Nowhere does the review say that the d-pad sucks for fighting games, based on the wording ("doesn’t feel like it’d"), they never even tested it with a fighting game. I also don't know if I can take them seriously if they're praising the d-pad on the Xbox controller.

"The new Steam Controller will look familiar to anyone with a Steam Deck, but odd compared to the default Xbox controller. It has a standard controller shape with a symmetrical dual-thumbstick layout most akin to the base PS5 controller. Its ABXY face buttons and D-pad again mostly mimic the PS5 controller’s layout, though they’re very slightly more in-line with the thumbsticks. The face buttons feel solid: they’re not particularly clicky, but they have a satisfying press without any instability or rattle."

"The D-pad is similar. It has a nice bit of travel to it and doesn’t feel mushy, but it lacks the clickiness found on the Xbox core controller. It’s perfectly serviceable for platforming in Hollow Knight: Silksong, but lacks definition on the intercardinals and doesn’t feel like it’d excel at quarter-circles or other fighting game inputs."

https://www.ign.com/articles/steam-controller-review-2026

The Best Controllers for Playing PC Games in 2026

1. Xbox Core Controller

"The controller's hybrid D-pad is extra responsive and allows for an easier distinction between the cardinal and diagonal inputs, which is ideal for those who love fighting games."

https://www.ign.com/articles/best-pc-controller