10 Best Steam Deck Accessories You Can't Miss Out On
The Steam Deck has completely reshaped our expectations for portable gaming, placing the vast expanse of PC libraries right into our hands. As we head into late 2025, this incredible device is more than just a gadget; it’s the heart of a customizable gaming ecosystem. To truly unlock its uncompromised potential, however, you need the right gear. Let’s explore the essential enhancements that elevate the Steam Deck from great to absolutely extraordinary.
What You Should Know About the Steam Deck
So, what is a Steam Deck? At its core, it's a full-fledged handheld gaming computer from Valve, a compact PC engineered to run your Steam library anywhere. It's not a closed console like the Nintendo Switch. Instead, it operates on SteamOS, a custom version of Linux, and uses a clever compatibility layer called Proton to run a massive number of games originally designed for Windows. The device is a powerhouse in a small package, driven by a custom AMD APU with Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architecture, which gives it enough muscle to handle modern AAA titles. Its versatility extends beyond gaming; a full desktop mode allows it to function as a portable computer, capable of running emulators for classic consoles and connecting to external displays and peripherals.
When choosing a device, you're looking at two distinct models. The original LCD version remains a fantastic and now budget-friendly entry point into the world of portable PC gaming. It established the formula, but its successor, the Steam Deck OLED, refined it. The OLED model isn't a "Steam Deck 2" but rather a significant revision that addresses many of the original's limitations. The most striking upgrade is its display; the OLED screen is larger, significantly brighter, and boasts a faster 90Hz refresh rate with HDR support, offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors that transform the visual experience. Just as important are the internal improvements. A larger 50Whr battery and a more efficient 6nm APU grant the OLED a 30-50% boost in playtime, a game-changing advantage for portability. It also features upgraded Wi-Fi 6E for faster downloads and more stable online play, along with improved Bluetooth 5.3 for better wireless accessory performance.
| Feature | Steam Deck LCD | Steam Deck OLED |
| Display Size | 7.0 inches | 7.4 inches |
| Display Type | LCD | HDR OLED |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 400 nits (SDR) | 1,000 nits (HDR), 600 nits (SDR) |
| Battery Capacity | 40Whr | 50Whr |
| Estimated Playtime | 2-8 hours | 3-12 hours |
| APU Process | 7 nm | 6 nm |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Weight | 669g | 640g |
| Storage Options | 256GB NVMe SSD | 512GB / 1TB NVMe SSD |
Why Steam Deck accessories Are Necessary
The Steam Deck's accessible price is just the entry ticket to a world of portable PC gaming. The true cost of an uncompromised experience reveals itself when you push the hardware to its limits. Certain accessories aren't just nice to have; they are fundamental to overcoming the device's inherent limitations.
The most pressing issue is the unavoidable power drain. When running a graphically demanding AAA game, the LCD model's battery life can be shockingly short, often dipping below 90 minutes. Even the improved OLED model, which pushes past the two-hour mark in similar scenarios, has a finite capacity that won't last through a long flight. This variance is huge; while a demanding title might exhaust the battery quickly, a lightweight indie game can run for 8-12 hours on an OLED Deck, highlighting how much power consumption depends on the software.
| Game | Battery Life (LCD Model) | Battery Life (OLED Model) |
| Helldivers 2 | 1h 12m | 2h 10m |
| Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut | 1h 21m | 2h 10m |
| Assassin's Creed Mirage | 1h 23m | 2h 12m |
| Baldur's Gate III | 1h 28m | Not Tested |
| Elden Ring | 1h 33m | 2h 14m |
| Horizon Zero Dawn | 1h 31m | 2h 15m |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (similar demand) | ~1.5 hours | ~2 hours |
Next comes the storage squeeze. Modern games are colossal, with many titles easily exceeding 100GB. The base 256GB model can feel cramped after installing just a couple of major releases, and that's before accounting for the space taken up by the operating system, shader caches, and Proton compatibility files. Valve anticipated this, including a microSD card slot as an essential lifeline for library expansion.
Finally, there's the challenge of its form factor. The Deck is a powerful PC trapped behind a 7-inch, 800p screen. For games designed with large monitors in mind, on-screen text can become illegibly small. To get a proper console-like experience on a TV or use the device for productivity on a monitor, you need a way to connect everything—display, power, and peripherals—through its single USB-C port. A docking station is the key that unlocks that potential.
10 Best Steam Deck accessories
Navigating the sea of available gear can be daunting. The focus here isn't on specific brands but on the critical features that define the best steam deck accessories. Understanding these will empower you to build the perfect setup for your needs.
A Power Bank for Uninterrupted Play
This is arguably the most crucial of all must-have Steam Deck accessories. To keep your gaming sessions going, look for a portable battery that meets two non-negotiable specifications. First, it must support at least 45 W Power Delivery (PD). The Steam Deck requires a 45 W input to charge effectively while you’re playing; a lower wattage will only slow battery drain, not reverse it. Second, aim for a capacity of at least 20,000 mAh. That’s enough for at least one full recharge of either Deck model and is typically the maximum capacity allowed on airplanes. A good power bank for Steam Deck will effectively double or triple your playtime on demanding titles.
If you want something that easily exceeds these benchmarks, the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank (25,000 mAh, 170 W) is a standout fit. With dual USB-C ports supporting up to 140 W PD output, it effortlessly powers the Steam Deck even during heavy gameplay while leaving room to charge a phone or controller at the same time. Its 90 Wh rating makes it fully airline-compliant, and the built-in 140 W input means the bank itself recharges from 0 to 50 percent in about 20 minutes—ideal for travel or quick gaming breaks. The compact 565 g design slips into a backpack sleeve, while the TFT display gives real-time wattage and remaining-power readouts so you always know exactly how much gaming time you have left. Rugged, fast, and practical, it’s one of the few power banks that can genuinely keep up with the Steam Deck’s performance demands.
A High-Speed MicroSD Card for Your Library
With game sizes ballooning, expanding your storage is not a question of if, but when. The microSD card you choose has a direct impact on performance. Look for a card with a U3 Speed Class rating. This guarantees a minimum sequential write speed of 30MB/s, which is vital for smooth downloads on Steam, as the system simultaneously unpacks files as they arrive. Also, prioritize an A2 Application Performance Class. The A2 rating signifies faster random read/write speeds, which can reduce in-game stuttering and texture pop-in, especially in large open-world games. Don't overspend on a UHS-II card; the Deck's reader is limited to UHS-I speeds, so a faster card offers no benefit.
A Protective Shell for Grip and Durability
A good case protects your investment from accidental drops and improves ergonomics. The choice of material comes down to personal preference between the two main types.
Feature | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | Polycarbonate (PC) |
Grip | High (rubbery, tacky texture) | Low (smooth, slick surface) |
Shock Absorption | High (flexible, cushions impacts) | Low (rigid, can transfer impact) |
Scratch Resistance | Medium | High |
Flexibility | High | Low (Rigid) |
Long-Term Appearance | Prone to yellowing over time | Resists discoloration |
TPU cases are flexible and offer superior shock absorption and grip, ideal for preventing drops and protecting against them. Hard polycarbonate shells provide excellent scratch resistance and a more premium, rigid feel, but are typically more slippery.
A Screen Protector for a Flawless Display
Protecting your screen is a simple way to maintain your Deck's value and visual clarity. A tempered glass (glossy) protector offers the best defense against scratches while preserving the screen's original color and sharpness, though it is highly reflective. An anti-glare (matte) protector is a fantastic option for those who often play in brightly lit environments, as it diffuses reflections. The trade-off is a slight reduction in image sharpness and vibrancy that some users notice. For owners of the 1TB Steam Deck OLED, which has a premium anti-glare etched screen, adding a protector negates this built-in feature, so many choose to go without one.
A Docking Station for the Big-Screen Experience
To transform your handheld into a couch console or a desktop workstation, a docking station is essential. The best accessories for Steam Deck in this category provide a suite of critical ports. Look for a dock with an HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4 output for connecting to a monitor or TV at up to 4K resolution and 60Hz. It should also have at least two or three USB-A 3.0 ports for controllers and other peripherals, a Gigabit Ethernet port for a stable wired internet connection, and a USB-C Power Delivery input to keep the Deck charged while it's docked.
A Wireless Controller for Precision and Comfort
For docked play, a dedicated controller is a must. The most important feature to look for in 2025 is Hall Effect joysticks. Unlike traditional analog sticks, which use physical contacts that wear down and cause "stick drift," Hall Effect technology uses magnets to detect movement. This design is virtually immune to drift, offering superior longevity and accuracy. Beyond that, seek out a controller with versatile connectivity options (Bluetooth and a 2.4Ghz wireless dongle) and programmable back buttons for additional inputs.
Wireless Audio for Immersive, Lag-Free Sound
Standard Bluetooth audio often has a noticeable delay, or latency, which can be jarring in games. To solve this, you need headphones or earbuds that support a low-latency audio codec. The Steam Deck OLED's upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 supports advanced codecs like aptX Low Latency (LL) and aptX Adaptive. These technologies reduce audio lag to an imperceptible level (around 40ms), so sound effects are perfectly synchronized with the on-screen action. Some of the best wireless audio solutions for gaming even use a dedicated 2.4GHz USB-C dongle for an even more stable connection.
Ergonomic Grips and Thumbstick Caps
Long gaming sessions can lead to hand fatigue. Add-on grips, often integrated into a protective case, can change the device's contours to fit your hands more comfortably, while textured surfaces prevent slippage. Simple silicone thumbstick caps that fit over the joysticks are another great small upgrade. They increase the surface area and add texture, giving your thumbs better purchase for more precise control in fast-paced games.
A Dedicated Travel Carrying Case
The case that comes with the Steam Deck is exceptionally protective but also bulky, with no space for accessories. A good third-party travel case offers a slimmer profile that's easier to pack and includes dedicated compartments for your power bank, cables, and microSD cards. Look for designs with an internal molded shape or a "W-shaped" structure that protects the joysticks from being pressed down in a bag. Durable, water-repellent materials and high-quality zippers are also hallmarks of a great travel case.
A Compact Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
To unlock the Deck's full potential as a portable PC, a compact keyboard and mouse are invaluable. Navigating the Linux desktop mode, browsing the web, or managing files with the on-screen controls is cumbersome. A small Bluetooth keyboard (such as a 60% or tenkeyless model) and a lightweight wireless mouse can be easily stowed in a travel case, transforming your Deck into a capable productivity machine whenever you need it.
Summary
The Steam Deck is a phenomenal piece of hardware, but its out-of-the-box form is just a starting point. The true magic of the platform is unlocked through thoughtful customization. The right Steam Deck accessories are not frivolous add-ons; they are foundational investments that solve the device's core limitations in power, storage, and connectivity. Armed with this knowledge, you can now build a personalized gaming rig that perfectly fits your lifestyle, turning a promising handheld into the ultimate portable PC gaming machine you've always wanted.