I’ve been which means to spherical up the perfect Steam Deck equipment for some time now – ambushing Liam with selfmade Etsy devices is one factor however now that there are actually hundreds of thousands of Decks in homeowners’ fingers, fairly actually, it’s time to place a critical face on and take into account which equipment genuinely are the perfect buys.

This information is conserving separate from the finest Steam Deck microSD card checklist, primarily as a result of a very good microSD card is much less of an adjunct and extra of a core important (particularly for those who’ve gone for the 64GB Steam Deck mannequin). Nonetheless, this information will cowl an array of addons, from different circumstances to thumbstick covers and USB-C docking stations.

Customary RPS {hardware} information guidelines apply right here too: nothing will get on the checklist that I haven’t tried out myself, although as a substitute of benchmarks I’ll be taking a extra everyday-use method. Testing the sturdiness of a case by lugging it round in a satchel, as an example, or attending to know a dock through the use of it to arrange a Steam Deck as a desktop PC. And, naturally, taking part in a few of the finest Steam Deck video games with these equipment put in.

I’ll even be including to and increasing this checklist sooner or later; on condition that Valve say a Steam Deck successor isn’t coming anytime quickly, we’re nonetheless fairly early in its anticipated life cycle, so there’s loads of time extra producers to become involved in making {hardware} extras for it. For now, listed below are the perfect Steam Deck equipment I’ve used.

One of the best Steam Deck circumstances

The inventory exhausting case that comes with each Steam Deck is ok – it’s loads sturdy, and you may’t get a greater cut price than free. However it additionally doesn’t actually do something in addition to defend the Deck, and is lots bulkier than the hand held itself, which doesn’t sit so effectively with the entire portability factor. Improve on it and your Steam Deck case may very well be thinner, lighter, and provide better performance, whereas nonetheless performing as a stout protect in opposition to bumps and scrapes.

Dbrand Mission Killswitch Journey Package

Right here’s one such multitalented Steam Deck case. The Dbrand Mission Killswitch wraps across the handheld like an hermetic, shockproof gasket, defending its extremities whereas including additional grip to stop fumbling it to the bottom within the first place. The rear additionally features a helpful twist-on kickstand, changing the magnetically attaching model that was discovered to decelerate the cooling fan on sure, older Steam Deck fashions. Whoopsiedoodle. It’s tremendous now, although, and the turn-to-lock mechanism is good and agency.

Choosing Mission Killswitch’s Journey Package additionally will get you a few of Dbrand’s Stick Grips (additionally excellent, see under) and a clip-on plastic cowl that protects the Steam Deck’s entrance facet. The overall package deal is much less cumbersome than Valve’s personal case, and nonetheless ably defends the Deck from injury. After a few ambulatory hours in my satchel, the Mission Killswitch {hardware} didn’t acquire a scratch, not to mention the valuable cargo inside.

(You possibly can alternatively choose the Important Package and select the Journey Cowl as an add-on, although this totals a measly 5 cents lower than the Journey Package. You may as effectively go for the latter and get some almost-free Stick Grips.)

JSAUX ModCase

The JSAUX ModCase serves your Steam Deck very similar to the Mission Killswitch Journey Package, combining compact safety, added grip, and a modular attachments system – all for lots much less money than the Dbrand model.

You get what you pay for, thoughts, and the ModCase doesn’t really feel fairly as locked-down: the entrance cowl is barely looser than Dbrand’s Journey Cowl, and in contrast to its pricier rival, the ModCase leaves the underside edges of the Steam Deck’s set off buttons uncovered. Nonetheless, it really works effectively sufficient as a light-weight possibility. The (presumably disagreeable) expertise of jostling round in a bag with a unfastened earbud case and an empty Food plan Coke bottle did nothing to break the triggers, and the case cowl remained unbudged. Simply a cross.

The ModCase’s rail system for rear attachments can be impressively versatile. A kickstand and a strap (for holding, say, an influence financial institution) are included within the field, however for those who deal with your self to a few of JSAUX’s extras you possibly can slide on a secondary cooling fan and even connect an influence financial institution to the ModCase straight. A very good use of the Steam Deck’s restricted panel area.

One of the best Steam Deck docks and USB hubs

Whereas pick-up-and-play-itude is central to the Steam Deck’s enchantment, you’re most likely not getting essentially the most out of it till you enterprise into its Desktop Mode. That is the place it actually begins to get PC-like, permitting for the set up of 1000’s of non-Steam apps (together with recreation providers like Battle.web and the Epic Video games Launcher) and even customized boot animations, for those who’re so inclined.

The catch is that navigating a desktop UI with the trackpads and onscreen keyboard by no means feels as pure as utilizing actual peripherals. So, why don’t you? A very good Steam Deck dock, or perhaps a primary USB-C hub, will make hooking up your favorite mouse and/or keyboard a doddle. And that’s removed from their solely use: Ethernet ports may make for quicker recreation downloads, and a dock is downright important to connecting your Steam Deck to a gaming monitor or TV.

Valve Steam Deck Docking Station

Nowt incorrect with the official Valve Steam Deck Docking Station, aside from its increased value in comparison with the third-party options. Even so, it’s arguably the perfect general the place design is anxious. Moreover providing a wholesome reserve of USB ports (three full-size, one USB-C with energy supply), it has the uncommon high quality of together with a DisplayPort video output in addition to HDMI.

The Docking Station’s base can be a lot grippier than that of the Ugreen or Syntech docks under, which helps preserve stability despite its comparatively brief and slender dimensions. As does the perfectly-measured snugness with which the docking groove suits the Steam Deck. I suppose this has the draw back of wraparound circumstances, just like the Mission Killswitch, making the hand held simply too large to suit, however for caseless Decks this clearly doesn’t apply.

Ugreen Docking Station for Steam Deck

The Ugreen Docking Station for Steam Deck is one other unimaginatively named but excessive sensible Steam Deck dock. It’s extra beneficiant with USB-C ports than most – each Deck dock could have not less than one, for energy supply, however Ugreen’s throws in a second to be able to use any appropriate USB-C peripheral you need whereas nonetheless guaranteeing the hand held can recharge. This does appear to come back at the price of a 3rd full-size USB 3.0 port, however two remains to be sufficient for a mouse and keyboard.

It is also very aggressively priced for a completely fledged dock, and resists skimping on construct high quality within the course of. That is an all-metal dock, and though it’s not fairly as steady as Valve’s or Syntech’s when by chance nudged, it does embrace sufficient rubber padding in its groove to nestle a Deck with none metal-on-plastic scraping hazard. A really well-thought-out dock for the cash.

Syntech Docking Station

Additionally of a budget ‘n’ cheerful selection, the Syntech Docking Station opts for a much bigger, rounded form that spreads its ports out in a radial sample. There’s nothing too particular concerning the choice of inputs and outputs right here, although having three full-size USB ports may very well be helpful, notably for those who personal a power-hungry RGB gaming keyboard that may eat up two of them.

The bigger footprint additionally serves as a stability support. Though the Syntech is extra liable to slipping on clean desks than the official and Ugreen Steam Deck docks, it’s the truth is essentially the most proof against letting you by chance knock your Steam Deck over, thanks fully to its wider base. I fairly like how well-spaced the ports are on this design, too – there’s no cramped fiddliness after they begin to get full.

Euasoo 8-in-1 USB C Hub

Clearly this isn’t a dock, and so received’t maintain your Steam Deck to behave as a neighborhood multiplayer display or hands-free video playback machine. Which isn’t as enjoyable. Nevertheless, the Euasoo 8-in-1 USB C Hub does include all of the connections you possibly can need from a prime Steam Deck docking station. Greater than sufficient to show it right into a makeshift PC, full with HDMI 2.0 for high-res displays, a number of USB-A ports, and a USB-C port with energy supply. It even has SD and microSD card readers.

Personally, I’d keep on with a dock for merely utilizing the Steam Deck’s Desktop Mode on the Steam Deck itself, primarily as a result of they’ll prop up the show. However for those who’re going to have your eyes on an exterior monitor, it’s completely tremendous to make use of a well-equipped USB-C hub like this, particularly because it’s a lot extra compact. A high quality that makes it barely higher fitted to travelling, too.

One of the best Steam Deck display protectors

Even these of us which can be utterly illiterate in industrial design can see that the Steam Deck has a 7in diagonal weak spot proper in its centre. The excellent news is that except you will have unnervingly gargantuan pockets, your Deck isn’t going to face the identical degree of display scratch threat as, say, your cellphone. Nonetheless, glass is delicate, and Steam Deck display protectors are low-cost, so there are far dumber issues so as to add to your equipment arsenal.

A phrase of warning, although: display protectors are effectively suited to the 64GB and 256GB Steam Deck fashions, however the 512GB mannequin has a flowery anti-glare show, and since all of the protectors under are shiny, you’ll lose that non-reflective high quality for those who slap one in all them on the Deck’s top-end variant. I’ve examined one matte display protector from JSAUX, but it surely added a hazy, virtually oily impact on prime of the present anti-glare display, a bit such as you’d see on low-cost matte-finish laptop computer screens. As such, it’s exhausting to advocate. It’s possible you’ll really feel just like the added safety is price giving up this specific advantage of the 512GB mannequin, however do maintain it in thoughts both manner. They’re simple to peel off for those who get purchaser’s regret, not less than.

Dbrand Tempered Glass Display Protector

The Dbrand Tempered Glass Display Protector is by far the perfect of its form, not less than that I’ve seen. Notably for those who’re more likely to really feel a tad nervous about lining it up completely: in contrast to the JSAUX and Benzacap variations, Dbrand’s display protectors embrace detachable tabs that you could maintain onto whereas laying it down over the glass. Utility nonetheless requires a gradual hand, however these tabs are severely helpful for lining the protector up correctly. I obtained a first-try good end – no bubbles or fingerprints across the edges – that I couldn’t replicate with JSAUX’s guiding body methodology.

As soon as utilized, Dbrand’s protector carried out faultlessly, with full, nonintrusive transparency, no interfering with the Steam Deck’s touchscreen performance, and wonderful scratch resistance. Deliberately rubbing my home keys over it did nothing, so it’s exhausting to think about a momentary affect doing a lot injury in any respect.

Like most of Dbrand’s wares, it’s costly subsequent to the competitors, however I reckon it’s nearly definitely worth the funding. You get way more than the one display protector, anyway: the package deal additionally accommodates protected alcohol wipes, a microfibre fabric, stickers for selecting up leftover mud, a spreading device to iron out bubbles and – maybe most helpfully, relying on how wobbly your fingers are – a spare protector. In case, to make use of Dbrand’s phrases, you “fuck it up in your first strive”.

JSAUX Tempered Glass Display Protector (HD Readability)

Extra inexpensive than Dbrand’s and simply as sturdy, the JSAUX Tempered Glass Display Protector is as clear as it’s powerful. The display protector getting a shanking from my painfully middle-class kitchen knife in that image up there? That’s the JSAUX mannequin, and mentioned knife didn’t go away the tiniest dot of a visual mark. They need to make chopping boards out of these things.

Your set up support with this equipment, which features a spare protector and cleansing supplies as effectively, is a plastic information body that snaps onto your Steam Deck and leaves a display protector-sized gap within the center. This makes it not possible to fluff the positioning, which is nice, although I did get a number of extra air bubbles that wanted ironing out after laying the tempered glass down. Dbrand’s utility methodology is extra freehand, however appears to provide cleaner outcomes. Even so, these bubbles aren’t everlasting, so JSAUX have nonetheless struck a decent stability between safety efficiency and ease of set up.

Simply ensure that for those who select this one, purchase the HD Readability model and never the Anti-Glare model. Initially I used to be happy as peas to check out a reflection-busting display protector, but it surely’s visibly much less clear and clear than the shiny, HD Readability end. Disgrace.

Banzacap Display Protector for Steam Deck

The Banzacap Display Protector for Steam Deck takes essentially the most DIY-ish DIY method to set up out of something on this checklist, utilizing a set of user-applied “hinge stickers” to decrease the protector into place. Stickers are in fact hinges in the identical manner that the gaffer tape in my disintegrating Converse are shoe soles, although in equity, it did afford my Steam Deck an correct placement, with just a few small bubbles to squeeze out.

Banzacap’s protector additionally stands as much as costlier options on safety, proving proof against sharp scratching, and though ultra-close inspection reveals it is not fairly as completely air-clear as Dbrand’s, it’s nonetheless clear sufficient that you simply received’t discover it whereas taking part in usually. No issues with touchscreen sensitivity, both. A very good possibility for those who’re seeking to minimise your spending.

One of the best Steam Deck thumbstick covers

The best form, dimension, and really feel of a thumbstick is a extremely private desire, just like the density of a pillow or how tall a burger will be earlier than you begin considering the restaurant is simply exhibiting off. I can’t account for each style, however I can share the perfect Steam Deck thumbstick covers I’ve used that cowl a variety of designs and shapes.

Dbrand Steam Deck Stick Grips

Most tactility is the secret for the Dbrand Steam Deck Stick Grips. Each sq. millimetre of those tall, substantial thumbstick covers is roofed in dots and ridges, a design that serves the twin functions of enhancing grip and serving to you re-orient every thumb in the event that they do find yourself slipping misplaced.

There’s a barely convexed space proper within the centre, which I’m not so eager on myself, however the dotted texture and raised edges do effectively to stop errant thumbs from tumbling down that little hill. And though I’ve learn a few feedback about these interfering with the thumbsticks’ capacitive sensors, that wasn’t my expertise in any respect: the Steam Deck may nonetheless detect my thumb on the correct stick, enabling gyro controls, even when it it was solely partially touching the sting of the Strick Grip’s raised rim.

Total, these make a really tremendous addition to the Steam Deck, and are pleasantly simple to put in as effectively. By a way, the simplest out of any that I’ve tried – you actually simply sit a Stick Grip on prime, press it down, and it pops on securely. Good.

JSAUX Steam Deck Thumb Grip Caps

Against this to the Dbrand grips, wrapping the JSAUX Steam Deck Thumb Grip Caps round every thumbstick is a minor nightmare. I ended up having to make use of the sharp a part of a ballpoint lid to hook the shirts across the sticks’ undersides, lest they pop straight again off.

As soon as they’re on, nonetheless, they work marvellously. Their clean end and concave form make them really feel like a extra pure enlargement of the Steam Deck thumbsticks themselves, solely higher for big fingers and significantly grippier. These will not be lined in dots and ridges, however their rubbery texture and deep indents nonetheless really feel like they scale back slippage.

They’re good for followers of the Steam Deck’s gryo controls, too. I admit I don’t perceive how this works however touching just about wherever on JSAUX’s Grip Caps will activate the capacitive sensor within the sticks, so that you don’t have maintain your thumb close to the center to – as an example – allow gyro aiming in an FPS. As you’ll with most thumbtick covers or, certainly, a very bare thumbstick. It’s like these caps lengthen the sensor’s efficient vary.

Sadly, the most affordable strategy to get a pair of those – JSAUX’s grip stickers package deal – has very, very not too long ago gone out of inventory. You possibly can nonetheless get them by shopping for a set containing a full-size Steam Deck vinyl pores and skin, however that is overkill for simply the stick caps. Hopefully they’re be again in inventory quickly.

NinjaPrint3D Steam Deck Thumb Grips

Sure, you’ll have seen these in that Steam Deck Etsy equipment video, which was primarily a way of vexing our video producer for leisure. However I do actually, genuinely just like the NinjaPrint3D Steam Deck Thumb Grips. As a lot because the exhausting, virtually sandpaper-like texture of 3D-printed polyurethane could really feel unconventional at first, their loop design types a kind of thumb barrier that very successfully blocks your digits from sliding misplaced. Particularly in the event that they’re on the smaller facet, although it really works for my orangutan thumbs as effectively.

Should you do stray to the perimeters, there’s sufficient grip on the skin of every ring to assist maintain you in management, and I can’t report any interference in any way with the capacitive sensors. Should you’d want a extra compact set of thumbstick grips to your Steam Decks, these are completely price contemplating. They’re additionally simple to put in and are low-cost, too, regardless of technically being bespoke.

One of the best Steam Deck equipment: FAQ

That’s a variety of equipment. Which ought to I get first?

Assuming you have already got an honest microSD card, which is crucial Steam Deck companion of all… it is determined by the way you’re at the moment utilizing your Deck. The truth that it comes with a tough carry case as customary makes the necessity for a brand new one much less pressing, although for those who’re always taking it out and about with you, a extra compact or utility-rich case may make life simpler for you.

A dock or hub will be important too, and never simply for those who intend to show your Steam Deck right into a makeshift desktop PC. You’ll want some type of USB-C hub to attach a mouse and keyboard, that are each essential to each taking part in sure forms of video games and extremely helpful when tinkering in SteamOS’ desktop mode. Whereas Proton, Valve’s compatibility layer, does effectively to make Home windows-based video games and apps run on the Steam Deck, some may nonetheless not work with its trackpads or onscreen keyboard. Bodily peripherals, related through a dock or hub, shimmy round this shortcoming.

Or, simply possibly, you don’t just like the Steam Deck’s thumbsticks and wish them to really feel larger or grippier. That’s tremendous too. Level is, don’t really feel like there’s a hierarchy of Steam Deck accent significance that applies to everybody – you’ll have the perfect information of what you personally want.

Ought to I get instruments for my Steam Deck?

You don’t want any instruments to get essentially the most out of your Steam Deck, not less than not within the sense that each self-respecting desktop PC proprietor ought to have a crosshead screwdriver. Particularly not for those who’re following Valve’s recommendation that fidgeting with the Deck’s internals needs to be left to skilled repairpeople.

Althoooooough… have been you to open up your Deck, you’d largely simply want a small crosshead driver, as Valve haven’t used any fancy specialist screws to carry the backplate on. A plastic pry bar may additionally be helpful for jimmying open the casing – don’t use something metallic or too sharp for this, as it should injury the Steam Deck’s bodywork.