best steam deck accessories

of valve steam deck Steam is a powerful handheld PC that can run many games from Steam’s vast catalog of games, but you probably already knew that. What you probably didn’t know is that within months of its early 2022 release, the accessory scene around Steam decks was already full of great options.

It’s true, you don’t need a lot of add-ons to have an amazing experience with the deck; It also comes with a solid zip-up case and a fast power adapter. at least a High Capacity MicroSD Card I would universally recommend it to most people to expand its internal storage.

But in case you’re curious what else is out there, I’ve included my favorite Steam Deck accessories, along with what the rest of the staff loves. This post may be updated due to availability, or when new items come on the market.

steam deck accessory starter kit

Like all technology, the Steam Deck consists of a number of delicate components. But the one that is most prone to accidental damage is its 7-inch glass-covered display. I highly recommend that every deck owner buys a set of tempered glass screen protector (I have had nothing but good experience with mfilm though there are many players in this field). It may not protect your deck from catastrophic damage, but its job is to absorb scrapes and jabs instead of the actual glass covering your display (screen replacement Not cheap at all). When the cover eventually becomes scratched, or cracked, simply remove it and apply a new one.

The Steam Deck comes with 512GB of SSD storage if you buy the $649 model. However, being Valve’s high-end model, this isn’t a wealth of storage, considering that PC games routinely come in at 30-60 GB install sizes. For those buying the $399.99 model, there’s even less onboard storage to work with: only 64GB. Whatever model you have, Requires purchase of microSD card for additional game space, we have a guide Best MicroSD Card for Steam Deck This expands on some of the specifics regarding speed, but if you just want to show what will work well in your deck, here are some suggestions.

If you want faster download speeds and a smoother online gameplay experience than Wi-Fi can provide, route an additional Ethernet cable from your modem to your Steam Deck, then connect it to one of these usb to ethernet adapter, unless you have a layover you’ll need one too USB-A to USB-C Adapter to plug it into your deck. Comment: If you have a dock or USB-C hub for the deck to connect to a TV or monitor, it may already have an Ethernet port.

The Steam Deck Is Heavier Than The Nintendo Switch, So No One Would Blame You If You Want To prop it on a stand Keep this in mind when using a wireless controller when you play. Thankfully, there are a ton of stands at stores like Amazon, starting at as low as $5.99, You can just follow your taste and budget here, and you should end up with a nice stand.

You can also visit Etsy to see some interesting designs. Note that many steam decks sold on Etsy are made with stands 3d printing files that are really Free to downloadAnd if you have access to an expensive 3D printer, you can print them yourself for the cost of materials.

Finally, if you fancy going into the Steam Deck’s desktop mode to emulate something, or just using the deck as a mini computer, you can add a compact wireless keyboard to type commands. Might want to catch up. Without it, typing and navigating the Deck’s screen is a real pain (especially if you have big fingers). So, do yourself a favor and buy this All-in-one, foldable keyboard with trackpad built in,

Best Steam Deck Dock and Dock Alternatives

If you want to view your Steam Deck games or other content on a TV or monitor, you’ll need a dock. This is another category that is full of options in terms of price and features. Not only can docks push your video to the big screen, but they also let you connect peripherals via USB ports, like removable hard drives, mice, keyboards, and more. Simply put, it can make your Steam deck feel more like a home console, or a computer – whatever you’re going for.

While Valve wasn’t the first company to launch a deck-compatible dock, its version is one of the most port-rich options out there. Its deck dock There’s HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, a USB-C port for getting power from a wall adapter (this includes the same 45W model that comes with the Steam Deck), a Gigabit Ethernet port, and three USB-A 3.1 ports. The inclusion of DisplayPort sets it apart from most USB-C hubs, along with its elegant design. But this comes at a significant cost, which is worth $89,

For something that’s so affordable, we also like Anker 341 USB-C Hub, which has a total of seven ports: HDMI, USB-C for power, an additional USB-C port for data, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and an SD/MicroSD card reader. Note: This doesn’t have an Ethernet port to give you a wired connection to your deck, so you’ll want to inexpensive usb to ethernet adapter To plug into this dock. Also, there’s no way to stack your deck in it, although that can’t bother you.

Jsaux makes a very similar alternative to Valve’s official Deck Dock, albeit with a less catchy name. it is called HB0702, and it costs $54.99. Like the Deck Dock, it has USB-C for power, DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, three USB-A 3.2 ports, and Gigabit Ethernet support. Get it if you don’t care whether you have the official Deck Dock or not but want almost the same features.

Best Steam Deck Wall/Monitor Mount

There isn’t much competition in this category yet, but that’s okay, because the flagship option looks great. A company called Deckmate offers VESA mounts and wall mounts in an ecosystem of accessories. we recommend getting deckmate’s $53 “Complete System” Bundle If you are jumping for the first time. It includes more than you need, such as a kickstand, accessory mount, and more. But crucially, it includes screws that don’t fall into the wall a-la-carte or overhang the mounting bundles.

return to deckmate climbing the wall is self-explanatory; It’s a mount that you can secure to your wall with two screws, or simply with its strong 3M VHB adhesive. Then the DeckMate’s grip lets it snap to the wall. For this monitor mount, you’re getting a mount that can be screwed into any VESA-compliant stand. Then you just snap the deck onto it.

Image: 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 want the most secure, flexible type of mount for a steam deck, I suggest a monitor arm which can attach to a desk (this is where DeckMate’s VESA mount comes into play). These monitors are rated to hold excess Heavier than the Steam Deck, so most models should have no problem keeping the console in place. If you want a stand that’s versatile, have the ability to move it up or down your deck, swing it on its side, push it away, or pull it toward you. Here are some suggestions.

best steam deck controller

If you don’t want to use the Steam Deck’s built-in controls, or if you just want the controller to be used when it’s docked or on a stand, you have several options. The deck supports multiple controllers, whether you’re connecting one via Bluetooth or one via USB. Steam OS natively supports Xbox controllers dating back to the Xbox 360 PS4’s DualShock 4The PS5’s DualSenseEven more nintendo switch pro controller All are officially supported within the Steam interface, so it’s possible you already have one or more compatible controllers.

Some recent third-party controllers will also work fine, including 8bitdo ultimate wireless And this Gulkit Kingkong Pro 2,

Gulkit Kingkong 2 Pro

Prices taken at the time of publication.

a similar version is called zen pro Available exclusively at Target stores for $59.99.

Best Steam Deck Portable Battery

There are batteries that can charge the Steam Deck just as fast as the 45W wall charger included with each console. However, just like the Steam Deck, they stretch the definitions of being portable. They aren’t cheap either. The most economical yet powerful option I’ve found is 20,000mAh battery by Baseus With 65 W USB-C output speed. it costs $50.38, and with that capacity you should be able to recharge the deck’s battery twice. However, if you’re gaming on the deck while it’s charging, expect it to drain fast.

anker power bank 537 Slightly bigger with a 24,000 mAh cell, but it has the same peak 65 W charging rate. it’s expensive, cost $99.99 on amazon. Still, it might be a better deal if you have an Amazon gift card, or just prefer the Anker brand.

Best Steam Deck Hard Case

There are a bunch of soft and hard cases you can slip your Steam Deck into to toughen it up, and any one of them may be fine for you. but we really enjoyed it dbrand project killswitchThat lets you add or remove a kickstand in addition to protecting your console and adding some grip.

Comment: I’d like to plug the investigative digging done by The Verge’s Sean Hollister and my Polygon colleague Alice Newcome-Beil, who One major drawback with the killswitch which was addressed by DeBrand at the time of release. Previously, its kickstand design was attached magnetically, and they found that this significantly affected the fan speed in some Steam Deck units. Now, it uses a magnet-free mount that solves this problem.

Like most options, the Killswitch leaves easy access to all of its buttons, triggers, ports, and most importantly, its fan’s airflow. But it’s great that you can add or remove the included kickstand with its lock slot. $59.95 kit Also included is a killswitch case as well as a kickstand, as well as skin decals of your choice.

Photo: Alice Newcome-Beale/The Verge

It’s hard to shop for steam deck accessories and not encounter the Jsaux brand. If you’re looking for a hard case, Jsaux makes a multi-talented option that modcaseand its basic configuration cost ok $29.99, That’s a price most deck owners should have no problem forking, especially for so much versatility.

It also comes with a protective and grippy case that wraps around the Steam Deck, plus four other accessories: a travel cover to protect the face of the deck when it’s not in use, a case to protect the battery or hard drive a watch-like strap for its back, a kickstand for hands-free use, and a protective cover for Valve’s official Deck docking station.