Valve hasn’t released the official Steam Deck Dock yet, so owners are wondering if they can use third-party docks. Unfortunately, the answer to that question is more complicated than one would think. However, we’ll explain if Steam Deck owners can use third-party USB-C docks below.
What docks can you use with Steam Deck?
Steam Deck owners can use third-party USB-C docks, but not every one will work. Only the (still unreleased) Steam Deck Dock is officially supported, and, just like with SSDs, Valve hasn’t released a list of third-party docks that work with the handheld. So, those who have received their Steam Decks are facing a conundrum.
The Steam Deck only has one USB-C port available to connect peripherals to the device. Unfortunately, it also uses this port for charging, which means it’s very particular about which docks it works with. Therefore, users should make sure that any USB-C dock they choose has USB-C Power Delivery (PD) passthrough. Docks with USB-C PD will let users connect the AC adapter to the hub, then connect the hub to the Steam Deck to power it.
Unfortunately, even if a USB-C hub has PD, it’s not guaranteed to be compatible with the Steam Deck. USB-C is a real loose standard, so users may find they have trouble with charging or using video out. Since there’s no official list of compatible hubs, users will have to go through trial and error to find one that’ll work. We recommend using name-brand hubs with a decent return policy.
Alternatively, a USB-A hub with PD can also be used via a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Again, this is a bit of a crapshoot, as adding the adapter brings in a second point of failure. However, USB-A hubs are typically a bit cheaper than the USB-C equivalent. Hopefully, we’ll get an official list of which hubs are compatible soon.
