Overview
- A Steam Controller owner posted that their Pixel Watch metal band touched the controller’s charging puck and caused sizzling and a near-fire when the puck was plugged in.
- The puck uses exposed magnetic contact pins that remain electrically live when the charger is connected, which can allow conductive objects to bridge the contacts and short.
- Valve’s user manual already warns users to keep metallic objects away from the puck to avoid sparks, a precaution confirmed in the reporting.
- The Reddit post spread through the official Steam Controller community and other forums as a PSA, prompting users to warn others and suggest unplugging or relocating the puck when not in use.
- The incident is anecdotal and not part of any official recall or investigation so far, but it could prompt calls for clearer labeling, protective covers, or design changes as Valve expands its hardware lineup.