The Steam Deck has revolutionized how many individuals play PC video games, because it permits you to entry a overwhelming majority of your Steam library on the go. Whether or not you are leaping in for a fast session, or diving into a extra strong sport whereas enjoyable on the sofa or mendacity in mattress, the Steam Deck has confirmed itself to be an extremely versatile machine.
Nonetheless, the Steam Deck can be linked to a TV or monitor for these moments the place you need to expertise your video games on a greater show with an adapter or by utilizing a docking station. Try the small print beneath to learn how to simply join your Steam Deck to a TV and begin enjoying on a greater display screen.
How to Connect With an Adapter
Arguably probably the most simple means to join the Steam Deck to an exterior show is by using an adapter. The Steam Deck is supplied with a USB-C port that not solely provides energy but in addition doubles as a show out, permitting you to join a USB-C cable or adapter to convert the video sign.
What You will Want
Anker USB-C to HDMI Adapter
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This HDMI adapter permits you to join to a TV or show up to 4K decision at 60Hz.
Should you’re connecting to a TV, the only possibility is a USB-C to HDMI adapter as all fashionable TVs (and displays) are geared up with HDMI ports these days. A USB-C to HDMI adapter connects to the Steam Deck’s USB-C port and options a feminine HDMI port on the opposite finish which you’ll join to the TV utilizing an present HDMI cable. Alternatively, you possibly can go for a USB-C to HDMI cable for an much more direct resolution that does not require any further cables.
Some USB-C to HDMI adapters additionally function a passthrough USB-C port to present energy to your Steam Deck whereas it is linked to an exterior show. That is essential to think about as you will not have to depend on the Steam Deck’s inner battery for energy whereas enjoying.
How to Connect: Step-by-Step Directions
- Plug the USB-C to HDMI adapter (or cable) into the Steam Deck’s USB-C port on the highest of the enclosure.
- Connect an HDMI cable to one finish of the adapter and plug the opposite finish into a vacant HDMI port in your TV or monitor. Should you’re using a USB-C to HDMI cable, merely plug the HDMI finish into your TV or monitor.
- (Optionally available) In case your USB-C adapter contains a passthrough USB-C port for charging, join your Steam Deck’s energy adapter to the passthrough USB-C port to present energy.
- Energy on the Steam Deck and it ought to mechanically detect and output the video sign.
- Swap your enter on the TV or monitor to the proper HDMI enter to see your Steam Deck’s show.
How to Connect With a Docking Station
One of the simplest ways to join your Steam Deck to a TV or monitor is by using a docking station. This features equally to a USB-C adapter, however supplies extra of a Nintendo Swap-like expertise as you might have a devoted stand to place your Steam Deck whereas enjoying on an exterior show.
What You will Want
JSAUX Docking Station HB0603
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100 watts of energy for quick charging and tons of ports include this light-weight, compact dock that additionally serves as a stand.
Most docks designed for Steam Deck function no less than an HDMI port and passthrough charging to guarantee your Steam Deck does not run out of energy whereas enjoying. Nonetheless, there are extra strong docks that embody further USB ports for connecting peripherals corresponding to exterior onerous drives or flash drives, ethernet ports for a wired web connection, SD card slots to increase the inner reminiscence, and even a Show Port to join a further show, if you happen to want.
There are a number of Steam Deck docks to select from relying in your wants. You possibly can go for the official Steam Deck dock from Valve, though it is dearer than most third-party choices and does not function almost the identical connectivity choices. There are additionally smaller, extra transportable dock choices, in addition to small adapters that make it simple to journey along with your Steam Deck whereas nonetheless supplying you with the choice of enjoying on a bigger show.
How to Connect: Step-by-Step Directions
- Place your Steam Deck into the dock (if it options a stand).
- Connect the USB-C energy wire to the Steam Deck’s USB-C port on the highest of the enclosure.
- Connect your Steam Deck’s energy adapter to the USB-C charging port on the Steam Deck.
- Connect an HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the dock with the opposite finish linked to a vacant HDMI port in your TV or monitor.
- Energy on the Steam Deck and it ought to mechanically detect and output the video sign.
- Swap your enter on the TV or monitor to the proper HDMI enter to see your Steam Deck’s show.
You will Additionally Want a Controller
PS5 DualSense Wi-fi Controller
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The DualSense controller is not simply to your PS5, it really works nice with the Steam Deck, too.
Whereas you should utilize your Steam Deck’s built-in controls to play whereas linked to an exterior show, this considerably defeats the aim of enjoying on a greater display screen as you are still tethered by cables indirectly. For the very best expertise, you may need to make the most of a controller along with your Steam Deck. Fortunately, there are many nice Steam Deck controllers obtainable. You may even have one mendacity round already.
Whether or not you favor to use a Bluetooth-enabled controller just like the PS5’s DualSense, Xbox’s Wi-fi Controller, the Nintendo Swap Professional Controller, or a third-party possibility is up to you. Steam options help for almost all Bluetooth-enabled controllers, however you can even make the most of wired USB-enabled controllers or controllers that embody USB adapters to present a wi-fi connection.
Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Options, Guides, Information, Previews, and Critiques author for IGN. You possibly can observe him on the location previously often called Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.