Is This Just a Novelty or a New Direction?

The Steam Controller's unique haptic system makes it an ideal candidate for this kind of manipulation. By leveraging the controller's existing hardware, the developer has created a novel and entertaining use case. The web app demonstrates the versatility of modern gamepads and their potential for unconventional applications.

The movement is not highly controlled, but it's enough to make the controller glide across a surface. This is more of a novelty than a precision RC car, but it still showcases the capabilities of the WebHID technology and the Steam Controller's hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

As the web app is still in its early stages, it's unclear how this technology could be used in the future. However, it does highlight the potential for creative repurposing of existing hardware. The possibilities for other devices with similar haptic systems are also worth exploring.

The creation of this web app could lead to new and innovative uses for gamepads and other peripherals. As developers continue to experiment with WebHID and other technologies, we can expect to see more unusual applications emerge.