The perfect Steam Deck dock continues to be within the works, and it may very well be months earlier than we are able to pair the moveable powerhouse with Valve’s customized base. Fortunately, there are a variety of appropriate USB C hub and docking station choices already out there, and so they might assist you to use your Deck in the lounge or at your gaming desk.
Whether or not you’re trying to create a Steam Deck TV expertise otherwise you require a dinky desktop substitute, a the greatest Steam Deck dock might remodel the hand-held’s stationary talents. Arming the hand-held with a gaming keyboard and mouse primarily allows it to fill in as an entry-level gaming PC, and connecting it to an exterior monitor permits its 1080p talents to flourish.
There’s a wide range of Steam Deck appropriate docks available on the market, however it’s essential to select one which most closely fits the system. Some choices on the market are designed with gaming laptops in thoughts, that means they received’t essentially ship energy to the hand-held or embody help for its 45W charger. So, to assist forestall any docking dilemmas, we’ve compiled a listing of the most effective docking stations for the Steam Deck, together with choices from Anker, Lenovo, and Belkin.
Earlier than we dive in, it’s value noting that you could’t actually “dock” the Steam Deck onto third-party stations and hubs. Due to this fact, you’re going to wish to select up a stand for the hand-held or place it on a flat floor. Until you’re planning on utilizing the moveable’s built-in display, this shouldn’t be an excessive amount of of a difficulty, however it’s a evident omission in comparison with Valve’s official resolution.
Listed below are the greatest Steam Deck docks:
- Lenovo USB-C Mini Dock
- Anker USB-C Hub
- Belkin USB-C Hub
- Anker USB C Hub Adapter
- INVZI Docking Station
Lenovo USB C Mini Dock
The greatest Steam Deck dock is the Lenovo USB-C Mini Dock
Lenovo is nicely versed in the case of gaming laptop computer dock units, and the Lenovo USB-C Mini Dock makes for an excellent Steam Deck hub. Identical to most different entries on this listing, this selection doesn’t double as a handheld throne, however you possibly can pair its expansive IO with a Steam Deck stand to make an uncanny model of Valve’s official accent.
The USB-C Mini Dock wields two USB A ports, a USB-C port, HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, and a headphone jack, all of which connect with the Steam Deck by way of a built-in cable. Lenovo’s hub additionally helps energy supply 3.0, so that you’ll have the ability to energy the Deck and any related equipment utilizing its personal 45W charger.
Lenovo USB C Mini dock specs | |
USB ports | 3 |
---|---|
Energy Supply | 45W |
HDMI ports | 1 |
Ethernet | Sure |
Anker USB C Hub
The greatest low-cost Steam Deck dock is the Anker USB-C Hub
Anker’s USB C Hub is affordable, however it holds up in opposition to even the most effective Steam Deck docks available on the market. This feature crams two USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, high-speed Ethernet, and an SD card slot right into a wallet-sized system, and it even contains Energy Supply 3.0 help.
Valve hasn’t revealed its Steam Deck dock worth but, however it’ll probably price greater than Anker’s compact various. That stated, its dongle-esque design may trouble fanatics that prioritise desk cable administration, particularly since its quick USB-C cables makes it tougher to tuck away out of sight.
Anker USB C Hub specs | |
USB ports | 3 |
---|---|
Energy Supply | 100W |
HDMI ports | 1 |
Ethernet | Sure |
Belkin USB C Hub
The greatest designed Steam Deck dock is the Belkin USB-C Hub
Belkin’s USB C Hub is clearly constructed with laptops in thoughts, however its wedge-shaped design might cater to Steam Deck desk setups. Putting the chonky handheld on the dock’s rubberised floor simulates the look of an official product whereas considerably concealing any related cables.
Talking of connectivity, Belkin’s angular dock options packs a powerful array of ports, together with three USB-A connections, HDMI, Displayport 1.2, and help for each MicroSD and full-sized SD playing cards. Admittedly, if you happen to’re simply trying to get pleasure from some Steam Deck video games at your desk, this hub is overkill, however it might nonetheless assist you to squeeze each drop of performance out of your new handheld PC.
Belkin USB C Hub specs | |
USB ports | 3 |
---|---|
Energy Supply | 45W |
HDMI ports | 1 |
Ethernet | Sure |
Anker USB C Hub Adapter
The greatest compact Steam Deck dock is the Anker USB C Hub Adapter
Anker’s USB C Hub Adapter blurs the road between dongle and dock, as its compact measurement doesn’t utterly compromise its performance. Regardless of taking over as a lot room as a chocolate bar, it boasts three USB 3.0 ports paired with HDMI and Ethernet, offering you with every part you must use the Steam Deck with different units.
Anker’s dinky dongle even options Energy Supply, so that you received’t need to depend on the Steam Deck’s built-in battery.
Anker USB C hub adapter specs | |
USB ports | 3 |
---|---|
Energy Supply | 65W |
HDMI ports | 1 |
Ethernet | Sure |
INVZI Docking Station
The greatest discrete Steam Deck dock is the Invzi Docking Station
Docking stations normally sit proudly on high of your workspace, and so they historically cradle your related system. Nonetheless, the Invzi Docking Station intentionally stays away out of your desk setup by plugging straight right into a wall energy socket. Aesthetically, this hub appears to be like virtually like a giant telephone charger, however it’s truly outfitted with HDMI, Ethernet, and three energy supply USB C ports.
Invzi’s Steam Deck appropriate dock plug factor solely comes with one USB A port, so that you’ll want to make use of a further hub if you wish to hook up your keyboard and mouse. Whereas this might normally hamper desk cable administration, the truth that this system is successfully a wall plug means you’ll be able to confine it to the realm beneath your desk, one thing that ought to forestall any spaghetti monsters from reaching your floor.
Invzi docking station specs | |
USB ports | 3 |
---|---|
Energy Supply | 100W x2, 30W x 1 |
HDMI ports | 1 |
Ethernet | Sure |
Docking station vs USB C hub: what’s the distinction?
Historically, USB hubs allow you to attach extra units to your PC or laptop computer, whereas docking stations remodel moveable machines into fully-fledged desktop units. Today, the road between isn’t fairly as clear, the phrases are used interchangeably to explain each USB-C hubs and equipment just like the Nintendo Swap dock.
Devoted USB multiport hubs nonetheless exist, however you’ll typically discover that they boast monitor and wired Ethernet connectivity. In different phrases, you’re higher off checking the spec sheet in your chosen system, relatively than counting on product terminology.
Do I want a Steam Deck dock?
Utilizing a Steam Deck dock isn’t obligatory, however it’ll allow you to make use of Valve’s handheld as a mini PC or console. Should you merely wish to join your Deck to an exterior show, there are many USB-C to HDMI adapters that do the trick. Nonetheless, if you wish to join further gaming equipment and preserve the system powered, you’ll have to splash out of one thing with further ports and Energy Supply capabilities.
Does a Steam Deck dock enhance efficiency?
In contrast to the Nintendo Swap docking station, the Steam Deck dock received’t enhance the hand-held PC’s efficiency. Whereas connecting to the most effective gaming monitor means you’ll be able to technically set your decision to 4K, the Deck’s GPU will battle to spice up fps. Due to this fact, until you’re trying to experiment with Steam sport settings, it’s greatest to respect the moveable’s limitations and deal with it as an entry-level PC.
Can I take advantage of an exterior SSD with a Steam Deck dock?
Steam Deck exterior storage is an choice, and you may join Valve’s moveable to an SSD or onerous drive utilizing USB-C. Naturally, plugging a drive straight into the Deck will shorten its battery life, however utilizing a dock or hub with Energy Supply mitigates the moveable’s inherent limitations. Some choices additionally embody built-in SD card slots, which might assist you to carry your Steam library on the go.