And we're in! The plastic casing separates into two halves: main button board and covers in the upper, and not a thing in the lower.

Speaking of nothing, where's the battery? We've grown accustomed to wireless console controllers, so this is a surprise. The Steam Machine Controller is wired only, and connects to the Box with the included extra-long USB cable.

Lifting the main button board out gives a quick look at how the super-configurable touchpads fit into the unit.