of steam deck is a computer, period. This allows you to use your entire Steam library on the go (and Epic Games and other launchers if you prefer). Install Windows into a Steam deck). However, one of the drawbacks of Steam Deck is its lack of scalability.
That’s where the Steam Deck Docking Station comes in. It’s an $89 dock that sits somewhere between the one that comes with the Nintendo Switch and the one I use to connect my laptop to my monitor. This allows you to easily connect peripherals or connect your Steam Deck to your monitor or TV.
After playing around with the Steam Deck Docking Station for a while, I’ve found it to be a completely optional accessory, especially if you already own another powered hub. There are some use cases where the experience could be improved, and I’ve found it to be great, but not required.
Steam Deck Docking Station Specifications
| port | 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, Ethernet, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0 (up to 4K/60 Hz or 1440p/120 Hz) | |
| size | 4.5 x 1.99 x 1.14 inches (117 x 50.5 x 29mm) | |
| weight | 0.26 lbs (0.12 kg) | |
| charger | 45W, included | |
| price | $89.00 |
Steam Deck Docking Station Design
Steam decks are big, but docking stations certainly aren’t. At just 4.5 inches wide, it doesn’t take up much space on your desk or near your TV. It’s much smaller than the actual Steam Deck you have.
A small lip holds up the Steam deck, and unlike the Nintendo Switch, there’s no screen-blocking plastic, so it can stand alone when docked. However, unlike the Switch, simply placing the Steam Deck on the dock will not start charging or start outputting to the monitor. It has a right-angled USB Type-C port that’s the perfect length to reach the top of your Steam deck. This cable cannot be removed from the dock, so let’s hope it doesn’t get damaged.
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All ports are on the back of the dock. The first two, DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0, are for video. Next to it is the power connector, which uses the included 45 Watt USB-C charger (the same one that comes with the Steam Deck). Next to that is a Gigabit Ethernet port, followed by three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports for peripherals.
Glad Valve included the charger here. You can have it ready for use whenever you return to the dock.
Using the Steam Deck Docking Station
Here’s the short version: works.when plugged in keyclone Q1I pulled out my mouse dongle and my wired controller to try it out and it worked.
Here’s the longer version: Most of the time I don’t use the Docking Station. For me it’s the perfect place to charge my Steam Deck. But I love curling up on my couch with my Steam Deck and playing games with the built-in controls.recently all finished I’m lost That way.
Steam Deck specs are for gaming on the go. Its custom AMD Zen 2 “Van Gogh” APUs and eight of his RDNA 2-based computing units are powerful enough, but lack the specs to scale those games to the big screen. As a gaming desktop user, I don’t think connecting to a monitor is the best experience. But if this is your only gaming PC, it works. Soul Calibur VI, I’m lost Other games I’ve played with the Steam Deck look worse when stretched across a 28 inch computer monitor than the Steam Deck’s 7 inch, 1280 x 800 screen.
The monitor aspect actually works better with the Linux KDE Plasma desktop, which is a completely different aspect of Steam Deck. Again, I use my computer to browse the web, write and work on other projects, but in this case the larger screen with mouse and keyboard makes Steam Deck can be your desktop Linux machine.
Perhaps the best use for the Steam Deck Docking Station is multiplayer gaming. The deck already supports Bluetooth controllers, so you don’t need a dock for that. But if you want to play fighting games (I love some games) soul calibur) You have two controllers and it’s handy to have a TV or have a Steam Deck upright. The Steam Deck does not have a kickstand. For $89, you can hold it for this purpose.
There is one big feature still waiting: FreeSync support. Valve mentions it on their product support page, but it’s due for a final update.
big alternative
Valve, the creators of the Steam Deck, have been silent about the fact that other USB-C hubs and docks work with the Steam Deck. You may already have something in your home that serves most of these purposes.
Ever since the Steam Deck was released, I’ve been digging through my drawers from time to time looking for hubs. I usually have one powered hub for use cases like this that I use to connect to my work laptop which only has two USB-C ports.
Mine was from a nonsensically named dropshipping Amazon company that was insanely cheap back then. But I think many Steam Deck users could benefit from getting a USB hub with pass-through power delivery (using the included Steam Deck charger) when they need it.
For example this $35 Anchor Hub (opens in new tab) Pass-through charging has 2 USB Type-A ports, 1 USB Type-C data port, and 1 HDMI output (but not DisplayPort or Ethernet). This $39 Hub (opens in new tab) It has Ethernet and 3 USB-A ports from a company I’ve never heard of.
The Valve doesn’t lock you into the dock. There are options for
Conclusion
The Steam Deck Docking Station is useful for certain people. If you want to play on a TV or monitor and you don’t care about resolution and detail, it helps, but it’s not the only way.If you use a Linux desktop or play multiplayer games, It could make more sense.
Perfect for those who want to use it in an entertainment center. The dock has its own power supply and looks sleek when you lift your Steam deck.
But for those who want to add peripherals from time to time, getting a USB hub may be a better or cheaper option. It’s for me and I’m glad Valve gave me the option.
