App Trigger
Fansided

Steam Deck Dock delayed: Alternative docking options while you wait

By Andrew Lin

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 06: Intel Corp. CEO Brian Krzanich (L) looks on as Gabe Newell, co-founder of video game developer and distributor Valve, speaks during Krzanich's keynote address at the 2014 International CES at The Venetian Las Vegas on January 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs from January 7-10 and is expected to feature 3,200 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 150,000 attendees. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 06: Intel Corp. CEO Brian Krzanich (L) looks on as Gabe Newell, co-founder of video game developer and distributor Valve, speaks during Krzanich's keynote address at the 2014 International CES at The Venetian Las Vegas on January 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs from January 7-10 and is expected to feature 3,200 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 150,000 attendees. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Steam Deck is finally shipping out, but there’s still a delay. According to Valve, the dock will not be ready to ship yet. The Steam Deck doesn’t have a built-in kickstand like many of its competitors, so what can you do while you wait?

Steam Deck Dock delayed: Alternative docking options while you wait


February 25 is the launch date for the Steam Deck, but the optional dock will not be available until late spring. The dock turns the handheld gaming PC into a desktop gaming PC, with connections for display, networking, USB accessories and power.

The Steam Deck Dock isn’t your only option. It certainly looks nice and is designed for use with the Steam Deck, but any powered USB-C hub will work. Just make sure it can deliver the power the Steam Deck needs to avoid trickle charging, as the system has a pretty short battery life.

According to Valve, it uses a 45W USB-C PD3.0 power supply. Laptop chargers that use USB-C should suffice, if it meets the Power Delivery (PD) spec.

I would advise against leaving the Steam Deck flat on a solid surface or tabletop. Early hardware previews have shown that the fans ramp up aggressively. You’ll want to ensure that Steam Deck has enough airflow to avoid overheating and performance throttling.

That top USB-C port comes in handy for situations like this, as you can get a cheap tablet stand or even photo stand to prop up the Steam Deck while the USB-C hub dangles from the top. HORI makes a great foldable Nintendo Switch stand that looks like it’ll work well.

PlayStation VR2 hardware revealed. light. More

The Steam Deck itself still needs to be plugged in from the top, as that is the only USB Type-C port on the device. That opens up the possibility of toppling with an external hub, unless you use an angle adapter like the official deck to reduce stress on both the cable and the Steam Deck or thread the cable through your stand somehow.

Home/App and Gaming News