After lastly getting my palms on the Valve Steam Deck Docking Station, I’m stunned by how a lot I prefer it. The official dock doesn’t appear all that interesting at first, costing greater than the numerous cheaper alternate options on the market that supply comparable performance. But, this pricey actual McCoy options refined design and high quality variations that simply really feel proper, and that alone nearly justifies its increased value.
Coming in at $89.00 USD / £79.00 GBP, the Steam Deck Docking Station is up towards fierce third-party rivals gunning for the best Steam Deck dock crown. That stated, whereas these accent options are spectacular, the official docking station totally embodies Valve’s design philosophy in a method that may’t be simply replicated. It additionally comes with a further energy adapter – an enormous boon that’ll prevent consistently twiddling with chargers each time you need 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:
| Steam Deck Docking Station specs | |
| USB | USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 (x3) |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.0 (x1) |
| DisplayPort | DisplayPort 1.4 (x1) |
| Ethernet | Gigabit (x1) |
| Value | $89.00 USD / £79.00 GBP |
The Steam Deck Docking Station isn’t alone on this house, nevertheless, because the Jsaux Docking Station for Steam Deck HB0702 provides the same setup for $20 much less, however there are just a few variations between the 2. For instance, Valve’s official accent is supplied 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’d be hard-pressed to note any distinction between the 2 when utilizing the inputs to your gaming keyboard and mouse.
Valve’s dock additionally makes use of Show Port 1.4 reasonably 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” because the transportable PC usually isn’t as much as truly assembly these requirements, save for distinctive circumstances like enjoying retro video games.
You’ll additionally be capable to make the most of MST (Multi-Stream Transport), which allows you to connect with two displays utilizing a single Show Port. I’ll admit, connecting multiple display screen to the Deck feels a bit overkill, however I’m not going to grouse about additional performance that might are available helpful to somebody on the market.
Steam Deck Docking Station design
At this stage, it looks like each Steam Deck dock follows the identical cradle with a tail design philosophy. That’s not essentially a foul 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’s not as a slick because the Nintendo Change, however that’s par for the course on the subject of PC versus console comparisons.
In idea, the Steam Deck Docking Station achieves its objective utilizing the identical means as each different dock. That’s by and enormous as a result of the corporate truly established the blueprint by sharing early photographs of the accent, however there are tiny design variations that maybe didn’t translate as properly 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 received’t have to fret about display screen scratches, although, as rubber pads information the transportable into place with out a lot fumbling. The dock’s built-in USB-C cable additionally feels extra versatile, that means it received’t 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 manage cables is tough sufficient once you’ve received a PC, Steam Deck, and different digital gubbins connected, and having the ability to channel each connection collectively finally helps deter demanding spaghetti monsters.
The Steam Deck Docking Station is fabricated from the identical matte black hardy plastic as the hand held, and different Valve merchandise (RIP Steam Hyperlink and Steam controller). This may increasingly appear to be a downgrade in comparison with the aluminium end on Jsaux alternate options, however I truly desire Valve’s method right here. The supplies used for the official dock handle to keep up a better sense of high quality, and serves as a testomony to the corporate’s dedication to {hardware} substance.
Steam Deck Docking Station firmware
In contrast to the Jsaux mannequin, you’ll be able to obtain firmware updates utilizing SteamOS. Patches and tweaks will flag up within the settings menu in the identical place as basic software program updates, maintaining all the things streamlined.
That’s to not say you’ll be able to’t fetch Jsaux Steam Deck dock firmware updates, however you’ll 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 likelihood of me truly remembering to maintain third-part options up to date if it includes a complete different rigmarole.
Steam Deck Docking Station value
Priced at $89.00 USD / £79.00 GBP, the Steam Deck Docking Station is without doubt one of the most costly choices in the marketplace. For that motive, it’s straightforward to see why you’d be tempted to choose up a less expensive different, but it surely’s nonetheless value contemplating what you truly get to your cash.
In contrast to most alternate options, the Valve Steam Deck Docking Station comes with a 45W charger within the field. As such, it’s extra acceptable to pit it towards the Jsaux bundle with comparable dock specs. Doing so leaves a narrower value hole between the actual deal and the third-party different, and whereas I don’t assume that’s too egregious given the refined enhancements, it’s nonetheless a saving.
Steam Deck Docking Station verdict
Prior to truly utilizing the Valve Steam Deck Dock, I assumed it’d merely be an overpriced model of what’s truly out there to transportable PC gamers. It’s secure 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 desire premium equipment.
Professionals:
- Higher specs than alternate options
- Nice construct high quality
- Straightforward firmware updates
Cons:
I’m 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. Nevertheless, these in search of a dock that undeniably feels prefer it belongs to the hand held want look no additional. Value finally retains this peripheral from reaching product perfection, however that received’t matter to these of you prepared to splash the money.
Steam Deck Docking Station assessment
A dear, however nearly excellent pairing for Valve’s handheld gaming PC that outperforms different docking stations on the subject of specs and firmware updates.
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