I’ve examined lots of docking stations at this level, and the UGREEN Steam Deck dock sings off the identical hymn sheet as its rivals. Nonetheless, refined variations imply this explicit accent is probably suitable with extra than simply Valve’s transportable powerhouse, because it must also work simply high-quality with different handheld gaming PCs just like the Asus ROG Ally.
Coming in at $44.99 / £37.99, the UGREEN Steam Deck dock isn’t the most affordable on the block. Whilst you can choose up the unique JSAUX dock for much less, it matches higher-spec fashions by the accent producer. Identical to most choices on the market, small design variations and quirks set UGREEN’s take other than the remaining, whereas its visible aesthetic bears an uncanny resemblance to different thirds occasion choices in the marketplace.
Is UGREEN’s hub the best Steam Deck dock on the market? Effectively, it relies on what you’re in search of in a docking station. It’s going to operate identical to its counterparts, and it’ll fortunately allow you to pair the transportable with the PC peripherals and your monitor or TV. Admittedly, I’m extra excited concerning the truth it may cradle chonkier handhelds, because the tailor-made match of options inadvertently hampers versatility.
To save lots of you from scrolling round this assessment, I’ve included some useful hyperlinks that’ll take you to particular sections:
UGREEN Steam Deck dock specs
Reciting UGREEN Steam Deck dock specs looks like déjà vu, however let’s cowl what the accent presents. When it comes to IO, you’ll get HDMI, Ethernet, two USB-A ports, and a USB-C connection. The latter really units this accent other than others in the marketplace, because it means you received’t want an extra adapter for pesky peripherals that embrace the brand new normal.
| UGREEN Steam Deck dock | |
| USB ports | USB-A (x2) / USB-C (x1) |
|---|---|
| Energy Supply | 100W |
| HDMI ports | 1 |
| Ethernet | Sure |
| Worth | $44.99 / £37.99 |
The dock hooks as much as the deck utilizing the same old built-in USB-C tail that trails to the highest of the Steam Deck, and a 100W energy supply port additionally lives on the again. At this stage, it looks like we all know precisely what to anticipate from handheld PC docking stations, and it’s good to see that UGREEN hasn’t missed any beats in relation to specs.
UGREEN Steam Deck dock options
Docking stations are tasked with the noble purpose of turning your on-the-go machine right into a desktop PC, and the UGREEN Steam Deck dock embarks on that very same quest. I’m attempting to keep away from making the Nintendo Change comparability, however the accent tries its greatest to match the expertise of having the ability to plop your transportable on a cradle and have instantaneous big-screen outcomes. Having to plug a cable into the highest isn’t wherever close to as slick as sliding the hand held seamlessly right into a connector, however it’s on Valve to consider that when conjuring up the Steam Deck 2.
UGREEN Steam Deck dock design
You’d be forgiven for considering the UGREEN Steam Deck dock appears the identical as different third-party options, particularly because it makes use of of the identical aluminum physique, rubber pads, and versatile USB-C cable as its rivals. But, upon nearer inspection, you’ll discover fairly a number of design variations that I each contemplate to be enhancements and issues that change the best way you’ll use the accent.
For starters, the cradle part of the docking station is far wider than each the Valve Steam Deck Docking Station and JSAUX choices. To not sound cliché, however this alone is each a blessing and a curse, because it means the Deck doesn’t remotely match snugly on the cradle. You’re speaking about not less than 5mm further wiggle room, which subsequently means you utilize the Deck with a case or different handhelds with the dock with out them feeling like an grownup attempting to squeeze into an toddler’s swing on the play park.
You may suppose I’m simply attempting to be humorous with that final comment, however it really occurred whereas playing around throughout my Asus ROG Ally review. Out of curiosity, I popped the Steam Deck’s new nemesis onto the JSAUX dock, and it ended up friction fitted onto the underside. Positive, eradicating it didn’t require a disgruntled go to by the hearth division outfitted with energy instruments, however it didn’t precisely really feel suitable.
On the flip aspect, the Asus ROG Ally really fitted onto the UGREEN Steam Deck dock virtually completely, sitting at a lot much less of an angle than the Deck itself. Sadly, I didn’t handle to snap any pictures earlier than parting with the transportable powerhouse after reviewing, however you’d virtually suppose it was really designed for it particularly.
So, if you happen to’re questioning whether or not you should utilize the Asus ROG Ally with a Steam Deck dock, the reply is sure, so long as you go for UGREEN’s mannequin. We’ll little question see precise third-party options sporting the hand held’s title on the field quickly, however this present docking station received’t must do a lot to alter its agenda.
Utilizing the accent with different handhelds apart, it virtually looks like UGREEN has heard my cries about JSAUX’s Ethernet placement. Fairly than sticking it on the aspect, the dock locations the port in the midst of the IO, making it simpler to handle cables and stop desktop obstructions. That stated, one of many USB-A ports does stay on the left-hand aspect, which can affect what sort of peripheral you select to plug in.
Sadly, there’s a worrying caveat tied to UGREEN’s cradle design, because the again assist partially covers the transportable’s rear vent. I didn’t discover any preliminary points with temperatures in consequence, and JSAUX’s dock additionally commits the identical sin to a far lesser diploma. Nonetheless, I’d really feel extra comfy if the again averted this fully, just like the official Valve docking station.
UGREEN Steam Deck dock efficiency
In fact, you aren’t going to search out any efficiency variations between the UGREEN Steam Deck dock and its foremost competitors. Most third-party choices use the identical 5Gbps USB ports and HDMI 2.0, which lets you run video games at 4K 60fps. I say “permits”, however you’re not going to be doing that with any new launch utilizing Valve’s transportable, however it’s useful if you happen to’re trying to revisit classics like Fable: The Misplaced Chapters and max out settings.
UGREEN Steam Deck dock worth
The UGREEN dock doesn’t break ranks by way of price, because it comes with the identical $44.99 price ticket as its closest rivals. In the event you’re planning on choosing up one of many best Steam Deck case choices on the market, investing on this explicit docking station is sensible over any others, because it’s extra prone to match with shells and covers nonetheless hooked up.
In fact, there are cheaper docking stations on the market, albeit with fewer ports, that can successfully present the identical expertise as the remaining. My private favourite, the unique JSAUX Steam Deck dock, will set you again $20 much less and looks like a greater match for Valve’s handheld, even when it does function irritating Ethernet placement.
That’s to not say the UGREEN Steam Deck dock isn’t well worth the cash, and you can say it makes the hassle to be not less than a bit completely different. Its included USB-C port goes to avoid wasting any adapter trouble, and the roomy cradle part provides a layer of compatibility not embraced by options on the market.
UGREEN Steam Deck dock verdict
There’s lots to love concerning the UGREEN Steam Deck dock, and it’s nice to see so many choices in the marketplace that perceive the task. I’m a bit involved about again air flow, and it appears extra like a deck chair (sorry) than a propped-up cradle, however the refined variations will come in useful relying on the scenario.
That is going to sound unusual, however I reckon UGREEN Steam Deck docking station might find yourself being among the best Asus ROG Ally docks. I’d must correctly assessment it alongside the hand held PC, however the truth it suits is an unbelievable coincidence. Maybe I’ll get round to that in one other life, however for now, it’s secure to say that UGREEN’s accent is an effective way to hook up Valve’s handheld to PC peripherals and screens.
The place to purchase the UGREEN Steam Deck dock
The UGREEN Steam Deck is accessible worldwide from Amazon, and we’ve bought the perfect costs for it proper right here:
UGREEN Steam Deck Dock options
In case your coronary heart isn’t set on UGREEN’s docking station, try our information to the best Steam Deck docks you possibly can choose up in the present day, together with the Jsaux Docking Station and Jsaux M.2 Steam Docking Station.
You may also have an interest within the best Steam Deck accessories, together with the best Steam Deck screen protectors.
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