Valve Steam Deck Docking Station overview

After lastly getting my arms on the Valve Steam Deck Docking Station, I am shocked by how a lot I prefer it. The official dock does not appear all that interesting at first, costing greater than the numerous cheaper options on the market that supply related performance. But, this pricey actual McCoy options delicate design and high quality variations that simply really feel properand that alone nearly justifies its larger worth.

Coming in at $89.00 USD / £79.00 GBP, the Steam Deck Docking Station is up towards fierce third-party opponents gunning for the most effective Steam Deck dock crown. That stated, whereas these accent options are spectacular, the official docking station absolutely embodies Valve’s design philosophy in a means that may’t be simply replicated. It additionally comes with a further energy adapter – an enormous boon that’ll prevent continually fidgeting with chargers each time you wish to embrace desktop mode.

Steam Deck Docking Station specs

Armed with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, three USB-A ports, and gigabit Ethernet, the Steam Deck Docking Station handily transforms your handheld right into a makeshift desktop PC.

Listed below are the Steam Deck Docking Station specs:

The Steam Deck Docking Station is not alone on this house, nonetheless, because the Jsaux Docking Station for Steam Deck HB0702 gives the same setup for $20 much less, however there are just a few variations between the 2. For instance, Valve’s official accent is provided with USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, whereas the third-party different sticks with 3.0. Whereas this does imply the official dock helps quicker 10 Gbps switch speeds, you would be hard-pressed to note any distinction between the 2 when utilizing the inputs on your gaming keyboard and mouse.

Valve’s dock additionally makes use of Show Port 1.4 relatively than 1.2,a feat that technically permits the Steam Deck to output a 4K/120Hz or 1440p/240hz sign to your gaming monitor. I say “technically” for the reason that moveable PC typically is not as much as really assembly these requirements, save for distinctive circumstances like taking part in retro video games.

You will additionally have the ability to make the most of MST (Multi-Stream Transport), which permits you to connect with two screens utilizing a single Show Port. I will admit, connecting a couple of display to the Deck feels a bit overkill, however I am not going to grouse about additional performance that would are available helpful to somebody on the market.

Steam Deck Docking Station design

At this stage, it appears like each Steam Deck dock follows the identical cradle with a tail design philosophy. That is not essentially a nasty factor, as having the ability to plonk the Deck down, join a single built-in USB-C cable, and immediately hook up with your show is splendidly handy. Certain, it is not as a slick because the Nintendo Swap, however that is par for the course in the case of PC versus console comparisons.

In principle, the Steam Deck Docking Station achieves its objective utilizing the identical means as each different dock. That is by and huge as a result of the corporate really established the blueprint by sharing early pictures of the accent, however there are tiny design variations that maybe did not translate as effectively visually.

For starters, the lip of the Valve cradle is angled in order that it sits completely flush with the hand-held’s show. You will not have to fret about display scratches, although, as rubber pads information the moveable into place with out a lot fumbling. The dock’s built-in USB-C cable additionally feels extra versatile, which means it will not put up a combat when you attempt to pop it into the highest socket.

I’ve stated this already in our numerous Jsuax dock evaluations, however I discover the aspect placement of Ethernet ports irritating. Fortunately, the Steam Deck Docking Station avoids this cardinal sin, because it sits fortunately amongst different ports on the again. Making an attempt to handle cables is tough sufficient if you’ve bought a PC, Steam Deck, and different digital gubbins connected, and having the ability to channel each connection collectively in the end helps deter worrying spaghetti monsters.

The Steam Deck Docking Station is product of the identical matte black hardy plastic as the hand-held, and different Valve merchandise (RIP Steam Hyperlink and Steam controller). This will look like a downgrade in comparison with the aluminum end on Jsaux options, however I really favor Valve’s method right here. The supplies used for the official dock handle to take care of a better sense of high quality, and serves as a testomony to the corporate’s dedication to {hardware} substance.

Steam Deck Docking Station Firmware

Not like the Jsaux mannequin, you possibly can obtain firmware updates utilizing SteamOS. Patches and tweaks will flag up within the settings menu in the identical place as normal software program updates, conserving every thing streamlined.

That is to not say you possibly can’t fetch Jsaux Steam Deck dock firmware updates, however you may must hook the accent as much as a Home windows PC. This offers the Steam Deck Docking Station a large benefit, in my eyes.

As somebody who struggles with neurospicy mind blips, having the ability to simply replace the official dock’s firmware inside its pure habitat successfully safeguards me from potential points sooner or later, as there’s zero probability of me really remembering to maintain third-part options up to date if it entails an entire different rigmarole.

Steam Deck Docking Station worth

Priced at $89.00 USD / £79.00 GBP, the Steam Deck Docking Station is likely one of the costliest choices available on the market. For that cause, it is simple to see why you would be tempted to choose up a less expensive different, nevertheless it’s nonetheless price contemplating what you really get on your cash.

Not like most options, the Valve Steam Deck Docking Station comes with a 45W charger within the field. As such, it is extra applicable to pit it towards the Jsaux bundle with related dock specs. Doing so leaves a narrower worth hole between the actual deal and the third-party different, and whereas I do not assume that is too egregious given the delicate enhancements, it is nonetheless a saving.

Steam Deck Docking Station verdict

Prior to really utilizing the Valve Steam Deck Dock, I assumed it’d merely be an overpriced model of what is really accessible to moveable PC gamers. It is protected to say I used to be mistaken for probably the most half, because it’s clear that the official docking station has one thing to supply those that favor premium equipment.

Execs:

• Higher specs than options
• Nice construct high quality
• straightforward firmware updates

Cons:

I am not that often advocates for paying for a emblem, nor am I saying that the Steam Deck Docking Station is outright higher than options by Jsaux or different producers. Nonetheless, these in search of a dock that undeniably feels prefer it belongs to the hand-held want look no additional. Worth in the end retains this peripheral from attaining product perfection, however that will not matter to these of you prepared to splash the money.