I read that valve weren't happy with current pc inputs, maybe it's just a peripheral for the pc gamers, the technicians job advertisements mentioned reinventing the controller.

I honestly have no idea of valves capita or worth, but could they really afford to release a console? Their main 'fans', I would imagine are PC gamers, who prefer that set up, why would valve alienate them in a crowded market against a (sadly fan boyish) market.

That's my opinion and thoughts, obviously I've just generalised all valve gamers are pc dedicates, I imagine most in reality have consoles too :P
I just can't see and think why they would take such a risk.

... it's a developer controller.

They're developers, right?

They make games on 360, right?

Why wouldn't they have a controller built specifically with the needs of a developer in mind? You know, one that allows them to access their tools or see the code running real-time while in the game? Something that would be directly connected to the game running on its intended system, instead of having to run it through a PC?

Why does it seem like it's so difficult for people to look at such a controller in a developer's possession and come to the most logical conclusion? Why do people instead come up with the craziest ideas?

You fools, it's clearly a robot giant's severed toe resting on top of a sexy lady's shoe.

Oh, I hope not! That thing looks like a Dreamcast controller on steroids, and it's probably way too heavy to boot.

It's the controller for the new steam tv app. People are so dumb.