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 wonderful on the brand new Steam Deck OLED. Excluding 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 an exquisite expertise with the Deck; it comes with a strong 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 suggest 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 gamerjive 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 susceptible to unintentional harm is its 7-inch glass-covered show. I extremely suggest that each Deck proprietor buys a set of tempered glass display protectors (I’ve had nothing however good experiences from amFilm, though there are lots 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 quilt 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 greater than the unique Steam Deck, the dimensions of the glass protecting the show on each fashions is similar, 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 in 30-60 GB set up sizes. For many who purchase the $349 mannequin, there’s even much less onboard storage to work with: simply 64 GB. Whichever mannequin you’ve got, shopping for a microSD card for further recreation house is nigh important. We have now 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 wish to be proven what’ll work effectively in your Deck, listed here 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 high 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. Take into accout, nevertheless, that they might forestall the Deck’s capacitive thumbstick function from working as meant.

In order for you quicker 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 one among these USB to Ethernet adapters. Except you’ve got one laying round, you’ll additionally want a USB-A to USB-C adapter to plug it into your Deck. Notice: When you’ve got 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 Swap, so nobody blames you if you wish to prop it up on a stand when you play, preserving it in view as you utilize 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 may simply comply with your style and funds right here, and you need to find yourself with an honest stand.

For those who’re keen to open up your Steam Deck so as to add even quicker storage (at your individual danger), Corsair’s MP600 Mini 1 TB M.2 SSD is a comparatively cheap strategy to get quick storage. It prices below $90, and also you’ll probably want some instruments, like this iFixit Necessities software package 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 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 (particularly in case you have massive fingers). So, do your self a favor and purchase this all-in-one, foldable keyboard that has a trackpad inbuilt.

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

Cosmetics might not be thought-about an important a part of your Steam Deck package, however they’re nonetheless good to have. The Steam Deck is already a reasonably 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 consists of a number of strong 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 need 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, in addition they allow you to join peripherals by way of USB ports, like a detachable laborious drive, mouse, keyboard, and extra. Merely put, it will probably 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 likely 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 other than most USB-C hubs, together with its elegant design. Nevertheless it comes at a big price, priced at $79.

Picture: Valve by way of gamerjive

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 provide your Deck a wired connection, so that you would possibly wish to seize this reasonably priced USB to Ethernet adapter to plug into this dock. Additionally, it has no means 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 $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 assist. Get this one in case you don’t care whether or not you’ve got the official Deck Dock, however need almost similar options.

Greatest Steam Deck mounts

There isn’t a lot competitors on this class but, however that’s OK, for the reason that most distinguished possibility appears to be superb. An organization referred to as Mechanism gives 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 recommend getting the Deckmate $49 “whole system” bundle in case 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. (Notice: gamerjive readers can mechanically save on the price of transport if you are going to buy this, or anything at Mechanism’s website by clicking this hyperlink.)

Again to Deckmate, the wall mount is self-explanatory; it’s a mount which you can 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. Then you definately simply snap the Deck onto it.

Picture: Mechanism

Mechanism lately added a telephone mount to the Deckmate’s talent set. The $29 accent consists of an arm that snaps into the Deckmate body. It helps any telephone, due to its robust development, and it features a low-profile, round magnet you’ll be able to adhere to the again of your telephone.

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

It’s essential to keep in mind that widespread monitor arms with fuel springs, like this mannequin from Huanuo, are designed to carry stuff a lot heavier than your handheld. So, until you’re planning so as to add some further weight, or use the arm totally prolonged, your only option to mount your Steam Deck at eye degree is a static monitor arm.

Greatest Steam Deck controllers

For those who don’t wish to use the Steam Deck’s built-in controls, or in case you simply need a controller to make use of whereas it’s docked or on a stand, you’ve got a number of choices. The Deck helps a number of sorts of controllers, whether or not you’re connecting one by way of Bluetooth or by way of USB. Steam OS natively helps Xbox controllers relationship again to the Xbox 360. More moderen controllers, just like the PS4’s DualShock 4, the PS5’s DualSense, and even Nintendo’s Swap Professional Controller are all formally supported inside the Steam interface, so it’s potential that you could be already personal a number of suitable controllers. And excellent news: in case you have a Steam Deck OLED, you’ll have the ability to wake it from sleep by way of Bluetooth.

Some current third-party controllers may 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 identical model, referred to as the Zen Professional, is accessible completely at Goal shops for $59.99.

Greatest Steam Deck transportable batteries

There are batteries that may cost the Steam Deck simply as rapidly because the 45 W wall charger included with every console. Nonetheless, very similar to 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 possibility 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 advisable the corporate’s cheaper 65 W possibility, but it surely’s out of inventory. It prices $99.99, and with its capability you need to have the ability to recharge the Deck’s battery a few occasions. Nonetheless, anticipate it to empty quicker 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 price. It prices $54.00 at Amazon.

Greatest Steam Deck circumstances

There are a bunch of soppy and laborious circumstances on the market which you can slip your Steam Deck into to ruggedize it, and any of these could be simply wonderful for you. However we’ve actually loved the Dbrand Challenge Killswitch, which helps you to add or take away a kickstand, along with doing an incredible 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 quick access to all of its buttons, triggers, ports, and most significantly, its fan’s airflow. Nevertheless it’s nice which you can add or take away the included kickstand with its lock slot. The $59.95 package consists of the Killswitch case, in addition to a kickstand, plus pores and skin decals of your selecting.

Picture: Alice Newcome-Beill/The Verge

It’s laborious to buy Steam Deck equipment and never encounter the model Jsaux. For those who’re on the lookout for a tough case, Jsaux makes a multi-talented possibility referred to as the ModCase, and its primary configuration prices simply $29.99. That’s a value that the majority Deck homeowners 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 laborious drive to its again, a kickstand for hands-free use, and a protecting cowl for Valve’s official Deck docking station.

For those who’d desire one thing extra beauty than practical, you would possibly wish to take a look at the clear again plates by Jsaux. Out there in quite a lot of colours for $21.99, every again plate is straightforward to put in and gives an intimate take a look at the center of the Steam Deck. It might not have a kickstand or hand grips, however is likely one of the most hanging mods presently obtainable for Valve’s handheld.

Spigen’s Rugged Armor Professional is a semi-hard case with a pocket, which mechanically 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 anxious about shedding 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 presently, 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 Swap mannequin, this case lacks the identical AirTag-specific pocket. However you’ll be able to 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 bit for Mechanism’s new telephone mount for the Deckmate.