When talking about portable gaming, the name that stands out amongst the crowd is the Steam Deck by Valve. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the Steam Deck offers features and capabilities that are sure to enhance your gaming experience. However, to harness the full potential of this handheld gem, you will need some essential gear and accessories. This article aims at providing you an all-embracing guide on the best Steam Deck gear and accessories to accentuate your gaming experience.
##1. Steam Deck Case
Number one on the list is undoubtedly a suitable case for your Steam Deck. The handmade Steam Deck Case is specially designed by Valve to protect your device from scratches, drops, and the common wear and tear. This stylish, snug fit case, made from shock-absorbing materials, ensures that your Steam Deck stays secure and protected. Additional features include a built-in game cartridge holder and a screen protector compartment.
##2. SD Card
The next essential accessory to invest in is an SD card. The Steam Deck comes with an internal storage capacity of 64GB, 256GB, or 512GB, depending on the model. For most gamers, an additional SD card is necessary as modern games can quickly fill up storage space. A fast and reliable SD card, such as the SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I, offers speeds up to 170MB/s and capacity up to 1TB, ensuring your games load quickly and run smoothly.
##3. USB-C Hub
A USB-C hub is an accessory that can revolutionize your gaming set-up. The Steam Deck is equipped with a single USB-C port for charging and data transfer. A multiport USB-C hub, like the Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1, can connect your Steam Deck to a TV or monitor and support peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, or game controller. It also includes pass-through charging, keeping your Steam Deck powered during long gaming sessions.
##4. Screen Protector
Your Steam Deck’s touchscreen is an integral part of the device and warrants careful protection. A premium tempered glass screen protector like the amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector offers the highest level of scratch resistance. Its ultra-thin design maintains the touchscreen’s sensitivity, while the oleophobic coating reduces fingerprints and smudges.
##5. Portable Charger
A portable charger or power bank keeps your gaming sessions uninterrupted during travel or power cuts. The Anker PowerCore 26800 PD, with its massive capacity and high-speed charging capability, can charge your Steam Deck multiple times, ensuring you continue your gaming session for hours on the go.
##6. Bluetooth Headphones
For an immersive gaming experience, Bluetooth headphones are a must. The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers noise cancelling, a long battery life, and superior sound quality, making it an excellent choice for Steam Deck users. The headphones also feature a Bluetooth multipoint that can connect them to two devices at once, a boon when you’re playing games and taking calls interchangeably.
##7. Gaming Grip
If you plan on lengthy gaming sessions, a gaming grip can dramatically improve comfort. Although Valve has not yet introduced or certified any gaming grips for Steam Deck, generic models like the Satisfye ZenGrip Pro, designed for Nintendo Switch, may provide a comfortable grip and reduce hand fatigue during long gaming stints.
##8. Cartridge Holder
A cartridge holder keeps your game cartridges safe and organized. The Orzly Carry Case offers storage slots for your game cartridges, a middle pocket for extra cables, and a large top pouch for your Steam Deck.
##9. External SSD
If you want more storage space than an SD card can offer, an external SSD is a great option. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, with up to 2TB capacity, provides high-speed transfers with up to 1050MB/s read speeds and is perfect for expanding your Steam Deck storage.
##10. Pro Gaming Controller
A pro gaming controller like the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 can elevate your gaming experience. It features adjustable-tension thumbsticks, shorter hair trigger locks, and a wrap-around rubberized grip, ensuring you have full control of your game.
To sum up, when paired with the right accessories, the Steam Deck can offer an unbeatable portable gaming experience. From protective cases to performance-enhancing SD cards, multiport USB-C hubs, screen protectors, and more, the right selection of gear and accessories can potentially revolutionize your gaming. Happy gaming!
