travel case steam deck

The 7 Best Steam Deck Carrying Cases

Ensure your Steam Deck and its accessories are protected with a Steam Deck carrying case.

• Brand DEVASO
• Weight 800g
• Game Card Storage 4
• Brand Spigen
• Weight 671g
• Game Card Storage No
• Brand Daydayup
• Weight 306g
• Game Card Storage 16
• Brand Tomtoc
• Weight 500g
• Brand JSAUX
• Game Card Storage 5
• 9.60 /10 1. Premium pick: DEVASO Travel Carrying Case for Steam Deck
• 8.00 /10 2. Editors choice: Spigen Rugged Armor Pro Sleeve Designed for Steam Deck
• 9.40 /10 3. Best value: Daydayup Steam Deck Carrying Case
• 8.80 /10 4. Tomtoc Arccos Series Carrying Bag for Steam Deck
• 9.60 /10 5. JSAUX Carrying Case for Steam Deck BG0102
• 8.80 /10 6. Tomtoc FancyCase A05 Steam Deck Case
• 9.20 /10 7. USA Gear S13 Steam Deck Carrying Case

With more people getting their hands on the Steam Deck, it's time to stock up on the best carrying cases to keep it safe while traveling. The good news is that all Steam Deck orders come with an official carrying case.

However, the original case only provides space for the Steam Deck. If you want to travel with your Steam Deck as well as other accessories like a charger, docking station, HDMI cables, or a pair of headphones, these third-party carrying cases with extra storage are ideal alternatives.

Here are the best Steam Deck carrying cases.

1. DEVASO Travel Carrying Case for Steam Deck

The DEVASO Travel Carrying Case is the best travel case to consider if you want to protect your Steam Deck from all kinds of damage. It's built like a tank with a hard ABS outer shell and foam interior to provide the ultimate defense against scratches, drops, and bumps when out and about. It also keeps the console safe and dry with IP67 water-resistant rating.

There is a lot of thought that went into the design of this case. It has dedicated storage space for the Steam Deck as well as other accessories, including the Steam Deck docking station, power adapter, and cable. There are also four SD card storage slots, so you can take your game library wherever you go.

The carry handle and lockable rings are the icings on the cake.

• Hard ABS shell for protection
• Water resistant
• Dedicated compartments for accessories and games
• Brand: DEVASO
• Weight: 800g
• Game Card Storage: 4
• Accessories Storage: Yes (AC adapter, Docking station, Cable)
• Compatibility: Steam Deck
• Outstanding drop and all-around protection
• Room for accessories
• Easy to carry
• A little bulky

2. Spigen Rugged Armor Pro Sleeve Designed for Steam Deck

Spigen, one of the most reputable brands for phone cases and covers, also makes a carrying case for the Steam Deck. It's slightly larger than the official case that comes with the console, but it earns the space it takes up.

This Rugged Armor Pro Sleeve is designed to fit the Steam Deck snugly and offers extra space for a charger and other small accessories like headphones, cables, and SD cards. You can even fit a power bank alongside your Steam Deck, and it has a hidden compartment for an AirTag or Tile tracker.

As the name suggests, this case offers bulletproof protection in a much smaller form factor than the DEVASO travel case. It's meticulously engineered to protect the Steam Deck's screen and thumbsticks and has reinforced corners for maximum shock absorption. In addition, the removable strap makes it easy to carry this case around.

• Durable EVA outer shell
• Zippered mesh compartment for accessories
• Reinforced corners for extra drop protection
• Detachable wrist strap
• Velcro strap to keep the Steam Deck in place
• Brand: Spigen
• Weight: 671g
• Game Card Storage: No
• Accessories Storage: Yes
• Fits Steam Deck and accessories
• High-quality construction
• Excellent protection
• Steam Deck moves slightly while in the case

3. Daydayup Steam Deck Carrying Case

The Daydayup Steam Deck Carrying Case may not have the exquisite craftsmanship of the Spigen Rugged Armor Pro Sleeve, but it offers solid protection and storage space for the money. The hard shell keeps your Steam Deck protected, and it uses an anti-scratch nylon zipper pull to prevent surface snags.

It's an excellent option for anyone who wants to travel with the Steam Deck and its accessories. It has a dedicated console compartment as well as a large zippered mesh pocket that holds everything from the original Steam Deck power adapter to headphones, cables, a power bank, and more.

In addition, this Steam Deck carrying case provides a whopping 16 SD card slots, so you can have your entire game library wherever you go. The only downside to this case is that the Steam Deck by itself is a tight fit, so it's not ideal for those using a protective cover.

• Anti-scratch nylon zipper pull
• Storage space for accessories
• Brand: Daydayup
• Weight: 306g
• Game Card Storage: 16
• Plenty of storage space
• Decent protection
• May not fit a Steam Deck with a protective cover

4. Tomtoc Arccos Series Carrying Bag for Steam Deck

The Tomtoc Arccos Series Carrying Bag allows you to conveniently carry your Steam Deck, charger, dock, HDMI cables, and just about any other accessories. It features a water-resistant, 840D nylon fabric and a thick bumper to keep your console safe and dry without adding extra bulk like EVA hard cases.

The included shoulder strap lets you move around with your Steam Deck hands-free while traveling. It's spacious enough to hold a basic Steam Deck setup, EDC items, and other gaming accessories like a keyboard and mouse, making it a perfect solution for gamers looking to travel light.

The interior has a unique W-shaped compartment that helps protect the joysticks and prevent stick drift. It also has an elastic strap that keeps the Steam Deck tight and secure for extra protection. The only downside is the lack of dedicated storage for games, but you easily store your SD cards in the small zipped compartment.

• W-shaped partition for Steam Deck
• Water and splash resistant material
• Extra capacity for accessories
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Brand: Tomtoc
• Weight: 500g
• Screen and thumbstick protection
• Incredible storage
• No dedicated SD card storage

5. JSAUX Carrying Case for Steam Deck BG0102

The JSAUX Carrying Case for Steam Deck BG0102 is a small and compact pouch with two exceptional extras compared to most other Steam Deck carrying cases. First, it has five dedicated SD card storage slots and extra storage space to accommodate the original AC adapter and other smaller accessories.

Second, the inner design of this case is similar to the factory Steam Deck case. It has the same groove and molded design, meaning it will protect the joysticks from being pressed when you close the case. It can fit a Steam Deck with a protective case and includes a strap to keep the console in place and protects the screen from surface scratches.

For most people, the JSAUX carrying case is the perfect alternative to the official Steam Deck case. It provides just the right amount of storage space and protection while keeping everything incredibly small and compact. It also doubles up as a kickstand if you prefer playing games using a controller.

• Similar design to the official case
• Room for charger and other accessories
• Built-in stand
• Sturdy carrying handle
• Brand: JSAUX
• Game Card Storage: 5
• Solid drop protection
• Joystick protection
• Extra storage
• Exquisite construction
• Won't fit bigger gadgets like a power bank

6. Tomtoc FancyCase A05 Steam Deck Case

The Tomtoc FancyCase A05 is hands down the best slim case for the Steam Deck. It's about the same size as the carry case that came with your Steam Deck but much thinner and narrower, which is excellent for those looking for something small that will only take up a little space in a backpack.

The case is perfectly molded to fit the shape and design of the Steam Deck, with grooves and bumpers to protect the joysticks and shoulder buttons. In addition, its hard shell and splash-resistant construction keep your Deck safe from all kinds of damage, including accidental drops and water. Throw in the convenient carrying handle, and you have a perfect carrying case for your Steam Deck, provided you don't need storage for chargers and other accessories.

• Form-fitting design for Steam Deck
• Top-quality YKK Zipper
• Durable and splash-resistant material
• Weight: 320g
• Game Card Storage: Yes
• Accessories Storage: No
• Incredibly thin and lightweight
• Convenient carrying handle
• No storage for charger

7. USA Gear S13 Steam Deck Carrying Case

The USA Gear S13 Steam Deck Carrying Case is a large-capacity travel bag with space for the Steam Deck and multiple accessories. It has over six storage compartments that fit different gaming gear, like keyboards, portable monitors, controllers, headsets, and chargers.

The bag has a tough exterior and a soft, scratch-resistant interior, providing the utmost protection for your Steam Deck and accessories. A security strap keeps the Deck in place when traveling to avoid damaging the joysticks and triggers. In addition, you can customize the other compartments to fit different kinds of gadgets.

Designed for life on the go, the USA Gear S13 Steam Deck Carrying Case has a heavy-duty carry handle and a removable shoulder strap for easy carrying. The exterior is weather-resistant, too, so nothing can stop you from traveling with your Steam Deck. While it's an expensive carrying case, the rugged build quality and plenty of storage space are worth the extra cost.

• Heavy duty construction with padded interior
• Multiple, customizable storage compartments
• Weather-resistant exterior
• Heavy duty carry handle and shoulder strap
• Brand: USA Gear
• Weight: 2.7lbs
• Solid protection
• Durable build quality

Q: Does the Steam Deck Come With a Carrying Case?

The Steam Deck ships with a carrying case, included in all models. However, the original case does not offer additional storage for accessories like the dock and charger.

Fortunately, you can find plenty of third-party Steam Deck carrying cases with extra storage for the original AC adapter, the Steam Deck dock, HDMI cables, SD cards, and more.

Q: Are Steam Decks Dockable?

You can dock a Steam Deck using a USB-C docking station through its USB-C charging port. Docking the Steam Deck allows you to connect it to a TV or plug in your peripherals like a gaming keyboard and mouse.

Q: Does the Steam Deck Need a Case?

Like any handheld console, Valve's Steam Deck is designed for portable gaming. Investing in a carrying case allows you to easily take the Steam Deck wherever you go and protect it against damage at the same time.

Most cases provide plenty of space for accessories like a charger and power bank, so you can turn any place into a battlestation.

Project Killswitch

For the steam deck & oled.

Pick your design

Unlike you.

If we had a nickel for every millimeter of thickness that Project Killswitch added to your Steam Deck (or Steam Deck OLED), we'd have two. We'd only need one, though: Project Killswitch is approximately as thin as a nickel. We just saved you five cents.

Military-grade impact resistance.

Every year, the US Military burns through $700,000,000,000. On what? Nobody knows. For only 0.0000000085642857% of the annual defense budget, you can do the same. But for your Steam Deck.

Checkmate, Eisenhower.

Travel Cover

Your steam deck is going places..

Much like Valve's OEM carrying purse, the Travel Cover protects your Steam Deck (including the OLED model) when you aren't using it. Unlike said purse, the Travel Cover won't embarass you in public.

The most precise fit on earth.™

Gabe Newell once said, "an imprecise case is like having no case at all." We later learned from the local psych ward that "Gabe" was both an impostor and several days into a mescaline trip. Did that make him wrong? Absolutely not. Much like Gabe's straitjacket, Project Killswitch fits your Steam Deck perfectly. Thanks, psych ward.

The Steam Deck is heavy. Your wrists are weak. We can't solve either of these problems. We can, however, give you a Kickstand. In addition to giving your wrists some much-needed relief, it's also great for local multiplayer. Now, you just need friends.

Backplate Mount

An ecosystem is born..

See this mounting hardware? In addition to providing an attachment mechanism for the removable Kickstand, it also gives us an opportunity to gouge you on additional attachments in the future. Consider yourself warned.

Universal Mount

Don’t say we didn’t warn you..

That ecosystem we just told you about? It starts with our universal mount. Strap an external battery, phone holder, or your half-eaten burrito to the back of your Killswitch and go to town. Who are we kidding? You don't even leave your house.

Tactility meets utility.

See those microscopic ridges? Each is a textured dot, invisible to the naked eye. There are tens of thousands of them lining the handles of Project Killswitch, creating a tremendous number of grippy contact points for your butterfingers. The result? You’ll never drop your Steam Deck again.

Grip Strips

More grip for your grip..

Remember that grippy texture we just told you about? We asked a group of world-famous grip scientists to make it even grippier. Their solution: add liquid-black grip strips to the sides of Project Killswitch. If only they'd learned how to file a patent.

Stick Grips

Your thumbs will thank us..

Much like the name implies, Stick Grips add grip to your thumbsticks. The textured surface, convex-domed center and raised perimeter combine to provide maximum resistance at full tilt. Your thumbs won't slip, no matter how greasy they may be.

Tempered Glass

Practically invisible..

Meticulously precise, polished edges smoother than your brain, and compatible with both the etched-glass 512GB Steam Deck as well as the Steam Deck OLED. What more could you ask for in a screen protector? If your answer was "a second piece of glass included in every package, in case I screw up the first one", we've got good news.

dbrand 101.

In case the rock you’ve been living under didn’t have internet access, dbrand makes customizable skins. They're easy to apply, leave no adhesive residue, and feature dozens of unique designs. Take your pick - when we judge your tastes, we'll do so silently.

Video Instructions

Don't screw this up..

We've spent more money than the Fed trying to save humans from themselves. The result? Detailed, award-winning tutorial videos that you can watch right here. Once you're finished, you'll understand why we gave ourselves a fake award.

How-To Geek

The best steam deck cases of 2023.

Keep your Steam Deck safe from harm by investing in a durable protective case.

Whether you enjoy gaming on the go or in the comfort of your own home, you'll want to keep your Steam Deck protected against accidental drop and shock damage with a decent protective case.

dbrand Steam Deck Case

Spigen rugged armor steam deck case, benazcap steam deck case, jsaux modcase for steam deck, tomtoc carrying case for steam deck, what to look for with steam deck cases.

Valve's Steam Deck is a fantastic piece of kit for portable gaming. However, it doesn't offer much in the way of protection against accidental damage. Investing in a protective case allows you to game with confidence, wherever you are, providing a sturdy suit of armor to shield your console from harm.

The best Steam Deck cases offer protection against drop and shock damage. Some protective cases have a wraparound design that fits onto the Steam Deck itself, while others are hard-shell carry cases that are ideal for transportation. Choosing the right kind of case will depend on how and where you want to use your Deck.

Wraparound cases like the dbrand Steam Deck Case provide excellent protection against scratch and drop damage and can be left on your Steam Deck at all times. With precise cut-outs for all ports and vents, they are fuss-free to use and add a protective layer to keep your console looking pristine. Plus, with textured grips, they are less likely to slip from your hands as you play.

Hard shell cases, on the other hand, are designed to protect your handheld while you're out and about. It offers snug and cushioned storage for your Steam Deck, with raised inserts to keep joysticks and buttons static while in transit. The hard shell protects against drop, shock, and splash damage and won't get crushed inside a bag or backpack as you move. Many hard shell cases also provide additional storage for things like SD cards and screen wipes.

If you're looking for a wraparound-style case, we recommend checking whether it can be left on while docked or inside a carrying case. This may affect your decision, as you might not want to worry about taking the case on and off frequently for charging or when on the go.

For hard shell cases, selecting something with weatherproof protection and additional storage is a good rule of thumb to ensure you're getting maximum protection and functionality while you're on the move.

How-To Geek's product recommendations come from the same team of experts who have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »

Best Steam Deck Case Overall: dbrand Steam Deck Case

There are plenty of reasons to recommend the dbrand Steam Deck Case, both practical and aesthetic. For starters, it offers Military Grade impact resistance, meaning it's been drop-tested to the Nth degree. It has a super slim design that doesn't add unwanted bulk to your handheld, and it's been precision-cut to fit the Steam Deck's dimensions.

Besides precision cut-outs for all the Steam Deck's ports and vents, it's coated in micro-textured dots to improve grip and lessen the chances of accidental drops. A raised bezel offers smooth protection for the Steam Deck's screen across the top and bottom edges, and the overall design is slick and visually appealing.

It includes a secure backplate mount for its removable kickstand, which can also be substituted for additional accessories, like the universal mount (available separately), which can be used for attaching battery packs, phone holders, and more. It will happily accommodate any skins you may have already applied and won't obscure any charging cables either.

All these features will set you back a pretty penny, however, but that's the only downside to an otherwise fantastic protective case. With good looks, sturdy protection, and a practical design that welcomes the attachment of extra accessories, you couldn't ask for more.

With a super slim design and robust protection against drop and shock damage, the dbrand Steam Deck Case is the ideal way to protect your handheld.

Most Versatile Steam Deck Case: Spigen Rugged Armor Protective Case

Versatility is important when shopping for a Steam Deck Case, and the Spigen Rugged Armor Protective Case is one of the most versatile you can get. This flexible protective case allows easy access to all the Steam Deck's ports, accommodates most bolt-on accessories, fits most docking stations, and sits snugly inside the official Valve hard shell carry case.

Made from durable TPU, this case is easy to apply and provides a decent level of scratch protection for the back and edges of your console. It includes an adjustable wrist strap that comes in handy if you're prone to butter-fingered accidents, and the case itself offers shock-absorption protection for those accidental bumps and drops.

Subtle carbon fiber accents mean this case pairs nicely with the original style of the Steam Deck, making it a visually appealing choice. Plus, its lightweight design helps avoid making the Steam Deck bulky. It feels comfortable to hold, and the mild textured finish to the side edges provides a bit of extra grip for sweaty palms.

The Spigen Rugged Armor Protective Case is an excellent choice for all-around protection and one of the more versatile options you're likely to find. If you're looking for a protective case that plays nicely with all manner of wires, cables, docking stations, and carry cases, this is it.

With easy access to your Steam Deck's ports and vents, plus compatibility with most docking stations and carry cases, the Spigen Rugged Armor Steam Deck case is one of the most versatile wraparound cases out there.

Best Budget Steam Deck Case: Benazcap Steam Deck Case

A better option for buyers on a budget is the Benazcap Steam Deck Case. Made from shockproof TPU and PC, this protective case with kickstand features cushioning on all four corners to protect against drop damage and offers scratch damage protection for your Steam Deck's casing.

The case itself features precise cutouts for all your console's ports, as well as multiple openings for heat dissipation, as you would expect. It protects against oily fingerprints and has textured bumpers to provide extra grip during gameplay.

This budget-priced case is streamlined and slim-fitting. It's slim enough to still allow for transportation inside the official Valve carrying case and has a quality feel that may surprise you, given the relatively low price point.

The kickstand isn't removable, and the case doesn't allow for clipping on additional accessories, such as battery pack mounts and the like. However, for a good base level of protection with a sleek finish, the Benazcap Steam Deck Case offers unbeatable value for money and doesn't disappoint.

Offering durable protection and an improved grip for your Steam Deck, the Benazcap Steam Deck Case is one of the best budget-priced Steam Deck cases on the market.

Best Steam Deck Case for Rugged Protection: JSAUX ModCase for Steam Deck

If it's rugged protection you're after, look no further than the JSAUX ModCase for Steam Deck. It offers complete 360-degree protection for your Steam Deck, making it an ideal choice for gaming on the go. Eco-friendly PC-ABS and silicone make up this case and provide drop-resistant and scratch-proof protection.

Cushioned corners help to bolster the protection here, and each kit includes a rugged front shell with a soft EVA cotton interior to make sure nothing damages that screen while in transit. The front shell also keeps both thumbsticks secure, and there are even protective 'ears' to prevent damage to the shoulder buttons.

The backplate features an adjustable kickstand for tabletop play, as well as a silicone strap for attaching a battery pack. In addition, you'll also find a modular slider on the back of this case, which is perfect for snapping on a separate cooling fan during longer gaming sessions.

Laser-textured corners provide you with a non-slip grip that's more than adequate and also makes this case comfortable to hold. In fact, outside of a hard shell protective carry case, this is probably one of the most secure ways to protect and secure your Steam Deck.

The JSAUD ModCase for Steam Deck offers 360-degree protection for your handheld and features an adjustable kickstand and accessory band for convenient gameplay anytime and anywhere.

Best Hard Shell Case for Steam Deck: tomtoc Carrying Case for Steam Deck

If you're in the market for a hard shell carry case, the tomtoc Carrying Case for Steam Deck is one that impressed us. Tailor-made for the Steam Deck, it offers secure storage for your console with a splashproof hard EVA shell and soft cushioning on the interior to prevent it from rattling around as you travel.

Inside the case, you'll find a padded bumper to protect the shoulder buttons from compression, as well as a cushioned divider that protects the Steam Deck's screen against scratch damage. This doubles as a storage wallet for your SD card and screen wipes, too. The joysticks and d-pad controls receive extra protection with raised inserts built-in to prevent any unwanted movement.

On the outside, heavy-duty YKK zippers keep both halves of the carry case secured, and a handy travel handle is also included for extra convenience. The hard shell is strong and durable, giving you excellent drop and shock protection while also keeping it safe from the elements.

The one obvious downside to this excellent carry case lies in the snug fit that it provides for the Steam Deck. Although it offers superior protection while your console is idle or in transit, there's no protection while you're actually using it. And given the tighter fit provided here, you're unlikely to find a protective cover that can be accommodated by this carry case. However, if transporting your Steam Deck safely is your chief concern, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better carry case than this one.

The tomtoc Carrying Case for Steam Deck provides hard shell weatherproof protection for your Steam Deck, giving you peace of mind while you're on the move.

Can a Steam Deck replace a gaming PC?

While the Steam Deck is certainly a versatile and impressive PC gaming device, it's one that's more likely to complement a thoroughbred gaming PC rather than outright replace it. Its portability gives it an enormous amount of appeal, but there are many PC gamers who will still want to enjoy more traditional mouse and keyboard gameplay.

Can I connect my Steam Deck to a TV?

Yes. Connecting your Steam Deck to your TV or monitor simply requires a USB-C to HDMI adapter.

Can I factory reset my Steam Deck?

Initiating a factory reset for your Steam Deck is a straightforward process. Once you have switched your Steam Deck on (making sure it is in gaming mode and not Desktop mode), press the Steam button, and then simply navigate to Settings > System > Advanced > Reset to Factory State.

How important is a screen protector for my Steam Deck?

Although a screen protector for your Steam Deck isn't an essential purchase, it's a relatively inexpensive way of protecting your console's screen against scratch damage. Many screen protectors are made from tempered glass with an oleophobic coating that also protects against oil and fingerprint damage, and certain screen protectors provide anti-glare protection too.

The best Steam Deck cases

Protect your precious Steam Deck with a hardened sleeve or carry case upgrade

You could say that the best Steam Deck case is the one you get for free, and to be sure, I have no qualms with Valve’s bundled carrier. Especially not the one you get with the 1TB Steam Deck OLED , which adds a neat mini-case in the form of a removable liner. Still! As you’ll see here, you do have a choice of worthwhile upgrade options, ranging from conventional hard cases with extra accessory storage to clever protective sleeves that combine impact resistance with improved handheld grip. The best way to avoid Steam Deck damage is to not drop it in the first place, as Sun Tzu probably said.

Basically, even if a microSD card remains the first and foremost accoutrement a new Steam Deck owner should invest in, a better case can be worthwhile too. Especially if you plan to use yours as Gabe Newell intended: roaming free, away from the soft furnishings and stable surfaces of home. Personally, I prefer a slimmer, more satchel-friendly shield than the basic bundled case, but that’s not the only route to take if you value storage and protection over portability.

Read on for some of my tried-and-tested Steam Deck case picks, and if you’re a regular road warrior, you might want a peek at our Steam Deck battery life guide as well. This includes how long you can expect your Deck to last with a bunch of different games, plus some tips on stretching out your uptime.

Best Steam Deck cases

• Dbrand Project Killswitch – the best Steam Deck case overall
• JSAUX ModCase – the best modular Steam Deck case
• JSAUX Carrying Case – the best hard carry case for the Steam Deck
• Steam Deck OLED 1TB carrying case – the best official Steam Deck case

Dbrand Project Killswitch

The best Steam Deck case overall

Protecting your Steam Deck in transit doesn’t have to mean interring it in a bulky cloth-wrapped sarcophagus. The Dbrand Project Killswitch is the Steam Deck equivalent of a top-end smartphone case, wrapping a tough silicone layer around the handheld and clicking a lightweight (yet strong) plastic cover over the screen. When you’re ready to play, just pop the cover off and you’re away – the silicone case stays in place, pulling double duty as rubbery hand grips.

It's a smart design, especially as it also adds a mounting point for the included kickstand on the rear. More importantly, it works very well as a case. My own Steam Deck was left spotless and scratchless after knocking around in a bag for a while, and the Killswitch’s front plate wraps around the delicate shoulder buttons a bit more thoroughly than the similar JSAUX ModCase (below) does.

Really, there’s nothing to complain about, except for perhaps a convoluted buying process. I recommend just getting the Travel Kit, which includes both the front cover and a set of Dbrand’s fine Steam Deck stick grips. There’s a cheaper Essential Kit, but it doesn’t include the cover by default, and while you can add it as an extra it brings the total cost to just five cents less than the Travel Kit. At that point, you may as well nab yourself the grips... unless you own a Steam Deck OLED, which has grippier thumbsticks to begin with. See? Convoluted.

JSAUX ModCase

The best modular Steam Deck case

Like the idea of Dbrand’s Project Killswitch, but lack the funds for it? I’ve found the JSAUX ModCase to be a perfectly respectable low-cost alternative. The silicone isn’t as stubbornly grippy and the plastic front cover doesn’t envelop the shoulder buttons quite as well, but it kept my Steam Deck just as ding-free in practice, which is ultimately the point of a case.

It’s also more modular, something that Valve’s standard case is plainly not. The basic package includes a kickstand and an adjustable power bank fastening strap, and if you want your Steam Deck case to be as flexible and multipurpose as possible, you can swap these out for all manner of clip-on accessories. A USB hub, auxiliary cooling fan, and M.2 SSD enclosure are all among JSAUX’s mod options, with a complete set of extras bringing the price up to $170.

Still in budget territory? Maybe not. But with just the basic kit, you’re still getting a nifty and practical little Steam Deck case.

JSAUX Carrying Case

The best hard carry case for the Steam Deck

There’s little point in swapping your official Steam Deck for another simple, zip-open hard carry case – without anything else to offer, that would be a purely aesthetic change at best. Thus, the JSAUX Carrying Case aims to upgrade your capacity for accessories, storage, and other handheld PC bric-a-brac.

This makes heaps of sense. Valve’s cases, including the fancier OLED case, don’t really leave room for much else besides a cleaning cloth. JSAUX’s Carry Case, by contrast, squeezes in folding pocket for SD cards, earbuds, or headphone cables, as well as a hidden compartment underneath the main Steam Deck tray for longer cables, slimline power banks or USB hubs.

I tested the Medium capacity model, which keeps the hidden compartment quite shallow in exchange for less bulk; you’ll need the pricier Large design if you want to take chunkier accessories with you. Even so, I could fit in everything I wanted short of my UK power adapter, and it all stayed snug and secure, with zero worries that something plastic might shake loose and scratch the Steam Deck’s screen or something. The added storage makes this more of a backpack hog than a silicone skin, but as an inexpensive upgrade for hard case traditionalists, there’s not much else to gripe about.

Steam Deck OLED 1TB carrying case

The best official Steam Deck case

Whelp. Awks. I am fully aware that putting Valve’s own Steam Deck OLED 1TB carrying case here undermines the argument for switching to a third-party case in the first instance, but... it’s a list of the best Steam Deck cases, right? And this is one. It just is. I’m sorry.

While it doesn’t change the protective qualities (or shrink the considerable dimensions) of the standard bundled Deck case, it does make two major improvements to overall practicality. First, it can be fastened shut by both the usual zip and an added Velcro strap. This is so that, should you pick up the case by its handle while absentmindedly leaving the zip undone, your Steam Deck won’t tumble outwards to its demise. This has never happened to me and yet honestly, it sounds like something I would do, so the strap’s extra security is very welcome.

Second, it hides within the main case a smaller, more form-fitting case that can be removed and used by itself. If you don’t want or need to pack a bunch of accessories, JSAUX Carry Case-style, then this is brilliant: it still provides firm, full-body protection from knocks and scrapes, but is a fraction the size of the main case. I happily took my Steam Deck OLED on a couple of transatlantic flights using the inner case alone, and it did its job faultlessly.

It’s still not as flexible as a modular silicone case, nor a capacious as the JSAUX Carry Case, and its exclusivity to the top-spec 1TB Steam Deck OLED is a shame. Still, got to give credit where it’s due.

• Entertainment

Dbrand’s Steam Deck case is so good it almost makes you forget its big flaw

Finally, a steam deck case that i don’t hate..

By Alice Jovanée and Sean Hollister

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Update, October 20th 2023: The Killswitch’s big flaw has been fixed : we’ve been testing a 2.0 version for months with no fan issues. The new version has no magnets that could interfere with the fan. We’re leaving the original story below for posterity.

Original story follows:

In high school, I’d keep my CD player from getting crushed in my bookbag by wrapping it in a wool sock. Considering that the CD player was probably the most expensive thing I owned at the time, I probably could’ve done better. This is how I felt with the first case I bought for my Steam Deck. It was definitely a step up from mismatched footwear, but I knew a device like this demands a little more respect without keeping it constantly locked away inside the case that it was packaged with.

• Steam Deck review: it’s not ready

Dbrand, maker of accessories for your phone , AirPods , and even your PS5 , shares this sentiment and made “Project Killswitch.” Killswitch is designed to be a better protective skin for the Steam Deck and started development shortly following Valve’s announcement of the device.

The Killswitch case is a semi-flexible cover that fits snugly over your Steam Deck; the part of the case covering the handles has a nice, grippy finish to it that’s similar to Dbrand’s phone cases. The top and bottom of the case have raised edges to keep the buttons clear of any direct impacts (but the analog sticks are still exposed), while the back of the case has cutouts for the back paddle buttons and fan vents in addition to a raised area for the magnetic kickstand.

However, we wouldn’t recommend using the kickstand in its current state if you already have a Killswitch. The magnets used in the kickstand are incredibly strong, but their position can cause them to interfere with the fans used in certain earlier models of the Steam Deck. We tested this on the review model of our Steam Deck and had the fan speeds drop by 1500 to 2500 RPM with the kickstand installed. When we used this same method on a Steam Deck that was delivered back in July and another modded with an aftermarket fan, the impact was far less pronounced.

Here’s a video showing you the impact on our Steam Deck review unit:

Here’s a closer look at how the magnets can disrupt the fan:

Dbrand is aware of this problem and has issued a disclaimer alongside the public release of the Killswitch. Until Dbrand can manufacture a version of the kickstand that doesn’t use magnets you have a few options. If you’re someone that reserved a Killswitch during its development and ordered one back on the 25th, you can either return it for a full refund or hang onto it, and Dbrand will send you both a replacement case and kickstand (ones that do not feature magnets) as soon as they’re available. If you want to reserve an order now, you can currently order a kit off the Dbrand website with an estimated ship date of Q1 2023 . Dbrand has also stated that any future production of the Killswitch will only be made with a mechanical kickstand and has issued a formal statement detailing the issue and the path forward on r/dbrand .

Moving on from magnets and fans, the other half of Project Killswitch is the travel case, a hardened piece of plastic that clips securely onto the face of the Steam Deck with the Killswitch case installed. The travel case has a beveled surface with a pair of larger feet protruding from either side. When it’s installed, the travel case doesn’t come into direct contact with the screen and protects the joysticks.

The essential Project Killswitch kit is be priced at $59.95 and includes the Killswitch case, the kickstand, and a Vinyl skin of your choice. The travel kit is also be available for $74.95, which includes all of the aforementioned loot but also throws in a pair of stick grips and the travel cover for the Killswitch.

It’s worth noting that every Steam Deck already comes with a case that’s honestly pretty damn good. But considering that your Steam Deck is likely spending most of its time out and about, having a little extra insurance allows you to feel a little less precious about your new handheld.

Protection aside, perhaps the most important aspect of the Killswitch is that, unlike some of the other Steam Deck cases I’ve tried, it doesn’t ruin the device aesthetically. Sure, all of those silicon sleeves might keep your Deck safe, but they feel terrible, look worse, and are an absolute magnet for hair and dust.

Cases, skins, and other protective accessories have been available for the Steam Deck since day one but are mostly what I’d consider a “better than nothing” solution. The Killswitch is something I’d actually want to dress my Steam Deck in. The issues surrounding the kickstand are a bit disappointing, but I’d still pay $59.99 for the fit and finish of the Killswitch case alone. Until something better comes along, the Killswitch case is my first and second recommendation for anyone that wants to get serious about protecting their Steam Deck. We would’ve liked to see a better product out of the box, but Dbrand is on the right track, and we’re looking forward to their next development.

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Best cases for Steam Deck in 2024

Your Steam Deck is a significant investment so take care of it with a good case.

The Steam Deck is an incredible portable PC gaming machine that offers access to thousands of games through Valve's Steam storefront. It's not a cheap device, however, so we highly recommend using some form of protection. Valve includes a high-quality carry case with the portable console, but this is only handy while you're not in-game. For those times when you find yourself with an opportunity to score some goals and smash some skulls, we've compiled a list of the best cases to help protect your Steam Deck.

Spigen Rugged Armor Steam Deck case

Tomtoc carry case for steam deck, jsaux kickstand steam deck case, mumba blade series case for steam deck, ejgame steam deck case w/ front cover, anbee silicon steam deck case, benazcap steam deck case, jsaux silicone protective case for steam deck pc0101, dbrand steam deck skin, touchprotect steam deck, spigen tempered glass screen protector for steam deck, keruixin tpu protective case for steam deck.

This case covers the entire rear and sides of the Deck but doesn't compromise on cooling or port access. The sides add a nice little extra grip and the wrist strap will help avoid those unfortunate drops.

The included Steam Deck case is good, but it hasn't got space for a charger, headphones, or other accessories. That's where this comes in, perfect for the traveling Steam Deck gamer with space for everything you need. 

This case covers only the most likely parts of the Steam Deck to suffer from impact damage while leaving cooling and ports easily accessible. The built-in kickstand gives you that Nintendo Switch-type on-the-go experience. 

In partnership with Mumba

Mumba makes some excellent cases for portable consoles, and the company's Blade Series case for the Steam Deck is no exception. It's sturdy and protective and comes with an integrated kickstand, allowing you to enjoy your favorite PC games on the go with a controller.

This case doesn't just cover the back and sides; it also includes a sturdy front cover, making it perfect for traveling. Keep your screen and sticks as safe in your bag as any other part of your Deck.

If you just want an affordable case that will protect against drops and scrapes and add a little grip and color, this silicon case is just the ticket. It even comes in a variety of colors to suit your tastes. 

The Benazcap Steam Deck carry case is a great choice for those who want protection for not only the screen and the controls but also a carry case for lugging the console around. This pack has everything you need.

Should you be in the market for a flexible protective case for your Steam Deck, look no further than the JSAUX Silicone Protective Case. This thing can be installed and removed in a few seconds and has less risk to cause damage to the device itself.

When you think of tech device skins, you think of Dbrand, and the Steam Deck is no exception. All the company's best designs are available for the Steam Deck, including the new Glitch Camo seen here.

If you only want to protect the touch-sensitive trackpads on your Steam Deck, these skins are just the ticket. You have a range of colors and finishes to choose from, too.

Spigen's Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Steam Deck is the perfect way to shield the glass against potential damage. It can be used alongside cases or on its own if you're not a fan of wrapping the console in bulky protection.

Keruixin's TPU Protective Case for the Steam Deck is ideal for those who want to protect their gadget. It's not from a popular brand like Spigen, but it comes with plenty of features and is well-built to protect against shocks and drops. It also comes with two tempered glass screen protectors to keep the 7-inch touchscreen display scratch-free as well.

Choosing the best Steam Deck case

It's important to consider protecting all of your electronic devices, including the Steam Deck. And luckily, because of how popular the portable PC gaming machine is, countless case options are available, mostly on Amazon. Whether you want to protect against scrapes and drops or need to take your stash of accessories on the road with you, one of our recommendations will take good care of your Steam Deck. To determine if it should be included in our collection, we consider durability, value, and just how much you can cram inside a case.

The Spigen Rugged Armor Steam Deck Case is brilliant and just what you'll require for your trusty portable game console. It strikes a good balance between protection and affordability, just like our Jsaux Kickstand Steam Deck Case budget pick that doesn't cost much and still manages to offer enough protection. Should you seek the very best in our collection, we'd point you to the mighty Tomtoc carry case. Perfect for frequent travelers, it costs the most, but it also offers the best protection for the console and all your accessories.

It's important to protect the Steam Deck when you're on the move. You'll want a decent outer protective shell to shield the console from knocks and drops, plus a bag that can handle all your accessories and then some. Don't forget to check out our recommendations for the best Steam Deck docks when you want to use a controller and really immerse yourself.

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Best Steam Deck Cases For Protecting Your Handheld

Table of Contents

Want to find the best Steam Deck cases for protecting your handheld? No one wants such a powerful handheld gaming PC to be permanently ruined from a single hard drop while out and about. Let’s dive into the best options for Steam Deck cases currently available on the market, and what downsides you should consider before buying any of them.

Why Get a Steam Deck Case?

First, let’s start with why you should get a Steam Deck case to begin with: to protect your handheld.

Make no mistake , the included Steam Deck carrying case is pretty good. It has padding and an arm strap for easy lugging around. The problem is , the included carrying case isn’t going to do anything to protect your Steam Deck while it is actually in active play and use .

For that , you’ll need to get a protective case for your Steam Deck. That’s what this guide is for!

Do Old Steam Deck Cases Work With The Steam Deck OLED?

Yup! The Steam Deck OLED has  some unique upgrades, but the matching dimensions of the device means that you can seamlessly use any cases or accessories designed for the original with the OLED refresh.

Features Offered by Third-Party Steam Deck Cases

Let’s talk about the features you should be looking for in your Steam Deck case!

Protective Shell

First and foremost, the most important feature will probably be the protective shell. Since the Steam Deck is frequently used as a handheld console, it’s at a higher risk of damage from physical shock and falls than something like your desktop PC would be. Getting a Steam Deck case with a strong protective shell is a great way to help protect your investment, especially if you’re spending a lot of time playing it outside of your own house.

One often-overlooked feature of the Nintendo Switch is its built-in kickstand for tabletop play . It’s definitely not the most optimal Switch gaming experience, but it is still pretty nifty to have a built-in stand for a tablet-sized display on a handheld like that. Getting a Steam Deck case with an added kickstand is a great way to add further flexibility to where you place and use your Deck, similar to the Switch .

Screen Protector

Another great thing offered with some premium Steam Deck cases (you may have to get it separately with others) is a screen protector! Screen protectors are just another part of protecting your long-term investment, helping prevent scratches and other minor screen damage. You’ll need a sturdy case to prevent structural damage to your screen from a fall, though.

Custom Skins

Finally, one of the more premium features of Steam Deck cases will be custom skins. If you want to add extra visual flourish to your Steam Deck, getting a case with an additional custom skin will cost a prettier penny, but also result in a much prettier system overall once you’ve finished installing your skin and protective case.

One Problem With All Steam Deck Cases

However, there is also a critical flaw that needs to be pointed out before anyone considers buying a Steam Deck case.

For every major Steam Deck protective case available on the market at the time of writing, the added padding makes the Deck incompatible with many Steam Deck docking stations , including Valve’s own .

A non Deck-specific USB docking station should work fine, though! In the article linked above, I’ve also recommended a USB-C docking station that won’t hold the Deck but offers plenty of ports and should work well with one of the listed kickstand cases below!

Best Steam Deck Cases

Best budget steam deck case: benazcap case for steam deck.

If you just want an affordable protective Steam Deck Case, the Benazcap Case for Steam Deck seems like a suitable option . Retailing for under $20 at the time of writing, this case comes with a nice built-in kickstand and a full-body protective covering that doesn’t obstruct airflow or ruin the grips.

Best Value Steam Deck Case: JSAUX Kickstand Case for Steam Deck

If you want a slightly more premium-looking protective Steam Deck Case, the JSAUX Kickstand Case is another option worth considering for slightly above $20 at the time of writing. The expected protective case feature is here, as well as a built-in kickstand.

Unlike the Benazcap Case, this case leaves most of the back of the Steam Deck uncovered, but it’s worth noting that this section would be very difficult to have directly impact with the ground due to the protruding handles anyways. Visually, the design is more streamlined, but you may prefer the bulkier Benazcap Case if you’re squeamish about more of your Deck being uncovered.

Best Overall Steam Deck Case: Project Killswitch from DBRAND

My recommendation for the Best Overall Steam Deck case is going to come down to Project Killswitch from DBRAND. The expected protective casing and kickstand features are both there, but Killswitch also offers further feature additions and customizations.

If you’re willing to pay more for the privilege, you can get your Killswitch case decked out with extra features. This includes custom skins, a high-quality tempered glass screen protector add-on, and even a replacement Travel Cover to replace Valve’s included Carrying Case if you so desire.

Note: At the original time of writing (November 2022), this product has recently been relaunched due to a critical defect with a magnetic kickstand feature. All offending Killswitches have since been recalled and refunded, and currently new ones are available for pre-order and customization at the site linked above.

Parting Words

And that’s all!

I hope this article helped you find the best Steam Deck Cases for your needs, or even led you away from them if you see yourself as primarily a Docked user who won’t be leaving the house with a protective case fairly often. In any case (no pun intended), I hope the article was enjoyable and helpful!

Please feel free to leave opinions, questions, or concerns in the comments section below! I’d love to hear from you guys and help with any Steam Deck or PC gaming-related issues you might be having.

Until then or until next time, happy gaming! And don’t forget: if you slap an extra case onto the Steam Deck, it probably won’t fit on your Docking Station!

Christopher Harper is a lifelong gaming and tech enthusiast. Starting with Super Mario 64 and Tekken 3 at a mere three years old, Christopher has since pursued the cutting-edge of games that are, above all, fun to play and respectful of your time and intelligence. His more hardware-centric guides elsewhere on the web are still mindful of these goals.

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The Steam Deck is my ultimate travel buddy

This little portable gaming machine made traveling bearable, but now my back hurts.

I've been waiting to take my endless game libraries out into the world for years. The arrival of the Steam Deck has not only made that dream a practical reality, it's also eased what could have been a boring and potentially stressful reintegration to society after a drawn out period of isolation. 

With my Steam game backlog at the ready, I packed up and shipped off to Copenhagen. Not specifically to test how good the Steam Deck is for traveling, but as it just happened to be in my possession for the trip, you can be damn sure I made the most of it.

At 13 x 6 x 3 inches (32.5 x 15 x 8cm), there was room enough for the Steam Deck's chonky case in my 20L backpack against some minimal makeup and toiletries, a few light clothes, and even my hoodie. While I could just as easily have slipped the Steam Deck over the extending handle of my suitcase , as some legend on Reddit discovered was possible, I didn't want to advertise the fact I was walking around with this much sought after handheld gaming device. It fit just fine in my backpack, though it took a little jimmying to get it back in when I was done gaming.

You could say a laptop would've been more practical as it would've slipped into a dedicated pocket, but then I'd have needed to take peripherals, too. And I'd feel much more paranoid about a laptop breaking even in a padded pocket. At least I wasn't bold enough to throw my Steam Deck in a backpack next to my laptop, like this guy did —the Steam Deck asserted its dominance and the laptop paid the ultimate price.

Back to my journey, I figured whipping my Deck out in the middle seat of a 6-berth Airbus (with about as much leg room as a toddler would need) was going to be more of a fuss than it was. I actually found that, once the slightly awkward but very necessary case was out of the way, the Deck didn't actually take up as much room as I expected. I didn't need to steal both the armrests, and thankfully the plane was loud enough that the Steam Deck's intense fan whine wasn't an issue.

Of course, I had to use the Deck in airplane mode, but Valve's made the option super accessible. It's just a few clicks through the quick menu. As was the option for night mode—which was great for when the lady next to me decided to put us in the dark without asking.

By the time I'd been through a few days in-game, we were already preparing for landing.

The main issue I've found with taking the Steam Deck anywhere, at least for me at almost 30 years of age, is the back pain that comes with it.

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It's heavy enough that trying to pack light kinda went out the window, and when gaming I had to rest it in my lap; resting it on the tray table was just down right uncomfortable, so I was stuck hunching over it for hours.

When I say hours, though, I mean it. I got a good four and a half hours of game time, without the need to charge. Though I wasn't bashing out ultra graphics on Elden Ring , just a light farming sim sesh on Roots of Pacha . Still, playing on the Steam Deck made the flight go super quick. By the time I'd been through a few days in-game, we were already preparing for landing.

What really seals the deal about this portable Linux beastie is that, because it's rocking SteamOS, I didn't have to go about purchasing a bunch of new games to get any real use out of it, unlike what buying a Switch would have meant for me. The Steam Deck even lets you use other top game launchers in desktop mode, and apps like Lutris have been developed to bring your game launchers together under a single unified UI .

So not only can I officially confirm the Steam Deck's portability and battery life are top-tier, I was still able to afford to travel abroad since I already had an extensive game library just begging to be taken with me.

The whole experience of traveling with the Steam Deck has seen me change my mind about getting one for myself, though I'll have to invest in some kind of back brace to make up for it. Otherwise you'll likely spot me hunched over, groaning in the corner on your next flight abroad.

At least I'll be in my own happy little world, and loving the portable Linux gaming life.

Screw sports, Katie would rather watch Intel, AMD and Nvidia go at it. Having been obsessed with computers and graphics for three long decades, she took Game Art and Design up to Masters level at uni, and has been demystifying tech and science—rather sarcastically—for three years since. She can be found admiring AI advancements, scrambling for scintillating Raspberry Pi projects, preaching cybersecurity awareness, sighing over semiconductors, and gawping at the latest GPU upgrades. She's been heading the PCG Steam Deck content hike, while waiting patiently for her chance to upload her consciousness into the cloud.

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Best Steam Deck Accessories 2024

The best accessories for the best pc gaming handheld..

When it comes to portable PC gaming, the absolute must-have Steam Deck item is a SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSD Card , but there are other great ways to kit out your handheld. Click here to jump to detailed looks at the best Steam Deck accessories , or check out our list below:

TL;DR – These are the best Steam Deck accessories

• SanDisk Extreme Pro MicroSD Card - Best Memory Card
• Anker 747 Power Bank - Best Power Bank
• Dbrand Tempered Glass Screen Protector - Best Screen Protector
• JSAUX Carrying Case - Best Carrying Case
• JSAUX Docking Station HB0603 - Best Docking Station
• Tile Sticker - Best Tracker
• PowerBear 8K High Speed HDMI Cable - Best HDMI Cable
• Jabra Elite 5 - Best Wireless Earbuds

The Valve Steam Deck OLED improves upon the display, battery life, and more from the original Steam Deck , making it pretty close to perfect on its own. But even this cutting-edge handheld gaming PC that lets you take your Steam gaming library on the go and even use it as a standard Windows PC can benefit from a few extras. Whether it’s something to protect the pricey handheld, hook it up to a gaming TV , or increase its storage, we've found the best accessories for your Steam Deck.

The Best Steam Deck Accessories

1. sandisk extreme pro microsd card, best steam deck memory card.

If you play loads of graphics-intensive open world games like Elder Scrolls , God of War , or Elden Ring , save yourself the strife of moving data around mid-game and set yourself up with extra storage as soon as you get a Steam Deck (or a Nintendo Switch , at that). The SSD storage on the device disappears faster than you’d think. And though it’s possible to replace its SSD with a higher capacity option, your life will be much easier if you use a UHS-I microSD card like the SanDisk Extreme Pro .

SanDisk Extreme Pro cards range from 32GB to 1TB, so you can add significantly more storage to even the largest 1TB capacity Steam Deck. Though this microSD card has nothing on the speeds of an internal SSD, it’s fit with quick enough write and read speeds for efficiency when playing games. The microSDs performance difference from an SSD is slight enough, and when you add in the cost and simple installation compared to an SSD, it's a tremendous value.

2. Anker 747 Power Bank

Best power bank for steam deck.

• See it on Anker

The battery life on the original Steam Deck while running SteamOS is notoriously terrible – and even worse with Windows. The OLED model has made some improvements to the battery, but there’s nothing worse than having to find a plug right when you’re reaching the end of a platformer level. Even if you’re playing a laid-back game like Stardew Valley , nobody wants to lose battery before you can get to the carpenter’s shop to hit on Sebastian, and a portable power bank can remedy the issue.

Our favorite battery bank is the beefy Anker 747, with its 25,600mAh capacity ready to juice up your handhelds multiple times—it’ll even charge a USB-C laptop . That means this battery can take on the power-hungry Steam Deck with ease, while an 87W max output ensures a quick fill-up. On top of being plenty powerful, this portable charger is lightweight and durable to keep your Steam Deck rolling while you’re on the go.

3. Dbrand Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Best steam deck screen protector.

The Steam Deck’s massive seven-inch touchscreen is pleasing to the eyes and helps solidify the device as the best handheld system ever. However, as with any touch screen, you’re bound to muddy up your Steam Deck with unattractive fingerprints—not to mention scratches and dings that can eventually cost you the display. To ensure you don’t have to constantly wipe away smudges or, worse, replace the pricey touch screen, grab a high-quality tempered glass screen protector from Dbrand.

Tempered glass is chip, crack, scratch, and fingerprint resistant, while Dbrand threw in an anti-glare film for solid viewing from anywhere and an oleophobic coating to repel your hand's oils, making the gaming experience even better. Most importantly, this glass is a perfect fit for the device and touch inputs are unaffected. Further adding to the screen protector’s value compared to others on the market is it’s incredibly thin with chamfered edges in keeping with the sleek design of the Steam Deck.

4. JSAUX Carrying Case

Best steam deck case.

The Steam Deck OLED may come with a case, but if you plan to take long trips with your console, that probably won’t suffice. You’ll want to bring your charging cable, power bank, earbuds , and other accessories with you, and the case you get pretty much just has space for the console, including the 1TB option with the removable liner. Therefore, investing in a carrying case, like this super affordable option from JSAUX can make a world of difference.

It’s a big upgrade over Valve's pack-in accessory and offers tons of snug spaces for all your accessories, including extra cables, a wall plug, microSD cards, and whatever else you need. Best of all—it keeps your Steam Deck safely cradled inside using a secure hook loop while the case’s interior is molded and wrapped in a fleece material to prevent jabs or scratches to the device. The case itself is also highly durable with a hard shell, sturdy zipper, and secure handle. Plus, a handy stand is built-in for when you want to play using a PC controller .

5. JSAUX Docking Station HB0603

Best steam deck dock.

Sure, you probably bought the Steam Deck for use as a handheld console. However, it’s a powerful enough option to hook up a gaming monitor , 4K TV , or other peripherals when you’ve got the right equipment, changing the way you game from time to time. That’s where a dock comes into play, and Valve has its own docking station for the Steam Deck , but we still prefer the JSAUX Docking Station because it’s about half the price and works just as well.

JSAUX’s docking station offers up three USB 3.0 ports, a 4K HDMI port, a USB-C port, and gigabit ethernet, which all fit into a stand that looks nice on a gaming desk or TV stand . This option is extra handy because you can dock other USB-C compatible devices, like Android phones or the ROG Ally . The only place we can really fault the docking station is its lack of a DisplayPort, but if that’s not a deal breaker, you can’t go wrong with this affordable choice.

6. Tile Sticker

Best steam deck tracker.

The Steam Deck isn’t full of all the tracking you get with smartphones , so if your console gets lost or stolen by a sticky-fingered onlooker, it’s probably gone for good. To ensure you don’t spend a good chunk of change to replace the device and its accessories, the Tile Sticker can give you some peace of mind for under $30. You can place–or stick with the included adhesive—this tiny Bluetooth tracker in your case or even inside your device with some tinkering around.

The Tile Sticker is super compact and offers a simple setup on most iOS and Android devices. If you misplace the Steam Deck in your home, you can make it play a sound for easy finding. But when you think the console could be gone for good, a map on the app will tell you its most recent location, and you can use the Tile Network to locate it or notify you if the device is found. Just, of course, use caution on your hunt.

7. PowerBear 8K High Speed HDMI Cable

Best hdmi cable for steam deck.

Did you know your Steam Deck can stream in 8K at 60Hz? Sure, most of us don’t have an 8K TV or monitor compatible with that output. But if you’re one of the lucky few who do, this 8K high-speed HDMI cable comes in handy, so your gameplay is never interrupted by annoying lags or subpar graphics.

In addition to the added capability, if you ever did get access to an 8K display, this cable is braided for extra durability. It also comes in either a 6-foot or 15-foot length, ensuring it’s long enough to easily plug into your TV. Plus, it’s backward compatible with all previous HDMI versions, so you can use it with your current displays and be ready when you inevitably upgrade.

8. Jabra Elite 5

Best wireless earbuds for steam deck.

• See it on Walmart
• See it on Jabra

Keep your Steam Deck setup as small and effective as possible with these minimalist wireless earbuds from Jabra. We’ve used earbuds from the Jabra Elite line for half a decade, and the stellar active noise-canceling and perfectly balanced, expressive audio for this price point makes them an excellent choice for gamers who just dropped way too much on a console.

These will fit right in your Steam Deck case, so you can easily bring them with your handheld. Plus, they feature 28 hours of battery life and six microphones to make remote online gaming a seamless experience. You can even keep them connected to your smartphone at the same time using Bluetooth Multipoint, letting you hear any texts or calls coming in while you’re slashing dragons in Elden Ring.

If you're looking for more options, take a look at our guide to the best gaming earbuds for addtional picks.

Steam Deck Accessories FAQ

Is 64gb enough storage for steam deck.

The most affordable Steam Deck has almost all the same specs as the pricier 256GB and 512GB options, with the biggest difference being the slower and significantly smaller 64GB of eMMC storage. That amount of storage should work for cloud gaming. However, if you’re planning on storing games locally, that’s only enough room for a few indie games. You can offload and redownload games, but forget about installing AAA games like Red Redemption 2 or GTA 5 to play locally.

Even though 64GB may be hard to get away with, the Steam Deck offers multiple storage upgrade options. The easiest and cheapest way to increase space is by slotting a memory card into the microSD slot. For those looking for a speedier drive, it’s possible to install an SSD, which should be relatively simple for anyone with PC-building experience. Best of all, both of these storage solutions are more affordable than grabbing the 256GB or 512GB Steam Deck. But with the release of the Steam Deck OLED, the storage on the base model has essentially quadrupled to 256GB, while the 64GB and 512GB LCD models have been discontinued.

Does the Steam Deck come with any accessories?

If you're purchasing a new Steam Deck, there are a few things you will receive alongside the handheld gaming PC. Every type of Steam Deck comes with a carrying case and a charging cord. If you're hoping to connect your Steam Deck to the TV, you will need to purchase either a docking station or an HDMI cable separately.

Zoë Hannah is a freelance video games, mental health, and e-commerce journalist. You can find her reviews, essays, and reporting in publications like WIRED, IGN, Insider, and more. When she's not writing, you can find her curled up with a spooky video game or an immersive novel. Find her on Twitter @zoehhannah or browse her clips at her website .

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7 Steam Deck accessories I actually use

I test lots of Steam Deck accessories, and these are the ones that you may want to consider if you've just entered the world of the coolest handheld on the market

Of all the handhelds on the market right now, the Steam Deck is the one I've pledged my allegiance to, and I test various Steam Deck accessories for Windows Central and my own personal use. Once you've actually shelled out cash for a Steam Deck, the last thing you want to be thinking about is spending more on accessories that aren't going to add much to the experience. Alone it's a fantastic device, but there are some items that I use day in day out that I can't imagine not having alongside my Steam Deck . These items range from the essential to the 'nice to have', but you may get an idea for something that will add value you your gaming time. If you want to know what's actually worth investing some money into, read on. 

A Steam Deck case

- Best gaming handhelds 2024 - What I'd like to see in the Steam Deck 2 - Lenovo Legion Go Review - Best power banks for Steam Deck - Steam Deck OLED vs Steam Deck LCD

The first thing you're going to want to get, and what I'd class as an essential accessory, is a decent Steam Deck case. Now my Steam Deck actually came with an included case, but I hated it. I hated it so much that I didn't use it and even opted to wrap my Steam Deck in a tea towel much to my friend Jez Corden 's horror. The reason? The official Steam Deck case is huge, it's so bulky it takes up too much space in my bag when I'm travelling. It looks small in photos, but it's not, it's a beast. I need something a lot more slimline but with the hard casing to protect the joysticks. You'll be glad to know my case of choice isn't expensive, it's around $20-$23 depending on the fluctuating Amazon pricing. It's a slim design, with a soft interior and even has an embossed Steam Deck on the front. I love it so much I actually use it and my official case is now being used as a cable storage box. Sorry Valve. 

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BKPM2G7D%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Steam Deck hard shell carry case A simple and reasonably priced solution for carrying your Steam Deck around, and importantly, protecting the controls if you have it in a backpack. This case is a pleasure to use and is why I've ditched the official Steam Deck case. Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BKPM2G7D%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Amazon Alternative: JSAUX also do a very minimal case, <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FJSAUX-PC0104-Detachable-Accessories-Protective%2Fdp%2FB0BRXHK2QL%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> the ModCase has a detachable front shell, grips and even a kickstand attached. 

A power bank to keep you in the game.

A slim and light power bank is a lot easier to travel with.

The Baseus Blade 2 fits in the front pocket of my backpack and takes up minimal space.

The Baseus Blade 2 is an inconspicuous power bank that can sit behind your Steam Deck.

Once the initial excitement of actually owning a Steam Deck wore off, I soon realised after a few Diablo 4 sessions that the battery life left a lot to be desired. When at home I tend to play attached to mains, but this isn't always convenient especially with kids running around who are like magnets to trailing wires. I soon realised I needed a battery pack, not just for travelling but even sitting on my own couch it would make playing the Steam Deck a lot easier. I've used a bunch of different power banks, each with their own particular pros and cons, in fact I've summarized all the best Steam Deck power banks you can get. My personal favorite though, is the Baseus Blade 2. It's not as hefty as other power banks, and when I do need to take my Steam Deck on public transport it slides into the pocket of my backpack with barely any added weight. You don't have to spend $70 on a power bank, there are cheaper available, but this is my favorite and one I always come back to for it's ease of transport.  

Baseus Blade 2 Ultra Slim Power Bank | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FBaseus-Blade2-12000mAh-65W-Fast-Charging-Power-Bank-Portable-Laptop-Charger-Battery-Pack-with-Digital-Display-Mariana-Blue%2F5189276107" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"">was $99.99 now $69.99 at Walmart The power bank that's as sleek as it is powerful, at only 7.3mm thick it will slide into your device rotation as easily as it slides into your bag. Perfect for laptops, handhelds like Steam Deck and mobile charging on the go. Comes in Blue, Silver and Coral. Also available from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FBaseus-Charging-Control-12000mAh-Portable%2Fdp%2FB0CQT9XLH3%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="walmart.com""> Amazon | <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=23432X820454&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.baseus.com%2Fproducts%2Fblade2-smart-power-bank-65w-12000mah&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - baseus.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="walmart.com""> Baseus

Docks are handy, but don't buy the official Valve one

Using a dock will expand the ports on your Steam Deck 

The official Steam Deck dock is fine, but it's expensive and you can get the same functionality from something much cheaper.

It may seem odd that I've got the official Steam Deck dock pictured here, but I'm telling you not to bother buying it. Docks are great for plugging in extra devices, using external monitors and even just having somewhere to display your Steam Deck while it charges, but there are a lot of docks that meet that need for much cheaper than the official Valve dock which is $79.

I'm fortunate enough to have got my dock second hand, but after trying friends JSAUX docks and seeing thread after thread on Reddit of issues reported with the official dock, it's clear the basic JSAUX dock is the better purchase. They are virtually identical in shape and the only significant difference is that the Valve version has DisplayPort, but personally I don't think that's worth paying the extra for. Many fellow Steam Deck owners have reported problems with the official dock being temperamental when using with an external monitor, and most solutions to this are "buy the JSAUX one" It's only $29.99, and as we said in our review, why pay more?

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0B28PCDM2%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> JSAUX Docking Station Gives you everything the Valve version does with a similar design and a much lighter price to stomach. Use this to sit your device in while connected to power and attach a keyboard, mouse or monitor. Buy from <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0B28PCDM2%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Amazon | <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeckdock" data-link-merchant="store.steampowered.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Official Steam Deck dock ($79.00)

A wireless keyboard

This quite a niche keyboard, but its not just pretty, it's actually good.

The Lofree Dot foundation connected to the Steam Deck via Bluetooth or a wireless receiver if you're using with a dock.

Lights on or off? They're optional. 

The Lofree Dot foundation keyboard may look like a gimmick but it's fitted with hot swappable mechanical switches.

I know what you're thinking, this keyboard looks a bit bonkers, and you'd be right. The Lofree Dot foundation is certainly catered to a niche market. Don't be fooled by it's quirky aesthetics though, under the hood it has 1,000Hz support and hot swappable switches. The Steam Deck is of a course a whole PC and can be used as such, and even if you're not going to use it outside gaming mode, you may often find you need to tinker with settings such as installing Proton or getting Xbox Cloud Gaming installed. Anything like that is much easier with an actual keyboard and mouse and will save you a lot of frustration. The Lofree Dot Foundation is probably a little extravagant for what I use it for, but Lofree make some solid and reliable keyboards, including the less unusual looking Lofree Flow which we reviewed. I've used plenty of cheaper wireless keyboards but none of which have actually been enjoyable to use and type on, the Lofree Dot Foundation is a bit different from the norm and is my official designated Steam Deck keyboard. You can check out our best keyboards to find something that suits you.

<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1798184&u=1338591&m=112159&afftrack=hawk-custom-tracking&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lofree.co%2Fproducts%2Flofree-dot-foundation-mechanical-keyboard" data-link-merchant="lofree.co""> Lofree Dot Foundation Mechanical Wireless Keyboard Not just a pretty face, this keyboard boasts dual-layer keycap craftsmanship, Gateron BBR linear switches, and swappable keys for those who like to customize. Buy from: <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1798184&u=1338591&m=112159&afftrack=hawk-custom-tracking&urllink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lofree.co%2Fproducts%2Flofree-dot-foundation-mechanical-keyboard" data-link-merchant="lofree.co"" data-link-merchant="lofree.co""> Lofree | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FLOFREE-Foundation-Mechanical-Rechargeable-Hot-swappable%2Fdp%2FB0CPM3NY8H%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="lofree.co"" data-link-merchant="lofree.co""> Amazon

A wireless mouse for navigating desktop mode

My chosen mouse is a little less extravagant than my keyboard. The haptic pads on the Steam Deck are great, but again when you actually want to go into anything in Desktop mode you'll find it a lot easier with an actual mouse. The Logitech MX Master 2S is so good, most of the Windows Central staff have one. You may prefer an actual gaming mouse for your Steam Deck if you plan to game with mouse and keyboard, but being as I predominately use a controller. this mouse is just fine for me to use when I'm trying to tap around in Desktop.   What I love most about this mouse is it's easy to switch between 3 presets, so I have a setting for my laptop and for my Steam Deck. Ergonomically its one of the most comfortable mice you can get, and it works on just about any surface you put it on. It's not the newest model in the MX Master range, but that means you can often get it a lot cheaper, and right now I don't see any reason to upgrade. This mouse is perfect. 

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Logitech MX Master 2S | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB071YZJ1G1%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> was $99.99 now $63.99 at Amazon

The Logitech MX Master 2S is so good, we still recommend it over the MX Master 3S because it's cheaper and still a great mouse. This is perfect for navigating around Steam Deck desktop mode. 

Wire(less) for sound

The Prism Vega T1 are the cheapest 'gaming' earbuds you can get, and the receiver is seriously handy.

The magnetic case gives the earbuds a premium feel

I reviewed the Prism Vega T2 wireless buds last year and previous to doing so, thought 'gaming' earbuds were a gimmick. You can of course use any earbuds with your Steam Deck, but the real beauty of these is the USB-C receiver that comes in the case. That means no faffing around with Bluetooth, just plug in and you have sound, and you're not bothering anyone else with the sound of your game. This appeals to me more than the so-called 'gaming sound' but of course, they sound pretty great too with EQ you can control from a smartphone app. The receiver also allows for passthrough charging, so if you do decide to forgo the Bluetooth, you can still charge the Steam Deck while using these. They aren't as expensive as other more well known brand buds, when I reviewed I compared to the Razer Hammerhead which are double the price, and the Asus ROG Cetra True. The Prism Vega T1 came out on top for value as they are often for sale at around $60, and I've used mine to death on my Steam Deck, smartphone and laptop. 

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0CDH3SMDW%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Prism Vega T1 VR Wireless Gaming Earbuds PrismXR Vega T1 wireless gaming earbuds have seamless connectivity, a low-latency feature for immersive gameplay, and 11mm dynamic drivers delivering a well-balanced audio spectrum. The wireless receiver ensures swift device-switching, making these earbuds an essential companion for handheld gamers seeking convenience and top-notch performance. Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0CDH3SMDW%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Amazon

A controller, if you want to use in docked mode

The Steam Deck can be quite heavy, well at least the LCD model I have is. Fine for short gaming sessions but over longer periods it's nice to switch up to a controller and sit it in it's dock. Or do what this Redditor did and create an ingenious setup using a controller and X-Real glasses . Any controller will do, and really you can't go wrong with an Xbox controller. If you don't already have one, or five, lying around the house, there are a bunch of colors on sale right now at Best Buy, including the latest Special Edition Dream Vapor which is what I'm currently using. The Dream Vapor, and also the Storm Vapor has rubberized grips on the rear giving you more control and making it incredibly comfortable to use. If you prefer a slightly smaller controller, I can also recommend the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro which I reviewed last year, it's cheaper than the Xbox controller, has the Xbox layout but also has the benefit of hall-effect sticks . 

Dream Vapor Special Edition Xbox controller | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fmicrosoft-xbox-wireless-controller-for-xbox-series-x-xbox-series-s-xbox-one-windows-devices-dream-vapor-special-edition%2F6570492.p&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"">was $69.99 now $49.99 at Best Buy Vaporize your competition, or just sit and stare at its beautiful pink and purple swirls. The Dream Vapor is the latest in the Vapor range and features the rubberized grips of the much more expensive Elites. Compatible with Xbox, Windows, Android and iOS. Alternative: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0CDX449NJ%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"">GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro 

Do all Steam Deck accessories work with Steam Deck LCD and Steam Deck OLED?

Luckily, we have both the Steam Deck LCD and the Steam Deck OLED in the household, so I can confirm that all the accessories mentioned here today work with both units. The only thing I would point out is when looking at cases to check it fits your model, as my Steam Deck case mentioned above will fit both, but a case made for OLED may not fit an LCD model as the OLED is slightly slimmer in build. If you're looking specifically at an advertised Steam Deck accessory, always check the listing to confirm it is compatible with both models.

Jen is a News Writer for Windows Central, focused on all things gaming and Microsoft. Anything slaying monsters with magical weapons will get a thumbs up such as Dark Souls, Dragon Age, Diablo, and Monster Hunter. When not playing games, she'll be watching a horror or trash reality TV show, she hasn't decided which of those categories the Kardashians fit into. You can follow Jen on Twitter @Jenbox360 for more Diablo fangirling and general moaning about British weather. 

• 2 EXCLUSIVE: Xbox President Sarah Bond has set up a new team dedicated to game preservation and forward compatibility
• 3 "It's like the gold rush. But it's probably going to come down in a couple of years, and then we'll just be refining the experience." AMD Senior Manager talks AI PCs and NPUs
• 4 One of last year's best PC games just came to Steam, and it's cheaper than a cup of coffee
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The Steam Deck OLED’s cutest gimmick is its case

Valve gets the little things right

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With the Steam Deck OLED , Valve has responded to nearly every criticism I had with the original hardware. You can learn all the specifics in our review , but in short, the mid-life-cycle upgrade features a beautiful screen, longer battery life, and a slightly lighter weight that makes gaming sessions less of a strain on the wrists . However, the Steam Deck OLED’s most charming upgrade doesn’t really have to do with the handheld at all.

For the Steam OLED 1 TB edition, Valve put a case within the case. I am obsessed with this silly, inspired little idea.

Some backstory: The more expensive models of the original Steam Deck shipped with a carrying case I’d describe as Toughbook chic . It looked as if you could safely drop it off a skyscraper, and its excessive bulk raised eyebrows at every TSA checkpoint. Please don’t mistake me for ungrateful; that Valve bothered to include a carrying case set it above the competition, and perhaps the case’s blunt design befit the early Steam Deck, which felt (to some) like playing games on a giant brick.

But let’s be real: The bulky hard shell did an excellent job protecting the Steam Deck and a terrible job fitting into any reasonably sized bag.

The Steam Deck OLED ships in a big bulky case practically identical to the original case. However, this time, the inner lining can be removed and used as its own case . The case within the case looks like a mold of the Steam Deck OLED, with little nipples for the joysticks on the front, and on the back, two protruding columns for the grips.

“We always wanted the included case to be slimmer,” said Lawrence Yang, one of the Steam Deck’s designers. “However, our extensive testing during Steam Deck LCD development showed that we really needed a two-layer construction for maximum impact protection; especially since the case also acts as part of the structural packaging during shipping. We also know that some users prefer max protection over a slimmer profile and we’ve seen users strap the case directly to their backpacks or luggage. This new design gives the users a choice; a slim option for basic protection in a bag or backpack or max protection when combined with the outer shell.”

When asked if the Steam Deck team noticed the similarity between the case and the Batman nipple suit , Yang replied: “The team didn’t notice the resemblance to the Batman suit... until now.”

That Valve improved case (and that it continued including a case at all) is the sort of extra expense that could be so easily trimmed in the manufacturing process. Or it could have been covered in trashy Steam logos, doubling as handheld marketing.

This case is an example of what currently differentiates Valve . In a world of gaming gizmos that prioritizes unwieldy design, copious RGB lights, and a nagging sensation of corners cut, the Steam Deck shows an alternate approach. Of course the OLED screen and improved battery are the reason to get a new Steam Deck. But Valve understands that getting the little things right can transcend something from good to great. Even if it’s something as silly as a case within a case.

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Best steam deck accessories in 2024.

Complement your Steam Deck with these vital add-ons

While the Steam Deck is more expensive than most of the best Android handhelds , it can play thousands of Steam games on the go and even double as a desktop PC in a pinch. Whether you've picked up the original LCD model or the newer edition that boasts OLED technology , the Steam Deck is a brilliant handheld gaming console.

The Steam Deck ships with everything you need to start gaming, but choosing the right accessories will extend the battery, produce better audio, and support more players for long couch gaming sessions. This lineup includes the best accessories to compensate for the Steam Deck's shortcomings and improve on its successes.

Samsung Evo Select microSD Card

Anker powercore iii 10k wireless, spigen glasstr ez fit for steam deck, spigen rugged armor for steam deck, jsaux 5-in-1 docking station for steam deck, 1more sonoflow, gamesir t4 cyclone pro, keychron k3.

microSD cards have lower data transfer speeds than your Steam Deck's internal storage, but the Evo Select has an impressive read/write speed of 130MB/s; enough that you shouldn't notice a noticeable slowdown when loading smaller games. It's available in sizes up to 512GB, so you can expand the cheapest Steam Deck from a paltry 256GB to an impressive 768GB storage size for significantly less than upgrading to the next model.

The Anker PowerCore III's wireless charging feature is technically necessary for the Steam Deck (which doesn't support wireless charging). Nevertheless, it has everything you need to double the battery life of the gaming handheld. This power bank has a 10,000mAh capacity and can comfortably fit in your coat pocket. It's perfect if you don't enjoy lugging multiple bulky accessories.

The Spigen GlassTR EZ Fit's tempered glass surface is rated up to 9H hardness (nearly the hardness of diamond) to prevent scratches and wear and tear. There's also an oleophobic coating to prevent oils and fingerprint smudges from obscuring the display. Spigen ships the screen protector with an installation tray to ensure you get the perfect fit the first time.

Spigen's Rugged Armor case for the Steam Deck strikes the perfect balance of protection, style, and price. If you've used a Rugged Armor product for your phone, you'll know what to expect here. Spigen's Steam Deck case will complement the console's aesthetic perfectly and comes with a nifty wrist strap, so you can avoid dropping it in the first place. Pair it with a screen protector to keep your Steam Deck in perfect shape.

JSAUX's docking station for the Steam Deck forgoes some extra features included with more expensive products in favor of providing essential features at an affordable price point. You get one Ethernet port, one USB-C port for charging, and two USB-A 2.0 ports. The HDMI output is 4K capable, and the max charging speed of 100W can easily handle the Steam Deck's 45W cap.

Choosing a good pair of headphones is crucial when taking your Steam Deck on the go, but many ANC (active noise cancellation) headphones are as expensive as a Steam Deck. The 1More SonoFlow are the best value ANC headphones you can buy right now, so you can fully enjoy your game's audio, thanks to the headphone's LDAC support. You also get up to 70 hours of playtime.

The GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro is the perfect controller for your Steam Deck when it's docked. It's capable of wired and wireless play and is packed with premium features like Hall Effect joysticks and customizable triggers. It matches the Steam Deck's aesthetic and is surprisingly affordable, so you can pick up two to enjoy couch games without breaking the bank. It's also compatible with any PC or Android device.

The Steam Deck's portability and controller layout are great assets, but you can also enjoy mouse and keyboard games. The Keychron K3 is a portable mechanical keyboard that can be easily stored away when you're using the Steam Deck in handheld mode. It also fits neatly into a bag if you want to play mouse and keyboard games on the go. Best of all, it's wireless to keep cable tangles to a minimum.

The right Steam Deck accessories are invaluable

You can easily save money without sacrificing storage space by opting for a lower-storage Steam Deck and installing a MicroSD card. This is the most affordable way to increase your Steam Deck's storage. The Samsung EVO Select's 512GB model is a great option. It is the best compromise between price and storage size and will impact your Steam Deck experience the most.

The Steam Deck's battery life is notoriously short. Valve estimates between 3 and 12 hours of battery on the latest model; this isn't enough if you're traveling a lot. The Anker PowerCore III nearly doubles the time you'll receive and won't take up much space in your bag.

A good screen protector and case are crucial accessories for any handheld, and Spigen's offerings are the best you can get. Spigen's case has the expected durability, with handy extras like a wrist strap to prevent falls. The screen protector also has an oleophobic coating that prevents fingerprint smudges and an alignment tray for foolproof installation.

Best Steam Deck cases in 2024

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• Special Design For Steam Deck - Designed to make your Steam Deck Console even more portable & travel friendly. High Quality hard shell case protects Steam Deck from drops and scratches.
• All-round protect - It has the micro-fibre screen cover to prevent from scratches.There are also velcro protection buckle to hold the Steam Deck in place.The outer shell is hard and the interior cloth is strong so it offers all-round protection.
• Large Storage - Mesh pocket provides secure storage room for some small accessories which can fit charging cable, headphone and Thumb Grips.It also build with 4 game memory card, allowing you to carry and change your favorite games anytime & anywhere.
• Hard EVA Black Shell - This Steam Deck case is made of hard EVA material.Hard EVA shell keeps your device protected while the soft inner material keeps your device free from scratches.
• Lightweight and Portable - An outer rubberised grip handle is a comfortable and convenient way to hold the pouch and easy glide double zippers offer a quick and seamless experience when opening and closing the pouch.

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Customer Review: Sturdy, safe, all-in-one storage

Stream Deck Carrying Case

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, fit and storage space of the wireless accessory. For example, they mention it's a solid product, it adequately fits the Deck and has room for carrying the charger, memory cards and other accessories.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the wireless accessory. They mention that it's a solid product, built well, and a good investment. Some say that the case fits perfectly and is an OEM steam deck case.

" Great quality and fits the steam deck well. I also use it with my ROG Ally but it’s a little big but still fits well enough." Read more

"...It is just as sturdy as the valve case and has room for carrying the charger, memory cards and other small accessories...." Read more

"...if you need something with accessory storage, otherwise the OEM steam deck case is fine ...." Read more

"... Sturdy and safe for it for the most part which is great." Read more

Customers like the fit of the wireless accessory. They mention that the storage compartment adequately fits the Deck, its power cable, the dock, and other accessories.

"Great quality and fits the steam deck well . I also use it with my ROG Ally but it’s a little big but still fits well enough." Read more

"...with your deck but has an extra storage compartment which adequately fits the Deck , it’s power cable, the dock, it’s power cable, and a 6 foot hdmi..." Read more

"It's a sturdy case and fits the steam deck well ...." Read more

"Great case, steam deck fits perfectly ..." Read more

Customers like the storage space in the wireless accessory. They mention that it has an extra storage compartment and slots for extra memory cards. Some say that the case is sturdy and has room for carrying the charger, memory cards, and other accessories.

"...It is just as sturdy as the valve case and has room for carrying the charger , memory cards and other small accessories...." Read more

"...is similar to the case that comes with your deck but has an extra storage compartment which adequately fits the Deck, it’s power cable, the dock, it..." Read more

"...but I like this one since it cradles the deck perfectly and has a pocket for the charger /extra accessories...." Read more

"...The addition of.a compartment to store a charger as well as slots for extra memory cards makes this case superior to the stock one in almost every..." Read more

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Owners Report Valve’s Priciest Steam Deck Model Has A Cracking Problem

Some theorize valve’s $680 device has overly tight screws, leading to small stress cracks in the plastic.

The nearly $700 Limited Edition Steam Deck OLED was released in November 2023 and came with all the improvements found in the normal OLED Deck, but also sported a translucent plastic shell. But this pricier, limited variant seems to be cracking due to overly-tight screws and possible issues with the special plastic used to create its transparent shell.

Since its initial release in 2022, Valve’s portable PC, the Steam Deck , has been a massive success for the company and helped usher in a new era of portable, Switch-like PC devices. In late 2023, to help stay at the top and beat out the new competition, Valve released the Steam Deck OLED, an upgraded version of the device with a fancier screen, more storage, and a better battery. Alongside this, Valve released a limited edition upgraded version of the OLED Deck that cost more than other versions—$680—and came with extra decorative touches, like colored vents and a transparent shell. However, this priciest version of the device seems to be prone to cracking, according to many on Reddit.

Over on the Steam Deck subreddit, you can find many different owners sharing photos and stories of discovering tiny cracks in the back of their fairly new Limited Edition OLED Steam Decks. The cracks tend to be found near screws in the back of the device.

“I woke up this morning to an unfortunate surprise,” posted one user on April 1 . “The plastic shell next to the vent cracked and now the section near the SD card slot is wobbly. I’ve never dropped my deck and I always store it in the provided case when not in use. I’m hoping it’s not a quality issue with the translucent shell material, so I’m posting this in case other people with the LE experience the same thing.”

Others took to the replies, chiming in to say that they had found similar cracks in their Limited Edition Decks, too.

“Wow. I have these cracks too it turns out. That is some bullshit right there,” one user replied.

“I checked mine and it happened to me as well. Oh no,” posted someone else.

Looking around the subreddit, I found plenty of posts and comments where people claim to have checked their LE OLED Steam Decks and discovered tiny cracks on the back .

While some owners have reported Valve has been unwilling to replace devices or offer free fixes , others claim to have had better success after sharing the numerous posts, images, and threads about the cracks with the company—seemingly showing this is a widespread issue involving the plastic and not just a case of someone dropping their Steam Deck. At the moment, it seems a bit hit-or-miss. Kotaku has contacted Valve for more information.

As for what to do to prevent this, the most popular fix is to loosen the screws on the back of the Steam Deck slightly to avoid undue stress on the plastic. Some folks have claimed that the screws on the Steam Deck OLED’s back are sometimes overly tight leading to cracks.

Thankfully, the cracks are small and appear to only be cosmetic. I’ve not seen any evidence that these cracks are causing serious damage or making the device unplayable or anything like that. However, I can understand that after spending nearly $700 on a new device, tiny cracks forming in the back of it for no reason might be very frustrating.

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WWE’s Xavier Woods has an ‘amazing’ Steam Deck travel hack

Looking for a new way to soup up your Steam Deck ? WWE superstar Xavier Woods has a unique portable setup you might want to try.

Ahead of this weekend’s Wrestlemania XL, WWE Superstars gathered in Philadelphia for a week of fan activities. That included a WWE 2K24 tournament hosted by Woods, a member of the decorated tag team The New Day and host of the YouTube gaming channel UpUpDownDown . Ahead of the tournament, I chatted with Woods backstage about how he’s able to keep up with new games while constantly traveling. He revealed his ingenious Steam Deck hack that’s worth trying out.

“I have an Espresso monitor , which is an Australian monitor company,” Woods tells Digital Trends. “It’s a 17-inch monitor that plugs directly into the Steam Deck and blows the screen up. And there are two USB-C ports on the monitor, so if you put your charger in, it charges the Steam Deck while you’re playing. So I move to a controller and I’m playing on a 17-inch TV while I’m flying through the air. It’s amazing. We had the stewardess playing Tekken with us the other day!”

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If you’re curious about trying that for yourself, you’ll have to shell out a bit for it. The 4K Espresso 7 Pro (complete with a stand) currently sells for $800. If you want to cut down that price, Espresso has a few cheaper 13- and 15-inch monitors available for purchase.

So, what’s Woods playing these days? Tekken 8 is currently in his rotation with King as his main character (he’s working on Jack). He’s also been playing Last Epoch , which was released in February. He praises the Diablo-like action RPG for its more streamlined gameplay and an offline mode that allows him to play while flying. And, of course, he’s been fighting for Super Earth in Helldivers 2 .

“For democracy, my dude,” Woods says. “Nothing else matters. Let’s get these bugs and these robots!”

You can play as Xavier Woods himself in the recently released WWE 2K24 . You can also catch him in action during Wrestlemania XL this weekend. He’ll be tagging with New Day companion Kofi Kingston this Saturday in a six-team ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.

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The Steam Deck OLED is a complete refresh of the original model. It packs the same power under the hood, but Valve touched nearly every part of the OLED model to improve on an already stellar design. We have the device in our hands now, and it has a few notable changes that go beyond performance and specs.

Our own Steam Deck OLED review is live, but we wanted to focus in on six unique aspects of the device you wouldn't find in a typical review. The fan is new (and way better)

Valve just announced the Steam Deck OLED, which is an updated model of the original Steam Deck featuring a new OLED screen. Unlike the previous model, Valve is only selling two versions of the Steam Deck OLED, one with 512GB of storage and another with 1TB of storage for $550 and $650, respectively.

Although the OLED screen is the star of the show, Valve is making some upgrades elsewhere, too. The new design is now based on a 6nm APU, as opposed to the 7nm APU in the previous model, and it supports Wi-Fi 6E. The previous model only supported Wi-Fi 5.

By nearly all objective measures, the ROG Ally is better than the Steam Deck. It has solid battery life, a nicer screen, more power, and Windows 11, allowing it to access a much wider library of games than the Steam Deck offers. After four months of using both devices, though, I'm fine keeping my Steam Deck.

That might surprise you, especially if you caught my ROG Ally review when I first took a look at the device nearly four months ago. I even tried replacing my desktop with the device on the strength of Asus' impressive XG Mobile. But after using the ROG Ally for just about every purpose possible, I've been picking up my Steam Deck to play games. What you want, what you need

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A trip to Moscow

I'm going to organize a trip this summer. I want to plan everything. I’ll fly from London to Moscow, and I also want to visit St. Petersburg. Could you, please, advise me what places I should visit? I’ll stay in Moscow for about 10 days before going to St. Petersburg. Thank you!

Not a country I’d be spending my money in at the moment.

Ditto. Ditto!

I don't really see the point of shunning a country because you don't agree with its leader and/or its government. Would you go to Italy? China? Tourist dollars are more likely to get into the hands of the people rather than any corrupt bureaucracy and meeting friendly tourists might just change the locals opinions of foreigners and even give them some information they don't get from local news media.

Hopefully , I won't be starting a war here , but I must say I agree with Chani's comments . Having taken three year visas in 2015 , we have been to Moscow and St; Petersburg ( once to Moscow , and twice to St Petersburg ) . The History , Art , Music ( I am a classically trained musician ) and Culture , fascinate us . Much to experience there and advance preparation is essential , To get a good grounding for your visit , read this lavish and detailed book by Suzanne Massie , it's one of the best ways to immerse yourself in what you will experience - https://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-Beauty-Old-Russia/dp/096441841X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521652009&sr=8-1&keywords=land+of+the+firebird+massie&dpID=51CPK13XKGL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

And while leaders of such countries can point to foreign visitor numbers as a sign of support ? I also believe that personal safety for certain travellers, especially obvious minorities, cannot be guaranteed, as fervent nationalism increases, and tolerance levels evaporate. Just as I may decide against a purchase at the supermarket because of a company’s behaviour, ethics will always be a consideration.

Well, I'd argue supermarket ethics does not readily translate to travel ethics - the latter is far more complex. Personally, I see the whole "vote with my hard-earned travel dollar" approach as overly simplistic, but if it's your position - I totally respect it.

What I don't understand is members volunteering ethical guidance in response to what seems an innocuous request for travel-related information.

Note a discussion on ethics hosted a year ago by the Webmaster of this very forum.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/travel-ethics-612334a0-0ca1-4128-b088-c13d1d8a91c3

I appreciate Rick Steves' point of view in his "Travel As A Political Act". That said, Putin's Russia is not a place I would support. But, to each his or her own....

From a practical point of view, travel between the two countries can be difficult. I understand the Russians who traveled in the US this past winter had to go to the US Embassy in the country of Georgia to get visas because the Russians expelled American embassy personnel. If you do travel to Russia, you may be on your own. See the American travel advisory: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/russia-travel-advisory.html

Travel Advisory January 10, 2018 Russia – Level 3: Reconsider travel Reconsider travel to Russia due to terrorism and harassment. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory U.S. citizens are often victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials. U.S. consular assistance to detained individuals is often unreasonably delayed by Russian officials. Russia also enforces special restrictions on dual U.S.-Russian nationals. Due to the Russian government-imposed reduction on U.S. diplomatic personnel in Russia, the U.S. government has reduced ability to provide services to U.S. citizens.

We have traveled to Moscow and St. Petersburg over the past few years. As in the US, most of the people we encountered helpful and not particularly political. In Moscow, we stayed at The Garden Ring Hotel which was a close walk to the metro. The hotel was very comfortable and quiet for being in the city. We loved the art museums and the Georgian restaurants. In St. Petersburg, we stayed at both The 3Mosta hotel near the Hermitage and the Art Hotel Demetra.. In St. Petersburg, we especially liked the Hermitage and Russian museum. Learning the Cyrillic alphabet and having a good map is a must.

As I think the point about ethical considerations has been made, please keep future replies more specific to the question at hand. Thanks.

Either read a good travel book or book a guide who can personally take you to the best places that interest you and tell about the sights you're seeing. We used Dan Petrov on 2 different trips to Moscow and found him to be wonderfully friendly and witty not to mention super knowledgeable.

Latest advice, Australian Governmemt, 1 April 2018. “Due to heightened political tensions, you should be aware of the possibility of anti-Western sentiment or harassment. While the Australian Government is not aware of any increased difficulties for Australians travelling in Russia at this time, you should follow the security and political situation closely and keep up to date with this travel advice. Remain vigilant, avoid any protests or demonstrations and avoid commenting publicly on political developments.”

We very much enjoyed our group trip to Moscow and St Petersburg last year. excellent guides and accommodations. While Steven who has replied here has excellent advice, ( and we took advantage of it), we felt an organized tour really facilitated our enjoyment of the country. You may want to consider a combination of an organized tour and than adding independent days . Some of the Australians on the tour had arrived a couple of days earlier than the tour stated and then some stayed later. If we were to go again (which I would), that"s how I would do it. And I must say , it was enlightening to have conversations with the Russian tour guides and the non Americans about the current world situation. Not that we went into any great depth, but I think we all went away with a little more understanding. Top places: allow lots of time in St Petersburg at the Hermitage- take a separate day for the Impressionist building. In Moscow, the Russian Art Museum was amazing.

Solid advice from Australian government quoted above, especially the keeping up to date part.

I checked the current version (Sep 18) of that advisory - and it hasn't been updated much. In fact, some sections don't seem to have changed since 2005 - their recommendations for importing/exporting currency and financial instruments, for example, are at least five years behind.

I do like reading governmental travel advisories for entertainment purposes - for instance, up until very recently the US one sternly advised potential travelers that Moscow was largely a cash-based economy (couldn't be further from the truth) and warned about intrinsic dangers of gypsy cabs (which had all but disappeared by 2015).

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