The best accessories for your Steam Deck

Valve’s Steam Deck is a robust handheld PC that may run many video games from the huge catalog of Steam video games, and it has a stellar accent scene. It’s solely improved since its launch in early 2022, and excellent news: Most Steam Deck equipment ought to work or match simply superb on the brand new Steam Deck OLED. Except for being 1 mm thicker, the OLED model has the identical bodily dimensions as the unique mannequin.

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 increase its inside storage is all I’d universally advocate to most individuals.

However in case 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 gamenewspost employees is loving. This submit could also be up to date resulting from availability, or when new equipment hit the market.

The Steam Deck accent starter equipment

Like all tech, the Steam Deck homes many fragile parts. However the one which’s most susceptible to unintended harm is its 7-inch glass-covered show. I extremely advocate that each Deck proprietor buys a set of tempered glass display protectors (I’ve had nothing however good experiences from amFilm, though there are a lot of gamers on this house). 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 protecting your show (display replacements aren’t precisely low-cost). When the duvet ultimately will get scratches, or cracks, merely take away it and apply a brand new one.

Notice: Whereas the Steam Deck OLED’s display is larger than the unique Steam Deck, the dimensions of the glass protecting the show on each fashions is an identical, so these display protectors are nice for whichever Steam Deck you purchase.

The Steam Deck comes with as much as 512 GB of SSD storage in case you purchase the $449 LCD mannequin (or the $549 OLED mannequin). Though, for being Valve’s higher-end fashions, that’s not a wealth of storage, provided that PC video games routinely are available 30-60 GB set up sizes. For individuals who purchase the $349 mannequin, there’s even much less onboard storage to work with: simply 64 GB. Whichever mannequin you will have, shopping for a microSD card for further sport house is nigh important. Now we have a information to one of the best microSD playing cards for Steam Deck that expands on a pair specifics relating to velocity, however in case you simply need to be proven what’ll work properly in your Deck, listed below are a few options.

Many individuals jibe with the texture of Valve’s thumbsticks on the Steam Deck. However in case you dislike how slippery they are often, merely pop a few of these reasonably priced grips from Cranium & Co on prime of your Deck’s sticks. For $9.99, you’ll get three units of thumb pads within the coloration of your alternative that lengthen the peak of your sticks, to not point out add grip. Consider, nevertheless, that they might stop the Deck’s capacitive thumbstick function from working as meant.

In order for you 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 certainly one of these USB to Ethernet adapters. Until you will have one laying round, you’ll additionally want a USB-A to USB-C adapter to plug it into your Deck. Notice: If in case you have a dock or a USB-C hub for the Deck to attach it to a TV or monitor, that will have already got an Ethernet port.

The Steam Deck is heavier than the Nintendo Change, so nobody blames you if you wish to prop it up on a stand whilst you play, retaining it in view as you employ a wi-fi controller. Fortunately, there are an enormous variety of stands at shops like Amazon, like this one from Jsaux for $12.99. You possibly can simply observe your style and finances right here, and it’s best to find yourself with a good stand.

Should you’re keen to open up your Steam Deck so as to add even sooner storage (at your individual threat), Corsair’s MP600 Mini 1 TB M.2 SSD is a comparatively cheap method to get quick storage. It prices below $90, and also you’ll seemingly want some instruments, like this iFixit Necessities instrument equipment for $30, to open up your Steam Deck.

Corsair MP600 Mini

Costs taken at time of publishing.

Sequential Learn Velocity : 4,800 MB/s

Sequential Write Velocity: 4,800 MB/s

Lastly, in case you envision going into the Steam Deck’s desktop mode to do some emulation, or to easily use the Deck as a mini pc, you might need 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 (particularly when you’ve got huge fingers). So, do your self a favor and purchase this all-in-one, foldable keyboard that has a trackpad inbuilt.

If that’s too pricey, Anker makes this considerably cheaper wi-fi (and rechargeable) keyboard that’s promoting for $17.99 at Amazon. We haven’t examined this one, however it appears to be nice for the fundamentals, plus it’s very skinny.

Cosmetics will not be thought of a necessary a part of your Steam Deck equipment, however they’re nonetheless good to have. The Steam Deck is already a fairly good-looking handheld, however the spectacular number of skins from Dbrand could make the Steam Deck and its OLED counterpart actually pop. Skins for both model of Valve’s handheld can be found for $49.95. The choice contains a number of stable pastel colours along with restricted version patterns and leather-based finishes.

Greatest 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 large display, in addition they allow you to join peripherals through USB ports, like a detachable arduous drive, mouse, keyboard, and extra. Merely put, it might 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 contains 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. Nevertheless it comes at a major price, priced at $79.

Picture: Valve through gamenewspost

For one thing that’s considerably extra reasonably priced, we additionally like Anker’s 341 USB-C hub, which has seven ports in complete: HDMI, USB-C in for energy, an extra USB-C port for information, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and an SD/microSD card reader. Notice: It lacks an Ethernet port to offer your Deck a wired connection, so that you would possibly need to seize this reasonably priced USB to Ethernet adapter to plug into this dock. Additionally, it has no approach of standing up your Deck, though that will not trouble you.

Jsaux makes a really related choice to Valve’s official Deck Dock, albeit with a much less catchy title. It’s known as the HB0702, and it prices $59.99. 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 in case you don’t care whether or not you will have the official Deck Dock, however need almost an identical options.

Greatest Steam Deck mounts

There isn’t a lot competitors on this class but, however that’s OK, for the reason that most outstanding choice appears to be superb. An organization known as Mechanism presents a VESA mount and a wall mount in its ecosystem of Deckmate equipment (Notice: I’ve confirmed that this suits on the Steam Deck OLED). We propose getting the Deckmate $49 “complete system” bundle in case you’re leaping in for the primary time. It contains greater than you might want, like a kickstand, accent mounts, and extra. However crucially, it contains screws that don’t come within the a-la-carte wall or monitor mounting bundles. (Notice: gamenewspost readers can routinely save on the price of transport if you are going to buy this, or anything at Mechanism’s web site by clicking this hyperlink.)

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 robust 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. You then simply snap the Deck onto it.

Picture: Mechanism

Mechanism just lately added a cellphone mount to the Deckmate’s ability set. The $29 accent contains an arm that snaps into the Deckmate body. It helps any cellphone, due to its robust building, and it features a low-profile, round magnet you possibly can adhere to the again of your cellphone.

Should you’re on the lookout for a VESA mounting answer on your Steam Deck (one which’ll work completely with the Deckmate), think about a static monitor arm just like the Wali monitor mount, which is accessible on Amazon for round $28. The Wali monitor mount generally is a little troublesome to regulate, however we discovered that smaller mounts meant for tablets and even the Nintendo Change simply aren’t as much as the duty.

It’s essential to do not forget that widespread monitor arms with fuel springs, like this mannequin from Huanuo, are designed to carry stuff a lot heavier than your handheld. So, except you’re planning so as to add some further weight, or use the arm absolutely prolonged, your best choice to mount your Steam Deck at eye stage is a static monitor arm.

Greatest Steam Deck controllers

Should you don’t need to use the Steam Deck’s built-in controls, or in case you simply desire a controller to make use of whereas it’s docked or on a stand, you will have a number of choices. The Deck helps a number of sorts 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 Change Professional Controller are all formally supported throughout the Steam interface, so it’s attainable that you could be already personal a number of appropriate controllers. And excellent news: when you’ve got a Steam Deck OLED, you’ll be capable to wake it from sleep through Bluetooth.

Some latest third-party controllers can even work nice, together with the 8BitDo Final Wi-fi and the GuliKit KingKong Professional 2.

GuliKit KingKong 2 Professional

Costs taken at time of publishing.

An analogous model, known as the Zen Professional, is accessible solely at Goal shops for $59.99.

Greatest Steam Deck transportable batteries

There are batteries that may cost the Steam Deck simply as shortly because the 45 W wall charger included with every console. Nonetheless, very like the Steam Deck itself, they stretch the definitions of being transportable. They’re additionally not low-cost. Essentially the most reasonably priced but highly effective choice that I’ve discovered is Baseus’ 24,000 mAh battery with a 140 W USB-C output velocity. That is ridiculously overpowered for the Steam Deck’s wants, and we beforehand beneficial the corporate’s cheaper 65 W choice, however it’s out of inventory. It prices $99.99, and with its capability it’s best to be capable to recharge the Deck’s battery a few instances. Nonetheless, anticipate it to empty sooner in case you’re gaming on the Deck as you’re charging it.

Anker’s Energy Financial institution 537 has a 24,000 mAh cell, however with only a 45 W charging charge. It prices $54.00 at Amazon.

Greatest Steam Deck instances

There are a bunch of soppy and arduous instances on the market that you would be able to slip your Steam Deck into to ruggedize it, and any of these is perhaps simply superb for you. However we’ve actually loved the Dbrand Undertaking 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. Notice: I can verify that this case suits the Steam Deck OLED.

Like most choices, the Killswitch leaves easy accessibility to all of its buttons, triggers, ports, and most significantly, its fan’s airflow. Nevertheless it’s nice that you would be able to add or take away the included kickstand with its lock slot. The $59.95 equipment contains the Killswitch case, in addition to a kickstand, plus pores and skin decals of your selecting.

Picture: Alice Newcome-Beill/The Verge

It’s arduous to buy Steam Deck equipment and never encounter the model Jsaux. Should you’re on the lookout for a tough case, Jsaux makes a multi-talented choice known as the ModCase, and its primary configuration prices simply $29.99. That’s a value that almost all Deck house owners should not have any drawback 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.

Should you’d desire one thing extra beauty than purposeful, you would possibly need to take a look at the clear again plates by Jsaux. Accessible in quite a lot of colours for $21.99, every again plate is simple to put in and presents an intimate take a look at the center of the Steam Deck. It might not have a kickstand or hand grips, however is without doubt one of the most putting mods at present obtainable for Valve’s handheld.

Spigen’s Rugged Armor Professional is a semi-hard case with a pocket, which routinely makes it higher than Valve’s case that ships with each Deck. Moreover, it secures the Deck inside with a strap, and in case you’re nervous about dropping your console, there’s sufficient room in its pocket for a Bluetooth tracker, like an Apple AirTag. This fashions appears to be out of inventory at present, so we’re investigating substitute choices.

Spigen Rugged Armor Professional case for Steam Deck

Costs taken at time of publishing.

In contrast to Spigen’s Change mannequin, this case lacks the identical AirTag-specific pocket. However you possibly can nonetheless slide a Bluetooth tracker into its small zipper pocket to maintain tabs in your console.

Replace (Feb. 28): Checked costs for accuracy, and added a piece for Mechanism’s new cellphone mount for the Deckmate.