Valve’s Steam Deck is a strong handheld PC that may run many video games from the huge catalog of Steam video games, however you in all probability knew that already. Perhaps you didn’t know that inside a number of months of its launch in early 2022, the accent scene across the Steam Deck was already filled with nice choices.
It’s true, you don’t want many add-ons in any respect to have a beautiful expertise with the Deck; it comes with a stable zip-up case and a quick energy adapter. At minimal, a high-capacity microSD card to broaden its inside storage is all I’d universally suggest to most individuals.
However should you’re curious what else is on the market, I’ve included my favourite Steam Deck equipment, in addition to what the remainder of the Polygon employees is loving. This put up could also be up to date because of availability, or when new equipment hit the market.
The Steam Deck accent starter package
Like all tech, the Steam Deck homes many fragile parts. However the one which’s most vulnerable to unintentional harm is its 7-inch glass-covered show. I extremely suggest that each Deck proprietor buys a set of tempered glass screen protectors (I’ve had nothing however good experiences from amFilm, though there are lots of gamers on this area). It might not save your Deck from catastrophic harm, however its job is to soak up scrapes and jabs as an alternative of the particular glass overlaying your show (display screen replacements aren’t precisely low-cost). When the quilt finally will get scratches, or cracks, merely take away it and apply a brand new one.
The Steam Deck comes with as much as 512 GB of SSD storage should you purchase the $649 mannequin. Though, for being Valve’s high-end mannequin, that’s not a wealth of storage, on condition that PC video games routinely are available 30-60 GB set up sizes. For many who purchase the $399.99 mannequin, there’s even much less onboard storage to work with: simply 64 GB. Whichever mannequin you could have, shopping for a microSD card for additional sport area is nigh important. We have now a information to the perfect microSD playing cards for Steam Deck that expands on a pair specifics relating to velocity, however should you simply wish to be proven what’ll work effectively in your Deck, listed below are a few strategies.
If you’d like sooner obtain speeds and a smoother on-line gameplay expertise than Wi-Fi can present, route an additional Ethernet cable out of your modem to your Steam Deck, then join it with considered one of these USB to Ethernet adapters. Until you could have one laying round, you’ll additionally want a USB-A to USB-C adapter to plug it into your Deck. Observe: You probably have a dock or a USB-C hub for the Deck to attach it to a TV or monitor, which will have already got an Ethernet port.
The Steam Deck is heavier than the Nintendo Swap, so nobody blames you if you wish to prop it up on a stand whilst you play, preserving it in view as you employ a wi-fi controller. Fortunately, there are an unlimited variety of stands at shops like Amazon, beginning as little as $5.99. You may simply observe your style and price range right here, and you must find yourself with an honest stand.
You can too head over to Etsy to take a look at some fascinating designs. Observe that most of the Steam Deck stands bought on Etsy are constructed with 3D printing information which might be really free to download, and you’ll print them your self for the price of supplies in case you have entry to a dear 3D printer.
Lastly, should you envision going into the Steam Deck’s desktop mode to do some emulation, or to easily use the Deck as a mini laptop, you could wish to seize a compact wi-fi keyboard to sort instructions on. With out it, it’s an actual ache to the touch sort and navigate on the Deck’s display screen (particularly in case you have huge fingers). So, do your self a favor and purchase this all-in-one, foldable keyboard that has a trackpad in-built.
Finest Steam Deck dock and dock options
If you wish to view your Steam Deck video games or different content material on a TV or a monitor, you’ll desire a dock. That is one other class that’s wealthy with choices, ranging in value and options. Not solely can docks push your video to the massive display screen, in addition they allow you to join peripherals through USB ports, like a detachable arduous drive, mouse, keyboard, and extra. Merely put, it may make your Steam Deck really feel extra like a house console, or a pc — no matter it’s you’re going for.
Whereas Valve wasn’t the primary firm to launch a Deck-compatible dock, its model is without doubt one of the most port-rich choices. Its Deck Dock has HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, a USB-C port to obtain energy from a wall adapter (it consists of the identical 45 W mannequin that the Steam Deck ships with), a gigabit Ethernet port, and three USB-A 3.1 ports. The inclusion of DisplayPort units it aside from most USB-C hubs, together with its elegant design. But it surely comes at a big value, priced at $89.
![A Steam Deck sitting on Valve’s Deck docking station, displaying the Steam OS interface](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zoOLcbuuvokfKnNNQzINv6O-qLk=/0x0:1341x894/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1341x894):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24486191/valvedeckdock.jpg)
Photograph: Valve through Polygon
For one thing that’s considerably extra inexpensive, we additionally like Anker’s 341 USB-C hub, which has seven ports in whole: HDMI, USB-C in for energy, a further USB-C port for knowledge, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and an SD/microSD card reader. Observe: It lacks an Ethernet port to offer your Deck a wired connection, so that you may wish to seize this affordable USB to Ethernet adapter to plug into this dock. Additionally, it has no method of standing up your Deck, though that won’t hassle you.
Jsaux makes a really related choice to Valve’s official Deck Dock, albeit with a much less catchy title. It’s referred to as the HB0702, and it prices $54.99. Just like the Deck Dock, it has USB-C for energy, DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, three USB-A 3.2 ports, and gigabit Ethernet help. Get this one should you don’t care whether or not you could have the official Deck Dock, however need practically similar options.
Finest Steam Deck wall/monitor mounts
There isn’t a lot competitors on this class but, however that’s OK, because the most outstanding choice appears to be superb. An organization referred to as Deckmate provides a VESA mount and a wall mount in its ecosystem of equipment. We propose getting Deckmate’s $53 “entire system” bundle should you’re leaping in for the primary time. It consists of greater than you could want, like a kickstand, accent mounts, and extra. However crucially, it consists of screws that don’t come within the a-la-carte wall or monitor mounting bundles.
Again to Deckmate, the wall mount is self-explanatory; it’s a mount that you would be able to safe to your wall by two screws, or simply by its sturdy 3M VHB adhesive. Then the Deckmate’s grip lets it snap onto the wall. As for the monitor mount, you’re getting a mount that may be screwed into any VESA-compliant stand. Then you definitely simply snap the Deck onto it.
![](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PRm4Y9Yfzi6F_TkXqrZc4g3X3kI=/0x0:1588x1191/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1588x1191):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24486379/deckmatehero.jpg)
Picture: Deckmate
[Editor’s note: If you have access to a 3D printer, Jsaux’s ModCase is compatible with 3D-printed parts, including a VESA mount and a wall mount. However, because you can’t purchase those accessories yet, we’re not including it here. Find more on the ModCase at the bottom of this post.]
If you’d like probably the most safe, versatile type of mount for the Steam Deck, I recommend getting a monitor arm that may connect to a desk (that is the place Deckmate’s VESA mount comes into play). These are rated to carry up displays which might be a lot heavier than the Steam Deck, so most fashions shouldn’t have any downside holding the console in place. Get one if you need a stand that’s versatile, with the flexibility to maneuver your Deck up or down, flip it on its facet, push it away, or pull it near you. Listed here are a few suggestions.
Finest Steam Deck controllers
In case you don’t wish to use the Steam Deck’s built-in controls, or should you simply desire a controller to make use of whereas it’s docked or on a stand, you could have a number of choices. The Deck helps a number of controllers, whether or not you’re connecting one through Bluetooth or through USB. Steam OS natively helps Xbox controllers relationship again to the Xbox 360. Newer controllers, just like the PS4’s DualShock 4, the PS5’s DualSense, and even Nintendo’s Switch Pro Controller are all formally supported throughout the Steam interface, so it’s doable that you could be already personal a number of suitable controllers.
Some current third-party controllers will even work nice, together with the 8BitDo Final Wi-fi and the GuliKit KingKong Professional 2.
Finest Steam Deck moveable batteries
There are batteries that may cost the Steam Deck simply as shortly because the 45W wall charger included with every console. Nonetheless, very like the Steam Deck itself, they stretch the definitions of being moveable. They’re additionally not low-cost. Essentially the most inexpensive but highly effective choice that I’ve discovered is Baseus’ 20,000 mAh battery with a 65 W USB-C output velocity. It prices $50.38, and with its capability you must be capable to recharge the Deck’s battery a few instances. Nonetheless, anticipate it to empty sooner should you’re gaming on the Deck as you’re charging it.
Anker’s Energy Financial institution 537 is barely larger, with a 24,000 mAh cell, nevertheless it has the identical peak 65 W charging fee. It’s pricier, costing $99.99 at Amazon. Even so, it is perhaps the higher deal in case you could have an Amazon reward card, or simply choose the Anker model.
Finest Steam Deck arduous circumstances
There are a bunch of soppy and arduous circumstances on the market that you would be able to slip your Steam Deck into to ruggedize it, and any of these is perhaps simply wonderful for you. However we’ve actually loved the Dbrand Venture Killswitch, which helps you to add or take away a kickstand, along with doing an amazing job of defending your console and including some grip.
Observe: I wish to plug the investigative digging by The Verge’s Sean Hollister and my Polygon colleague Alice Newcome-Beill, which turned up a big flaw with the Killswitch that Dbrand addressed in time for the discharge. Beforehand, its kickstand design connected magnetically, they usually found that it drastically affected the fan velocity in some Steam Deck items. Now, it makes use of a magnet-free mount that will get round this problem.
Like most choices, the Killswitch leaves quick access to all of its buttons, triggers, ports, and most significantly, its fan’s airflow. But it surely’s nice that you would be able to add or take away the included kickstand with its lock slot. The $59.95 kit consists of the Killswitch case, in addition to a kickstand, plus pores and skin decals of your selecting.
![An image showing a Steam Deck inside of Dbrand’s Project Killswitch case. The included kickstand is being used.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9dpKjf6VsElL8w3TcqGxQGCWoJI=/0x0:1920x1280/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1280):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24486396/killswitch.jpg)
Photograph: Alice Newcome-Beill/The Verge
It’s arduous to buy Steam Deck equipment and never encounter the model Jsaux. In case you’re on the lookout for a tough case, Jsaux makes a multi-talented choice referred to as the ModCase, and its primary configuration prices simply $29.99. That’s a value that almost all Deck homeowners shouldn’t have any downside forking over, particularly for this a lot versatility.
It comes with a protecting and grippy case that snaps across the Steam Deck, together with 4 different equipment: a journey cowl to guard the face of the Deck when it’s not in use, a watch-like strap to safe a battery or arduous drive to its again, a kickstand for hands-free use, and a protecting cowl for Valve’s official Deck docking station.