Steam Controller Emits Wilhelm Scream When Dropped

When a Valve Steam Controller is dropped, it sometimes emits the classic Wilhelm scream. The sound is generated by the controller’s internal haptic motors, so it plays even when the device is not paired to a PC or Steam Deck.

CNET

Valve has a reputation for embedding hidden features in its hardware. The Steam Controller’s haptic motors already produce chimes for power-on and power-off events, and prior modding allowed custom tones. The new Easter egg leverages the same motor-driven audio capability.

Yup, the Steam Controller Wilhelm Screams If You Drop It

The discovery was first posted by Reddit user RF3D19. Verification came from Josh Wolens of PC Gamer, Digital Foundry, and CNET. Valve, the controller’s manufacturer, has not issued a statement.

Valve snuck a Wilhelm scream Easter egg into the new Steam Controller

• Price: $99.

CNET

• Drop height reported by CNET: ? 3 feet onto a sofa.

CNET

• Observed cooldown between screams: ? 1 minute.

Valve snuck a Wilhelm scream Easter egg into the new Steam Controller

• Scream occurrence is randomized; not every drop triggers it.

CNET

Digital Foundry reproduced the effect by entering Steam Big Picture, powering the controller off and on, then dropping it onto a soft surface. CNET’s author dropped the controller repeatedly, hearing screams on two straight drops and silence on subsequent attempts until the cooldown elapsed. PC Gamer noted a single scream on the first drop, followed by silence until a minute passed.

CNET

Both CNET and PC Gamer caution that intentional dropping can damage the $99 controller, despite the novelty of the Easter egg. CNET’s author advises against repeated impacts, emphasizing that the device is “pretty robust” but not built for intentional falls.

Yup, the Steam Controller Wilhelm Screams If You Drop It

Sources differ on trigger specifics: CNET states the scream is “not dependent on drop force” yet observed no sound from a harder fall; PC Gamer emphasizes a minute-long cooldown; Digital Foundry does not mention timing at all. No quantitative probability for the random trigger is provided, and Valve’s design intent remains undocumented.

Valve snuck a Wilhelm scream Easter egg into the new Steam Controller

The sources contain no official comment from Valve regarding the Wilhelm-scream Easter egg.

Yup, the Steam Controller Wilhelm Screams If You Drop It

• “Now I can't stop dropping it, because it turns out it makes a Wilhelm scream if it does.” — CNET author

CNET

• “I don't generally recommend dropping $99 game controllers, but this Easter egg is so amazing that I want all game controllers to make little noises now.” — CNET author

CNET

• “Valve, you cheeky bunch.” — PC Gamer author

Valve snuck a Wilhelm scream Easter egg into the new Steam Controller

• “I can confirm: the Steam Controller screams.” — PC Gamer author

Valve snuck a Wilhelm scream Easter egg into the new Steam Controller

The find has sparked speculation that other controllers might hide similar audio tricks, though no further evidence or manufacturer plans appear in the current sources.

CNET