The best Steam Deck accessories

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

It’s true, you don’t need many add-ons at all to have a wonderful experience with the Deck; it comes with a solid zip-up case and a fast power adapter. At minimum, a high-capacity microSD card to expand its internal storage is all I’d universally recommend to most people.

But if you’re curious what else is out there, I’ve included my favorite Steam Deck accessories, as well as what the rest of the Polygon staff is loving. The post could be changed if new accessories are available or if they become available.

Steam Deck starter kit

As with all tech, there are many parts in the Steam Deck that can be damaged. But the one that’s most prone to accidental damage is its 7-inch glass-covered display. It is highly recommended that Deck owners purchase a Deck. A set of Protective glass for your screen (I’ve had nothing but good experiences from amFilm, although there are many players in this space). It may not save your Deck from catastrophic damage, but its job is to absorb scrapes and jabs instead of the actual glass covering your display (screen replacements aren’t exactly cheap). If the screen cover cracks or gets scratched, you can simply take it off and replace with a new one.

If you purchase the $649 Steam Deck model, there is up to 512GB SSD storage. Although, for being Valve’s high-end model, that’s not a wealth of storage, given that PC games routinely come in 30-60 GB install sizes. For those who buy the $399.99 model, there’s even less onboard storage to work with: just 64 GB. Whatever model you own, Purchase a microSD Card for more game space is essential. We have a guide to the best microSD cards for Steam Deck that expands on a couple specifics regarding speed, but if you just want to be shown what’ll work well in your Deck, here are a couple of suggestions.

You can download faster and have a more enjoyable online gaming experience with Wi-Fi. Simply route another Ethernet cable from the modem to your Steam Deck. Then connect it to one of these cables USB-to Ethernet adapters. Unless you have one laying around, you’ll also need a USB-A to USB-C adapter to plug it into your Deck. Note:An Ethernet port may be available if you already own a dock for your Deck or a USB hub to connect to it to a monitor or TV.

You can use your Steam Deck to carry more weight than the Nintendo Switch. Prop it on a standYou can keep your wireless controller in sight while playing. There are many stands available at Amazon starting from $5.99. A decent stand can be found if you just follow your tastes and budget.

For some unique designs, visit Etsy. You will find many Steam Deck stands on Etsy made with wood. Files for 3D printingThese are free and can be downloaded for printing if you don’t have a 3D printer.

Lastly, if you envision going into the Steam Deck’s desktop mode to do some emulation, or to simply use the Deck as a mini computer, you may want to grab a compact wireless keyboard to type commands on. Without it, it’s a real pain to touch type and navigate on the Deck’s screen (especially if you have big fingers). Do yourself a favour and get this Foldable, all-in-1 keyboard featuring a built-in trackpad.

The best Steam Deck docks and other dock options

If you want to view your Steam Deck games or other content on a TV or a monitor, you’ll want a dock. This is another category that’s rich with options, ranging in price and features. You can connect your peripherals to docks using USB ports. These include a mouse, keyboard, removable hard drive and mouse. Simply put, it can make your Steam Deck feel more like a home console, or a computer — whatever it is 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. Its Deck DockDisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 are available. There is also a USB C port that can receive power from a wall adapter. (It includes the 45W model as the Steam Deck ships), gigabit Ethernet ports, three USB-A3.1 ports, and a USB-2 port. Its elegant design and inclusion of DisplayPort make it stand out from other USB-C hubs. It comes at an expensive $89.

Photo by Valve via Polygon

For something that’s significantly more affordable, we also like Anker’s 341 USB-C hubIt has seven ports total, including HDMI, USB C for power, an additional USB C port for data and two USB A 3.0 slots. You might consider purchasing this inexpensive USB-to Ethernet adapter that can be plugged into the dock to provide a wired connection to your deck. You may also find it difficult to stand your Deck up.

Jsaux makes a very similar option to Valve’s official Deck Dock, albeit with a less catchy name. It’s called the HB0702The price is $54.99. The Deck Dock has USB 2.0 for display, DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0 ports. It also supports gigabit Ethernet. Get this one if you don’t care whether you have the official Deck Dock, but want nearly identical features.

Mounts for monitors and steamdeck walls that are best

There isn’t much competition in this category yet, but that’s OK, since the most prominent option seems to be very good. Deckmate, a company that makes accessories for VESA and wall mountings, offers both a VESA bracket as well as a wall mount. We suggest getting Deckmate’s $53 “entire system” bundle if you’re jumping in for the first time. This includes accessories mounts and a kickstand. But crucially, it includes screws that don’t come in the a-la-carte wall or monitor mounting bundles.

Deckmate is back Mount for wall is self-explanatory; it’s a mount that you can secure to your wall by two screws, or just by its strong 3M VHB adhesive. Then the Deckmate’s grip lets it snap onto the wall. What about the Monitor mount, you’re getting a mount that can be screwed into any VESA-compliant stand. You can then attach the Deck to it.

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.]

For the Steam Deck mount that is most flexible and secure, consider a Monitor arm that can attach to a desk (this is where Deckmate’s VESA mount comes into play). They are designed to support monitors up to a maximum of 240 lbs. Much more Most consoles are heavier than the Steam Deck so they should be easy to keep in place. Get one if you want a stand that’s versatile, with the ability to move your Deck up or down, turn it on its side, push it away, or pull it close to you. These are just a few of the recommendations.

Top Steam Deck controllers

If you don’t want to use the Steam Deck’s built-in controls, or if you just want a controller to use while it’s docked or on a stand, you have multiple options. The Deck supports multiple controllers, whether you’re connecting one via Bluetooth or via USB. Steam OS supports Xbox 360 controllers. The latest controllers like the Xbox 360, are supported by Steam OS. PS4’s DualShock 4The PS5’s DualSenseAnd even more Nintendo’s Switch Pro Controller are all officially supported within the Steam interface, so it’s possible that you may already own one or more compatible controllers.

A few third-party controllers that are newer will work well, such as the 8BitDo Ultimate WirelessAnd the GuliKit KingKong Pro 2.

GuliKit KingKong Pro

These prices were correct at the time of publication.

Target only sells the Zen Pro version for $59.99

Best Steam Deck portable batteries

The Steam Deck can be charged with batteries as fast as the included 45W wall charger. They are, however, not portable like the Steam Deck. They’re also not cheap. The most affordable yet powerful option that I’ve found is Baseus’ 20,000 mAh batteryWith a USB-C output speed up to 65 W. It costs $50.38, and with its capacity you should be able to recharge the Deck’s battery a couple of times. However, expect it to drain faster if you’re gaming on the Deck as you’re charging it.

Anker’s Power Bank 537The 24,000 mAh capacity battery is slightly smaller, however, it still charges at a peak rate of 65 W. It’s pricier, costing $99.99 at Amazon. However, it may be more affordable if you own an Amazon gift certificate or prefer Anker brands.

Best Steam Deck hard cases

You can put your Steam Deck in a variety of hard and soft cases to protect it. But we’ve really enjoyed the Dbrand Project KillswitchThis allows you to add or remove the kickstand.

Note: I want to plug the investigative digging by The Verge’s Sean Hollister and my Polygon colleague Alice Newcome-Beill, which turned up a big flaw with the Killswitch that Dbrand addressed in time for the release. It was attached magnetically to the kickstand, which caused a significant reduction in fan speed for some Steam Deck units. It now uses a magnetic-free mount to get around 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. You get the Killswitch Case, as well as the kickstand and any skin decals you choose, for $59.95

Alice Newcome Beill/The Verge

It’s hard to shop for Steam Deck accessories and not encounter the brand Jsaux. If you’re looking for a hard case, Jsaux makes a multi-talented option called the ModCaseThe basic configuration of the Deck is just $29.99. That’s a price that most Deck owners should have no problem forking over, especially for this much versatility.

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