Skip to main content

The Steam Deck’s docking station faces another setback

Valve’s slow rollout of the Steam Deck has been part of its release strategy all along, but the delay of its docking station peripheral was a bit more unexpected.

The long-awaited Steam Deck docking station had already been delayed for most of 2022 — and now, Valve has confirmed yet another setback in its release for an uncertain amount of time.

Steam Deck

Valve detailed in a blog post on Wednesday that the accessory to its Steam Deck hand-held gaming system has once again been delayed for release due to “parts shortages and COVID closures at our manufacturing facilities.”

The docking station was originally set to release in February as a main accessory for the Steam Deck. The dock is designed to act as a hands-free stand and connector system to TVs, external displays, and other peripherals. It also allows for charging of the Steam Deck, adding some much-needed extra battery life to the power-hungry handheld.

Valve used the first delay period to upgrade the Steam Deck docking station around April, with USB 3.1 ports for improved transfer speeds, as noted by Gizmodo

So far, the company has still not been able to give concrete details on exactly when the docking accessory might release to consumers — just one of the downsides to how the Steam Deck launched.

The Steam Deck connected to controllers.

“We’re working on improving the situation and will share more info when we have it. This has no effect on production schedule and reservation windows for Steam Decks (different parts, different factories),” Valve said in its blog.

For those still waiting to receive their Steam Decks, that, at least, is good news.

In the meanwhile, users have other charging and accessory options, such as battery packs, to keep their Steam Decks topped up with power. Fortunately, the docking station isn’t a necessary feature for gameplay, including all the best Steam Deck games you can play.

The Steam Deck is expected to update later this year with Valve set to make 256GB and 512GB models available during the third quarter, approximately around the October time frame. Whether the docking station will also be available by that time is anyone’s guess.

Editors' Recommendations

Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh is a technology journalist with over a decade of experience writing about various consumer electronics topics…
Steam Deck battery life: 5 tips to extend your playtime
Half-rate shading option on the Steam Deck.

The Steam Deck is a great device, but it has a major flaw: Battery life. In the best of cases, you can get around four hours before charging, and in the worst, the Deck can die in as little as 90 minutes. We rounded up the five Steam Deck battery life tips so you can extend your playtime as long as possible.

If you just picked up your device, make sure to read our top Steam Deck tips so you can get the most out of it. We also have a roundup of the best battery packs for the Steam Deck, which are essential if you plan on taking the handheld on a long trip.
Reduce screen brightness

Read more
Still waiting for the Steam Deck dock? This fan made their own
The real Steam Deck Docking Station

The Steam Deck docking station might be subject to an extended delay, but fans of the handheld gaming system have taken measures into their own hands, creating their own 3D-printed variations of the accessory that work just as well as the peripheral promised by Valve.

Most recently, a Reddit user by the name of Hannover2k shared images of their own Steam Deck docking station rig, detailing that the accessory is based around a Dock-Teck DD0003 USB-C hub. The user also added two USB 3.0 slots, an SD/MicroSD slot, an HDMI and LAN ports, and a 45-watt USB C-Charge port passthrough, TechRadar noted.

Read more
Pre-ordered a Steam Deck? Here are the first Deck Verified games you should play
A Steam Deck sitting on top of a PC.

The Steam Deck has been out for months, but many hopeful buyers are still waiting on their handheld. Valve hasn't been idly shipping units, though. The company continues to add games to its list of Deck Verified titles, which Valve itself has verified to work with the Deck.

This list is mainly focused on games that you can't play on another handheld (and in some cases, on any other platform). Although Deck Verified games offer the best experience, there are thousands of additional titles that still work on the Steam Deck. Make sure to read our roundup of the best Steam Deck games for a few options. To get the most out of your new handheld, here are the Steam Deck Verified games you should play first.

Read more