The Ultimate Guide to Must-Have Steam Deck Accessories for 2023

Consider these factors before diving into picking out new accessories for your Steam Deck.

Define Your Needs: What do you need to improve your Steam Deck experience?

Creature Comforts: What are accessories that you don't need but will make the Steam Deck harder to put down?

Choosing the Right Accessories: Determine which accessories align with your budget and which ones are worth the investment.

Ensuring the Safety of Your Steam Deck: How can you effectively safeguard your Steam Deck during transportation or regular use?

Anker 341 7-in-1 USB-C Hub

The Best Docking Station For The Steam Deck $35 at Amazon

Dbrand Project Killswitch

The Best Case For The Steam Deck $60 at Dbrand

PS5 Controller

The Best Controller For the Steam Deck $69 at Amazon

SanDisk Ultra microSD card

Best SD Card For The Steam Deck $40 at Amazon

Dbrand Steam Deck Skin

The Best Skins For The Steam Deck $20 at Dbrand

Anker 341 7-in-1 USB-C Hub

The Best Docking Station For The Steam DeckAffordable, Compatible & Compact

The compact Anker 341 7-in-1 USB-C Hub allows for easy connection of monitors, data transfer, and charging of devices with a USB-C port. With power delivery pass-through, it enables devices with a single USB-C port to connect to other devices while still receiving up to 85 watts of charging power. The hub also includes 2 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port for data transfer at speeds of up to 5Gbps, and an HDMI port that supports up to 4K resolution at 30Hz. Additionally, it is very compact and portable, making it convenient to use with the Steam Deck.

Supports USB-C PD Power Pass-through upto 85W (Does not function as a charger)

Cons Only Supports 30Hz at 4K thanks to HDMI 2.1 limitations

At Amazon, you can find the Anker 341 7-in-1 USB-C hub, which is the ideal choice for the Steam Deck. With just a USB-C port available, it's essential to have a hub to expand its connectivity options. Priced at $35, this hub offers exceptional value for money, providing extensive expansion and power capabilities. Additionally, unlike many other hubs, it features power pass-through, allowing you to charge the Steam Deck with up to 85 watts of power even while connected.

The HDMI port of this dock, unfortunately, has a notable limitation when it comes to supporting 4K resolution as it only operates at 30Hz. This compromise may not be ideal for the majority of gamers. However, if you are open to reducing the resolution to 1080p, you will be pleased to know that it offers a smoother refresh rate of 60Hz, specifically beneficial for faster-paced games.

Introducing the Anker 537 Portable Charger - a versatile power bank designed to go beyond just charging your phone. With its impressive 65W total output and dual USB ports, this power bank allows for high-speed charging of two power-hungry devices at the same time. Boasting a capacity of 24,000 mAh, it can even charge a Macbook Pro for up to 4.8 hours. And when the battery finally runs out, it only takes 3.5 hours to fully recharge the Anker 537.

Brand: Anker

Battery Capacity: 24,000mAh

Ports: 1 USB-A, 1 USB-C Output, 1 USB-C Input

Weight: 1.1 Pounds

Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.34 x 1.04 inches

AC Charge Time: 3.5 Hours

Pros: Offers up to 65 watts of Power Delivery (PD) via USB-C

Recharges the Steam Deck in 3.5 hours.

Cons No Wireless Charging in play

Volumetrically larger than the Steam Deck's own

The Steam Deck enables powerful PC gaming on the go. To ensure uninterrupted gaming sessions, consider the Anker 537 Portable charger. With 65 watts of power delivery, it surpasses the Steam Deck's maximum charge speed of 45 watts. Additionally, it boasts a substantial 24,000 mAh battery capacity, guaranteeing a long-lasting charge for the Steam Deck.

When the battery eventually depletes, simply connect it to an AC charger for a quick recharge time of just 3.5 hours. It's worth noting that this portable charger is slightly heavy, weighing 1.1 pounds, so be mindful of its weight when packing it in your bag.

Dbrand Project Killswitch

The Best Case For The Steam DeckPremium Rugged Beast

Dbrand's Project Killswitch offers a durable and robust hard case specifically designed for the Steam Deck. Crafted with remarkable precision and utilizing thin yet effective protective materials, this case ensures optimal protection for your Steam Deck no matter where you take it. Additionally, the case conveniently includes one of Dbrand's skins for the Steam Deck, which seamlessly fits over the case for a flawless appearance.

Packed with excellent features, Dbrand's Project Killswitch also boasts textured grips to enhance the handheld experience.

Rugged Protection that ensures your Steam Deck remains secure

Included Kickstand to allow for more comfortable gaming sessions

Cons Priced at a significant premium compared to most Switch Cases

$60 at Dbrand

The Project Killswitch Steam Deck case from Dbrand is highly recommended as a protective case for the Steam Deck, despite its initial rocky start. Dbrand is renowned for producing top-notch cases and skins for various devices, and this case is no exception. The case has a comfortable feel and the textured material provides a good amount of grip without being overwhelming.

For those seeking extra protection, Dbrand also provides the Travel Kit, which includes a shell to safeguard the front of the Steam Deck during long-distance journeys.

PS5 Controller

The Best Controller For the Steam DeckBringing Sony's Best To Steam

The DualSense wireless controller for PS5 offers an enhanced gaming experience with its immersive haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and integrated microphone. The high-performance design ensures long gaming sessions, powered by a 1560 mAh battery. Compatible with PS5, PC, Android, and iOS, this controller also features Bluetooth and wired USB-C connectivity. Connect your headset for multiplayer chat or headphones for an immersive audio experience using the built-in microphone and headphone jack. With its low-latency Bluetooth connection, programmable options, and sleek design, this controller is perfect for gamers seeking personalization and top-notch performance.

Excellent ergonomics with an excellent next-generation design that also lets you use the trackpad as a cursor

Adaptive triggers can also be used with a workaround

Cons Shorter battery life than most competing controllers

$69 at Amazon

The Steam Deck offers the convenience of playing with a controller by setting it on a kickstand or docking it, similar to the Switch. While using a USB-C hub with a wired PC controller is an option, it detracts from the sleek package of the Steam Deck. Instead, using a wireless Bluetooth controller is recommended, and the PS5 Dualsense controller from Sony stands out as the top choice. It offers an excellent controller experience and features a trackpad like Valve's controller, which can be used as a mouse substitute.

Although Bluetooth connections can sometimes be unreliable, the Steam Deck has no trouble pairing and maintaining a stable connection with the Dualsense controller. The only drawback is its relatively small battery, which typically lasts around 10 hours. This might be an issue for those who don't frequently charge their controller.

SanDisk Ultra microSD card

Best SD Card For The Steam DeckAffordable Storage Upgrade

Save $20 on the SanDisk Ultra microSD card, available in sizes ranging from 64GB to 1TB. Experience lightning-fast transfer speeds of up to 150 MB/s, allowing you to move up to 1000 photos per minute. This Class 10 card is perfect for recording and playing back full HD videos.

Brand: SanDisk

Capacity: 64GB-1TB

Flash Memory Type: Micro SDXC

Hardware Interface: Micro SD

Speed (Read, Write): 150 MB/s

Pros: Doubles Steam Deck Storage or more, depending on your version.

Fast Read and Write Times compared to standard SD cards

Excellent value for money when compared to higher-end Steam Deck models or SSD upgrades

Cons Still significantly slower than any SSD alternatives

$40 at Amazon

The Steam Deck, with a maximum storage of 512 GB, often requires additional storage due to the large sizes of most modern PC games, ranging from 30-60 GB. The SanDisk Ultra MicroSD card is a great choice for expansion, offering options from 64 GB to 1 TB to meet different needs and budgets. However, it's important to note that cards below 128 GB may have slower read-write speeds, which can adversely impact game performance and download speeds.

Don't be hindered by the limited storage capacity of the Steam Deck when it comes to downloading your favorite games. For even faster expandable storage, consider the best SSD for the Steam Deck, which will be discussed further.

SABRENT Rocket 1TB NVMe SSD

Best SSD Upgrade For The Steam DeckFast, Pricey Storage For Your Deck

The Rocket NVMe 2242 SSD offers astonishing speeds, unparalleled durability, and capacity choices ranging up to 2TB, all neatly packed into a compact design. Every Sabrent SSD includes Acronis True Image for Sabrent, an intuitive cloning software, ensuring the security of your valuable data.

Specifications:

- Storage Capacity: 256GB - 1TB

- Hardware Interface: NVMe

- Brand: SABRENT

- Transfer Rate: Read 4750 MB/s, Write 4300 MB/s

- TBW (Total Bytes Written): 600TB

- Pros: Exceptionally fast read/write speeds.

Adds at least 2 times the storage capacity of the Steam Deck (depending on the model you have on hand)

Comes recommended and used extensively for Steam Deck Upgrades

Replacing the stock SSD in the Steam Deck with a Sabrent Rocket 1TB NVMe SSD is highly recommended if a MicroSD card is not sufficient for your needs. However, it is important to note that this upgrade may not be suitable for beginners as it involves dismantling the Steam Deck. Please ensure that you are comfortable with disassembling the device before proceeding with this purchase.

Luckily, iFixit offers an excellent guide on dismantling the Steam Deck. To ensure a smooth procedure, it is highly advised to obtain a set of reliable electronic tools if you haven't already done so. While having a Steam Deck with a new SSD is fabulous, a bricked Steam Deck would be undoubtedly disheartening.

JSAUX Shoulder Bag For Steam Deck

The JSAUX shoulder bag offers the perfect travel bag solution for the Steam Deck, ensuring premium protection while on the go. Its design includes a dedicated pocket specifically for the Steam Deck, providing efficient safeguarding against potential scratches from sharp objects like keys or metal goods. Additionally, the bag features a spacious front pocket capable of accommodating various items, including a Nintendo Switch. Crafted with top-quality oxford fabric, this bag boasts exceptional durability. Its hard shell, constructed from fashionable EVA material, adds an extra layer of style and protection.

Material: EVA, polyester, Jiaji cloth, pearl cotton, PUBrand: JSAUXAdvantages: Seamlessly tailored to accommodate the Steam Deck with a flawless custom design.

Features a spacious front pocket for convenient storage of gaming accessories and additional items.

The Steam Deck does not offer any customization options. However, using a specialized bag from JSAUX makes it significantly more convenient to carry the Steam Deck anywhere. The bag includes a dedicated pocket specifically designed to protect the Steam Deck from any potential bumps or scratches.

The front pocket provides ample space to accommodate all your essentials for a fun-filled day away, along with your beloved Steam Deck. Moreover, it conveniently accommodates a water bottle and even a Nintendo Switch, ensuring that if you ever tire of the games on Steam, you can seamlessly switch over to the Switch.

The Steam Deck's Best Gaming Keyboard: RGB Mechanical Wireless Dominance

Perfectly sized for any environment and incredibly adaptable for all configurations, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed delivers uninterrupted gaming within a stylish design. As a wireless 65% mechanical gaming keyboard, it strikes a flawless balance between aesthetics and performance. Featuring three connectivity options - convenient Bluetooth, lag-free wireless 2.4 GHz, or USB Type-C cable - this keyboard offers utmost flexibility in usage.

Brand: Razer

Wireless: HyperSpeed Wireless (2.4GHz) or Bluetooth

Backlight: Yes

Media Controls: No

Battery: Up to 200 Hours

Num Pad: No

Switch Type: Razer Yellow or Green Mechanical

Wired Operation: USB-C

Material: Aluminum Construction

Bluetooth: Yes

Multi-device Pairing: Yes

Keycaps: Doubleshot ABS Keycaps

Polling Rate: 1000 Hz

Pros:

- Allows simultaneous connection of multiple devices

- Offers three different connectivity options: Wireless Bluetooth, Wireless dongle, USB-A (or USB-C to C cable)

Excellent non-RGB battery life for a wireless mechanical keyboard

Cons Somewhat more clunkier during use than most of its direct competition

Content: The battery life of the Steam Deck is significantly reduced when using RGB. As the Steam Deck is essentially a computer, having a keyboard enhances its functionality and transforms it into more than just a portable gaming console. Although there are numerous choices for compact wireless keyboards available, most of them lack the specifications desired by gamers. However, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed stands apart as it meets the requirements of gamers without compromising on features.

JSAUX Tempered Glass Screen Protector

This compact keyboard utilizes the 65% layout for enhanced portability, although its overall design exhibits a slightly chunky appearance. However, when equipped with either Razer yellow or green mechanical switches, this mechanical keyboard becomes a remarkable complement to any Steam Deck configuration, particularly for enthusiasts who prefer keyboard and mouse gaming.

JSAUX Steam Deck Screen Protector

Best Screen Protector For The Steam DeckGreat, Affordable Protection For Your Steam Deck's Display

The JSAUX screen protector offers seamless edge-to-edge coverage for the Steam Deck's screen, maintaining optimal touch sensitivity and providing excellent anti-scratch protection. Its tempered glass material and glossy finish make for a high-quality and easy-to-apply solution.

Offers excellent protection without compromising on touch sensitivity for the Steam Deck

Cons Glossy Screen Negates Anti-Glare Finish Of The Steam Deck

Screen protectors can significantly enhance or hinder your device, depending on their quality. Low-quality protectors often result in bubbles and dust getting trapped during application, which can be frustrating. In contrast, the JSAUX screen protector for the Steam Deck offers top-notch protection, with the added convenience of an included frame guide and tools for easy installation.

The only drawback of this otherwise superb screen protector is its glossy coating, rendering the anti-glare screen on higher-end Steam Deck models ineffective. Nevertheless, unless you are playing in direct sunlight, it remains perfectly usable in brighter lighting conditions.

Dbrand Steam Deck Skin

The Best Skins For The Steam DeckExcellent, Customizable Skins

Dbrand skins are meticulously crafted to guarantee a perfect fit, without any unsightly edges or air bubbles. In addition to their appealing appearance, these skins provide excellent scratch resistance. Rest assured, you won't have to struggle to figure out where to apply these skins as Dbrand offers helpful video tutorials for each device they sell skins for, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Provides scratch protection as a de facto offering on its Steam Deck skins

Easy to swap out without leaving residue

Cons Somewhat pricier than the competition

$20 at Dbrand

Dbrand provides top-quality skins for a range of devices, including the newly added Steam Deck. Personalize your Steam Deck by selecting from their extensive collection of options, such as the highly sought-after tear-down skin that accurately depicts the internal layout of the device.

To guarantee a seamless application and prevent any imperfections like bubbles or overhangs, Dbrand offers explainer videos for all their skins. These videos are designed to assist everyone in the process.

How to Choose the Best Accessories for Your Steam Deck

Not all products available for the Steam Deck will necessarily be useful to you. While it may be tempting to purchase the newest and most advanced accessories for your Steam Deck, it is important to prioritize and consider your specific needs and how you will benefit from them. For instance, if you do not frequently take your Steam Deck on the go but are experiencing storage limitations, investing in an SSD upgrade may be a more practical and worthwhile purchase than a travel bag.

Similarly, when choosing a screen protector such as the JSAUX option mentioned earlier, it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option. However, it is worth considering if the slightly more expensive dual-pack blue light or anti-glare options would better suit your needs. The latter option would make sense as a purchase if you spend a significant amount of time outdoors in the sun and plan to use your Steam Deck as a portable console.

Define Your Needs

In stark contrast to the preceding point, creature comforts play a pivotal role in enhancing the allure of devices, rendering them irresistible to handle and challenging to relinquish. Regarding the Steam Deck, such creature comforts might comprise a keyboard and mouse conducive for indulging in lengthier gaming sessions, or a personalized skin that bestows an ultra-stylish appearance upon your cherished Steam Deck.

These accessories are not always the most practical, but we are gamers, and gamers are not always the most practical people, so we might as well lean into it a bit.

Creature Comforts

We have carefully selected our picks to be among the best in their respective product categories. While there are cheaper options available, especially in a market catering to all console types, it is important not to sacrifice quality when it comes to accessories like console skins. Choosing inferior options can lead to long-term issues, such as difficulty in using or removing them, even if you are open to reducing your purchase price in the future.

Additionally, you may find that certain items are significantly more expensive than others. Although we strive to highlight price differences between competing products, your own perspective on what constitutes a reasonable price may vary. Therefore, we recommend thoroughly researching and reading our comprehensive guide, along with the provided specifications and pros and cons for each item. This will help you make a well-informed decision and choose the product that best suits your needs.

Value For Money

In order to ensure the safety of your Steam Deck, it is essential to take adequate measures. While the various accessories we have discussed earlier are not obligatory, it is imperative to have something in place to protect your device. This does not necessarily mean purchasing the most durable case available, but rather acquiring a suitable option that aligns with your usage requirements.

If you frequently bring your Steam Deck along wherever you go, it is strongly advised to invest in a carrying bag and protective case to ensure its safety against accidental drops and scratches.

However, if your Steam Deck predominantly remains at home, a large and cumbersome case may be excessive. Instead, opting for a screen protector and a compact bag that provides sufficient protection for occasional outings would be ideal.

Because at the end of the day, all these fun accessories are no good if your Steam Deck falls and breaks.

FAQs:

Safeguard Your Steam Deck

A: While it is a capable performer for most current-generation games, running at a respectable Sub-720P (1280 x 800) resolution due to its 16:10 screen ratio, it is not the fastest console available compared to non-handheld alternatives. In the near future, it will face competition from similar devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, which comes with faster hardware, including AMD's newer processors that provide better and more efficient performance for the handheld market.

Q: Is The Steam Deck Worth The Hype?

A: In terms of their target audience, the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch appeal to different groups. Although they share similar screen resolutions, their similarities end there. The Steam Deck capitalizes on its superior hardware and the extensive Steam ecosystem to forge ahead. On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch gains an advantage from Nintendo's diverse range of exclusive games, innovative design choices, and dedicated first-party developers. These factors have contributed to the Switch's success against most contemporary gaming consoles, making it somewhat unfair to pit the two products against each other as they cater to vastly different demographics.

FAQ

Q: How Does The Steam Deck Compare With The Nintendo Switch?

Q: Is Steam Deck worth the hype?

The Steam Deck is a remarkable option for PC gamers who prefer not to be limited to a desktop or laptop. Although it may not be able to run highly visually advanced Triple-A titles, it effortlessly handles most games without any problems.

Q: Which is better Steam Deck or switch?

Both the Switch and Steam Deck provide exceptional performance. Ultimately, the decision depends on the type of gamer you are. If you identify as a Nintendo enthusiast and currently do not possess a Switch, it would be wise to opt for the Switch. Conversely, if your gaming preferences mainly revolve around PC gaming and a significant portion, if not all, of your game collection resides on Steam, then the Steam Deck would be a more logical choice.

Yes, the Steam Deck supports most Bluetooth products, including Airpods.