I just bought the 64Gb model and a 2Tb drive (will be about a week to get delivered).

What are some essential accessories to pair with the steam deck?

  • Magusbear@lemmy.ml
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    1 year ago

    I’d say you have the essentials already after getting your 2TB drive. With that kind of storage you won’t have to think about buying an SD card for a while (if ever). You might want to think about getting a case though. Preferably one with a kickstand. Mine also helped with the steam decks plastic shell being misaligned a bit leading to hard edges pressing into my palms. Other than that I’d say most of the (more) essential stuff is software related. Like getting decky loader and exploring its plugins.

  • axo10tl
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    1 year ago

    You can buy all sorts of stuff if you have money burning in your pocket, but as far as essential goes, you’ve already got it all.

    That said, you might want to get a multipurpose USB-C dongle, for connecting the deck to an external display, keyboard, mouse, ethernet and such. The Deck Dock is okay, but there are cheaper options with the same functionality.

    • Dutczar
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      1 year ago

      I bought one Dock off Amazon (it may have been JSAUX but I think it was an even cheaper option) and it’s great if I just want it once in a month or do for downloading mods and stuff, it’s the only addon I bought so far and I doubt I’ll need more anytime soon

      • httpjames@sh.itjust.works
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        1 year ago

        Same here - bought off Amazon. Usually it’s used as a glorified deck stand, but when I do want to casually game with a bigger screen, it comes in handy. The USB ports on the back are great too for hooking up external controllers.

    • Hutch
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      1 year ago

      I use a Dlink branded one, and it’s just plug and play. Rated for 65W power, so it maintains charge. It also has SD card reader but not used that.

  • corm
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    1 year ago

    My most essential item is my power bank (I recommend the big 30k mah baseus one).

    Following that, a cheap anker dock, a shoulder backpack, an xbox controller, a retractible usb c cable, headphones

    • ewe@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Xbox controllers are just awesome with it and are really solid bluetooth-wise. I got a bunch while they were on sale for xmas so that my kids and I could all play 4 player couch co-op games on the tv. It’s been a blast.

      I’d tried the same with a rpi and some janky set of various controllers and it just flopped and was 95% spent troubleshooting. Once I standardized and get them setup it’s been silky smooth and robust as hell even with new updates.

      • corm
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        1 year ago

        Nice that’s awesome, what couch coop games have you been playing?

        • ewe@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          Lovers from a dangerous spacetime

          Ibb and obb

          Overcooked

          Pikuniku

          Stick fight

          These are some of the few that my fairly young kids could “get” without too much frustration

  • kadu@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I really enjoy the Skull & Co thumbstick grips, I always find that touch surface a little slippery

      • kadu@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Kinda. They still work as taps, so if you release them and touch them, the device registers a tap. But for holding (for instance, using gyro) I wouldn’t recommend it because the input fluctuates a lot.

          • kadu@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            I don’t think so, because when reading reviews these ones consistently were ranked higher and specifically had comments like “the only ones that worked with the touch sensor” but yeah… They just barely work.

  • SoggyPigeon@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Others have mentioned this already but the main thing for me was a glass screen protector.

    If you get a power bank make sure it’s able to charge the deck at full speed. I’ve heard good things about the Anker 737 but i myself don’t have one.

    • Meseta@sh.itjust.works
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      1 year ago

      Note for others reading this (not applicable to OP) but glass protectors aren’t recommended for the 512GB model. It clashes with the anti-glare coating on the screen and causing the picture to become fuzzy.

      If you’re on a 64/256 though definitely consider investing in a matte glass screen protector

  • SlightOpposite@discuss.tchncs.de
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    1 year ago

    A folding bluetooth keyboard-trackpad combo has been a lifesaver for me! Any time I need to work on something in desktop mode it’s saved a lot of time and frustration.

    • Kuma@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I usually just use the built in track pad and the digital keyboard (or whatever you call it) but sometimes is it easier to just type with a normal keyboard if I have to change a lot of config files (I use a USB hub and keyboard then). But I only mod my games in desktop mode so maybe that is why I don’t see the need of a true dedicated keyboard and mouse set up?

      What kind of work do you do on the deck?

    • stinkyweezle@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I had problems with them coming unstuck with heat. Nice not seeing myself staring back from the abyss in dark scenes though.

  • MajorLinux@lemmy.majorshouse.com
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    1 year ago

    If you don’t mind cracking it open, I’d recommend picking up a bigger SSD. I swapped my 64 GB for a 1TB and it’s been night and day.

    Also, look into something like Deckmate. You can buy it from them or get the 3D files for a donation and it allows you to mount things to the Steam Deck. Their kickstand even doubles as an 2x microSD card holder.

  • scumm_boy@sh.itjust.worksB
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    1 year ago

    I cannot recommend the dBrand Killswitch case with travel cover enough. Being able to throw the deck in my work bag for trips is SO good. The case that the Deck comes with is nice, but it is way too big. The extra grippyness the Killswitch gives the Deck is excellent too.

  • Hutch
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    1 year ago

    I didn’t bother upgrading the internal storage, I just added an SD card. A long USB-C cable is very useful too sometimes.

    • Rossel@sh.itjust.works
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      1 year ago

      The internal storage on the 64GB fills up too fast with shader caches, if you are willing, upgrading the internal memory is absolutely worth it.