Valve issues safety warning over Steam Controller charging puck after near-fire incident
A Reddit user reported a sizzling short circuit when the device’s exposed pins contacted a watch strap; Valve is offering replacements and requesting the damaged unit for analysis.
Valve has issued a safety advisory regarding the Steam Controller’s magnetic charging puck after a user reported a short circuit that resulted in sizzling and a near-fire incident. The event occurred when the exposed metal pins on the charging puck made contact with a metallic watch strap, prompting the company to reiterate warnings found in the device’s manual about keeping the charger free of metallic objects.
The incident was reported on the r/SteamController subreddit by a user identified as Toikka, who stated that a watch strap had fallen from a nearby charger and struck the puck at an angle that triggered a short circuit. The user confirmed they intervened quickly, resulting in only visual damage to the puck and the surrounding area, but noted the device had started to sizzle.
In its manual, Valve explicitly warns that the charging puck and the controller contain magnetic parts that may attract magnetic items. The company advises users to ensure both are free of metallic objects to reduce the potential risks of sparks, property damage, or injury. The manual also notes that the magnets could interfere with medical devices, credit cards, and magnetic data storage placed in close proximity.
Valve is currently offering to replace the affected charging puck and has requested that the damaged item be returned to the company. A representative for Valve’s hardware team confirmed they are accepting delivery of the affected units so engineers can reproduce the issue and conduct an analysis. The company has not indicated whether this represents a widespread defect, noting the risk is associated with the specific configuration of exposed pins contacting conductive materials.
The Steam Controller’s magnetic puck serves a dual function as the wireless adapter for the device, distinguishing it from competitors such as the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 and Sony’s DualSense, which typically use optional charging stations. While those competitors also feature exposed or recessed pins, their charging accessories are generally sold separately rather than being bundled components. The Steam Controller sold out quickly following its release several weeks ago, meaning a significant number of users may be encountering the device for the first time.
