This week has been a huge one for video game developers Valve. Not content with basically running the entire computer gaming market with Steam, they announced a three prong attack against the console world ran by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo.  Monday brought the announcement of Steam OS, their own operating system, designed after their disappointment with Windows 8. Wednesday brought the announcement of Beta testing for their long-awaited Steam Machines - a series of living room based PC boxes, in good/better/best formatting.

And Friday, the big surprise - the first look at the Steam Controller.  Pictured above, it features no front facing buttons, but instead, two large circular touchpads.

I find myself very enamored with their idea of a free form, universal and open gaming platform…but that controller is going to take some serious hands on play before I’m a believer.