10 Steam Deck Add-ons That Actually Make a Difference

Valve’s Steam Deck is a portable gaming powerhouse, letting you run PC titles on a handheld with no compromises. Yet while the Steam Deck is a great device right out of the box, any gaming device can be taken to the next level with the right add-ons and accessories.

That goes double for a system as versatile as the Steam Deck. Want to improve your display, comfort, or set up a multi-console configuration? Accessories for the Steam Deck open up a world of customisation and gaming upgrades, letting you turn the Steam Deck from a great handheld into a phenomenal system.

Here are 10 add-ons and accessories that make a real difference to the Steam Deck experience—reviewed, tested, and gamer-approved.

1. Portable Monitor with High Refresh Rate

Yes, the Steam Deck has a great screen. But it’s always fun to push your system to its limits—especially with AAA titles and emulators. So, hooking up the Deck to a gaming monitor is a great way to unleash its full potential. A 120Hz portable monitor like UPERFECT’s PS5 gaming monitor is a dream, delivering beautiful crispness, ultra-smooth motion, and super low input lag.

Connect it with a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C cable for a full desktop replacement setup or portable couch gaming. And because it also doubles as a high-refresh portable monitor for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and other devices, it’s a great investment for gamers with multiple consoles.

2. Steam Deck Docking Station

The Steam Deck has more ports than you might think, but the official Steam Deck Docking Station (or other third-party alternatives) takes connectivity to another level. These docks offer everything from USB to Ethernet, HDMI and DisplayPort, essentially giving your Steam Deck the connectivity of a desktop PC.

Hook up the Steam Deck to a docking station, and you can switch back and forth between handheld and desktop mode, connect a mechanical keyboard, run an external monitor, charge, and more. Gaming, streaming, or working: the Steam Deck Dock is a productivity and gaming Swiss Army knife.

3. Protective Case and Carrying Case

Portable gaming means taking your Deck on the go, so protecting it while out and about is a no-brainer. A good protective case adds a layer of shock absorption, drop protection, and grip without excessive bulk. Opt for models with reinforced corners, adjustable stands, and space for extra accessories. The Tomtoc and Jsaux carrying cases are top options for travel, keeping your Deck safe from drops and scratches.

4. High-Speed MicroSD Cards

Steam Deck’s internal storage will get eaten up quickly, especially if you’re running bulky games like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077 or big-name AAA titles. The good news: Valve made it easy to add more. A high-speed UHS-I U3 microSD card (SanDisk, Samsung, and many others) is the solution. They offer blazing-fast load speeds and smooth performance across AAA and indie games. A 512GB or 1TB microSD is a great place to start for mobile gaming freedom.

5. Cooling Fan or Heat Sink Add-ons

The Steam Deck can run warm during long gaming sessions, especially in Performance mode. External cooling options like USB-powered fans or clip-on heat sinks can help keep things cool and maintain frame rates. Valve did a good job with thermal management, but if you plan on intense gaming marathons or use it a lot in the summer, an add-on fan or heat sink can help reduce thermal throttling.

6. Portable Power Bank

Battery life is one of the Steam Deck’s only weak spots. If you plan on taking the Deck on the go for more than a few hours, a good, high-capacity, fast-charging power bank is a must. Opt for power banks with 65W or higher USB-C output to make sure the Deck charges while you game. You can’t go wrong with the Anker or Baseus lines. Pick up one of these and you can game wirelessly all day long.

7. Bluetooth Controller (For Docked Mode)

In tabletop or docked mode, the integrated controls of the Steam Deck aren’t as practical. Enter a good Bluetooth controller. The Xbox Series X controller, DualSense, 8BitDo Pro 2, and others all pair with the Steam Deck to deliver responsive and comfortable button layouts. FPS, platformers, or retro games: good Bluetooth controllers take comfort and control precision to the next level.

8. Custom Skins and Grips

Wanna add some flair to your Deck? Or just want a better grip? Skins and grips are the answer. Skins offer scratch protection while also letting you customise the Steam Deck’s look. Grips, made of silicone or rubber, also improve comfort during long gaming sessions. Top picks include Dbrand, ExtremeRate and DeckMate. Affordable and easy to install, they’re a simple upgrade with real tactile and aesthetic benefits.

9. Kickstand Case or Adjustable Stand

Another small ergonomic quibble with the Steam Deck: it has no built-in kickstand, making tabletop gaming harder. A case with a built-in stand (or a separate adjustable kickstand) can help, letting you prop the Deck in various angles for better ergonomics. These are great for local multiplayer games, streaming media, or using the Steam Deck with external peripherals and keyboards. Opt for a kickstand with multiple viewing angles and a solid, stable base.

10. Portable OLED Monitor

For the truly OLED-gaming obsessed, a portable OLED monitor is a must. The difference in colour contrast and black levels makes OLED screens a cut above. Throw one on your desk and pair it with the Steam Deck to bring everything from gritty realism (The Witcher 3) to more stylised and vibrant worlds (Hades or Hollow Knight) to life. UPERFECT makes some excellent portable OLED screens that are ultra-slim for gaming on the go or even dual-screen setups with your Steam Deck.

Need a portable screen for PS5? You can do double duty here since the same portable OLED monitor works perfectly with PS5 (or a PS5 docked mode controller), Xbox Series X/S and many other devices.

Bonus Tip: Steam Deck Plugins and UI Mods

Alright, I know I said “add-ons,” but just had to mention this. While not hardware, the Steam Deck has great support for third-party plugins and UI mods. Thanks to a handy Decky Loader, you can apply powerful tweaks to your Steam Deck and customise the overall UI. Performance overlays, quick access toggles, UI animations, and more. Decky Loader-enabled Steam Deck plugins offer a lot of power. So if you’re into tech tweaking and UI modding, it’s well worth checking out.

The Right Add-ons Can Change the Game

The Steam Deck is impressive out of the box, but the right add-ons and accessories can take it to the next level. From upgrading the display with a PS5 gaming monitor to cranking up the visuals with a portable OLED monitor for your desktop setup, or even doubling up with a portable screen for PS5 that works for your console setup too, the right add-ons add real value to your Deck.

Whether enhancing gaming, productivity, or comfort, there’s an add-on that’s right for every Steam Deck user. With a few thoughtful additions, you can push the Steam Deck far beyond its handheld gaming roots and into a truly portable, fully-fledged gaming hub.