The Steam Deck is highly acclaimed as a portable gaming PC, but did you know that it can actually be “docked” like the Nintendo Switch and output images to a TV or monitor?
If you use this function,
- As a portable device when on the go
- At home, connect it to your TV and use it as a stationary game console
You can build an extremely cost-effective gaming environment that can play two roles with one device.
In this article,
- How to output Steam Deck to TV
- Recommended docking stations
- How to connect the controller and precautions
in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners.
Steam Deck becomes a “stationary device” when connected to a dock
The Steam Deck itself is equipped with one USB-C port.
The role of the docking station is to use this USB-C port to simultaneously output video, charge, and connect USB devices.
By using the dock, you can use it in the following ways.
- HDMI output to TV or PC monitor
- PC-like operation with keyboard and mouse connection
- Comfortable gameplay with external controller
- Stable communication environment with wired LAN connection
It truly works as a “gaming PC for the living room.”
Is the genuine dock expensive? No problem with third party products
Although Valve’s genuine Steam Deck docking station is of high quality, the drawback is that it is a little expensive.
Actually,
- JSAUX
- Anker
- UGREEN
.
What’s important is not the “price” but whether it meets the specifications.
Points you should definitely check when choosing a dock
When searching for docks on Amazon etc., be sure to check the following points.
PD charging (100W 対応)
Steam Deck consumes a lot of power while playing.
PD (Power Delivery) 100W compatible dock
- Video output
- USB device connection
- Charging
is used at the same time, it is safe and unlikely to run out of power.
*Actually, the power used by Steam Deck is about 45W, but it is important to design it with enough margin.
HDMI 2.0（4K/60Hz対応）
If the HDMI standard is old,
- Video is choppy
- Resolution is limited
Problems like this may occur.
If you choose a dock that supports HDMI 2.0 (4K/60Hz),
you can stably display it on not only Full HD but also 4K TVs.
3 or more USB-A ports
For stationary operation, the USB port is surprisingly used.
- Controller
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- USB memory
at the same time, it is safe to have at least 3 or more
USB-A ports.
Wired LANポート（Ethernet）
Steam games are large, often exceeding 100GB.
If you have a wired LAN port, then
- Fast downloads
- Stable communication
- Legs and cuts are less likely to occur
There are advantages such as:
Especially for stationary operation, we strongly recommend a dock that supports wired LAN.
Standard manufacturer: JSAUX is stable and recommended
The standard among Steam Deck users is the JSAUX dock.
- Designed for Steam Deck
- All necessary terminals are included
- Relatively cheap price
For these reasons, this manufacturer is often chosen as a first dock.
Can I use PS5/Switch controllers?
In conclusion, you can use it without any problems.
Since Steam Deck supports Bluetooth,
- PS4 / PS5（DualShock / DualSense）
- Nintendo Switch Pro controller
.
Bluetooth connection instructions
- Open Steam Deck Settings
- Select “Bluetooth”
- Place the controller in pairing mode
- Select from list to connect
That’s all you need to do.
About the problem of button layout (ABXY) being reversed
If you use a Switch controller, the
ABXY arrangement may be the opposite of the Xbox arrangement, causing confusion.
However, with Steam Deck, if you use Steam Input Settings, then
- Replacing button placement
- Custom settings for each controller
can be done easily.
Once configured, you can play without any discomfort.
Summary: Steam Deck is “the strongest hybrid machine”
Steam Deck
- Mobile game console
- Desktop game console
- Simple PC
It is a highly flexible device with three faces.
Just by preparing a docking station and controller,
A stationary environment that is more expandable than Switch is completed.
If you have a Steam Deck but only use it in handheld mode, please try outputting it to a TV.
Author: “Steam Deck is a piece of hardware whose evaluation will vary greatly depending on how you use it.
Once you learn how to use the dock, there will always come a moment when you think, “This is all I need.”
I seriously recommend it to people who want to enjoy PC games more easily. ”
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