Seven years ago, a user of the Steam Controller subreddit found a prototype of the original Steam Controller at a local Goodwill. Recently, in a strange bit of luck, a second prototype has been found at Goodwill. If one more pops up at the same chain, one must assume that Gabe Newell is simply dropping them off at Goodwills around America. It’s the only rational assumption.
Taking to Reddit, user Waste-Set5032 shares that their dad happened upon the ‘Chell’ Steam Controller prototype at a Goodwill in Seattle. When one user ponders if the dad actually bought it, the dad steps in to confirm. He says, “I thought about letting this go, but I know my son is a fan of everything Valve, so I picked it up. On top of that, I now know my son’s Reddit handle.”
The son in question is 14 and claims “finding things from Valve is like finding ancient relics for me”. He also says, “I love playing their older games like Portal 2 and Half Life because it feels like a bygone era of gaming and I love exploring it.” You’re not alone if reading that makes you feel like you’re crumbling into dust.
The Chell Steam Controller prototype is believed to be from around 2013 or 2014, which means the prototype’s new owner was around one or two years old when this prototype was created. It’s got a fairly familiar design to those who know the original Steam Controller, with its inward curved shape and two big trackpads on either side.