The Ultimate Portable Gaming Station: Steam Deck Setup Guide

If you haven’t made the leap from ‘Should I buy a steam deck?’ to ‘Which steam deck model should I buy?’, then here’s some ammunition for you…

Do you need a small push to justify buying it to yourself, your spouse or your partner in crime? Here are some one-liners to get you across the line:

• “But honey… I can use emulators on the Steam Deck – it’s actually be cheaper in the long run.”
• “Darling! Come look… you can set it up for movies and work – we don’t need another laptop after all.”
• “We can use our controllers to game together too – think of the quality time we can spend playing life simulators together.”

However, if you need the finer details before committing, here’s why it’s a great device.

Portable and powerful

The Steam Deck is powerful for its size. Who can say no to a device that can make a MMORPG like World of Warcraft portable?

This guide will show how to make the most of its portability. It will show you how to create your own bespoke solution by combining carefully selected accessories to transform the Steam Deck into a dock-able lap desk gaming and workstation.

This bespoke Steam Deck gaming station can allow you to experience gaming how you like. Whether you want to use a monitor, keyboard, and mouse on the couch, then quickly move this setup around the house as you need whilst still being able to pick up the console and walk away with ease (if you enjoy creating things for yourself, this setup is fun to do).

Functionality

Unlocking the Steam Deck’s potential – Gaming mode and Desktop mode.

The Steam Deck uses Linux, and Valve’s Linux distribution SteamOS, incorporating the namesake Steam storefront. SteamOS uses Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, allowing users to run Windows applications and games.

The Steam Deck allows you to switch between two modes. Gaming mode is perfect for gaming, and when gaming provides a Steam overlay. Desktop mode accesses the whole Linux operating system just as you would on a larger device. You can install third-party accessories as you would on any other computer with Linux installed.

This means you have the ability to use Steam Deck as a gaming device and as a full-functioning computer.

• Game in desktop mode – You may want to watch a show on Stremio or VLC while gaming. You can do this by opening multiple windows. We have comfortably spent many hours watching shows on the Steam Deck screen while playing World of Warcraft Classic on our gaming lap desk. Initially, we used a monitor in bed with a full keyboard and mouse combo. Then we would un-dock and switch to gaming mode for more comfort. Now with a click of an add-on, we shift the controls from a keyboard setup to the native Steam Deck controls.
• Work in desktop mode – Attaching a monitor to a portable desk unlocks a genuine ability to work on the device. We are currently developing this website on the Steam Deck. It’s on our laps, docked into our setup. We have used online versions of Microsoft Office for home use and also log into our virtual day job work environments.
• Game with emulators – Because it’s a fully-fledged mini computer, it is possible to use emulators -For example, we have EmuDeck installed.

Our hybrid gaming solution follows – It details what we are using to get more out of our Steam Deck. To game the way we want, when we want.

Why did i buy a Steam Deck and create a Steam Deck Gaming Station?

• I found myself creating one as i have a very busy life and gaming is my only wind down time. But i want flexibility.
• I was an avid PC gamer until my early twenties – hooked on MMOs. As priorities changed – driven by workload and family, i had to change how i gamed too, switching to the simplicity of a large TV and plug in consols.
• That was until my son was born. At this point i learnt that my Nintendo switch and noise cancelling headphones were the best things i owned.
• For the first three months it was naps on my chest as I played a combination of Hades and Stardew Valley – it was bliss.
• Fast forward eight months and i now find i can still fit in gaming while spending some quality time with the family. Playing, pausing, moving, putting it down – It’s very accessible, and perfect for the busy gamer.
• The Steam Deck came next. The draw of emulators, playing age of empires 2, and MMOs was too much (few of the latter – but it’s a start!)

The Steam Deck Models Available

• There are three version of the Valve Steam Deck available, primarily differentiated by the storage size and storage type.
  • 64 GB eMMC
  • 256 GB eMMC
  • 512 GB NVMe SSD
• In our view the storage size and type in combination is the only notable difference worth considering your purchase.
• The Steam Deck models support expandable storage via microSD or USB 3.0, however games will always run better using internal storage.

What are the differences?

• The 64GB version uses an Embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) while the 256 GB and 512 GB versions use solid-state drives (SSD) storage.
• SSDs deliver superior performance and the NVMe enhances it.
• The NVMe stands for nonvolatile memory express. It is a new storage access and transport protocol for flash and next-generation solid-state drive

What do Valve say?

• Valve has indicated that the 64GB eMMC loads games 12.5% slower compared to the 512GB NVMe SSD.
• For boot speeds, the former is 25% slower than the latter. The also note that because the NVMe scales, the 512GB model is quicker than the 256GB model.

What is the feeling in the community?

• Most reports from those using the 64 GB model with expandable storage are positive.
• However, if you don’t want to feel like you are compromising and you are deciding between the 256 GB and 512 GB option, you just need to consider how you game/ intend to game.
• For the 256 GB, You could keep a few AAA rated games internally at maximum performance and relegate others to some to MicroSD or USB storage (see more info below on this).
• If you are wanting more AAA rated games at your finger tips (at maximum performance – and not willing to purge the ones you are not using), then of course, you may want to buy the 512 GB version.
• In our view the 256 GB option appears to provide a good balance of the benefits required for most gamers with out feeling like you’re compromising.

The Lap desk is an important decision, don’t under think it..

• There are a few considerations on the choice you will make.
• In our view, the options I’ve provided below meet the core requirements for a good steam deck lap desk.

What to consider when purchasing your lap desk for gaming

1. Size
   • The depth & width is important – bigger is generally better here.
   • The more you want to add and customize the more space you will inevitability need.
2. Storage
   • Does it come with a drawer or something else special?
   • Both models i’ve highlighted below come with extra storage drawer for holding extra accessories which comes in handy for SD Cards, adapters and additional USB/ USBc storage devices.
   • The drawer is excellent. The only small thing worth noting is that if you cross your legs while sitting, you might want some extra padding, as the drawer sits on your left inner thigh a little hard.
3. Portability
   • A cushion based lap desk will allow more portability – it’s easier to move around and setup – quick between the lounge, bed or office.
   • The larger options with aluminum legs provide more robust set up location to location – it will also mean more mounting options, however it will be a challenge to use this in the car.
4. Suitability
   • Many lap desks come with tablet & phone holders or mouse pads.
   • A simpler option with a flat surface provides more flexibility here on placement of desired attachments – especially if using the cushion based desk option.
   • The options with holders work – as long as the holders have low profile edges.
5. Wrist rest/ Stopper
   • In our opinion this is an easy must have – who want’s their mouse sliding off, whether gaming or working.

There are a great many options when it comes to portable screens. Here is what to consider:

1. Best Screen/ Monitor Size for Portable Gaming Setups
   •  14 – 16 inches is the size of many common laptops and is the sweet spot for weight and size.
   • Larger sizes will of course work too, but additional consideration for the mount would be required to chosen mount method would be required – larger screens may be more suited to the larger more sturdy portable desks.
2. Pixels/ Refresh Rate: What to Consider for Gaming?
   • Do i need a 4k screen for Gaming? No, not really. The steam deck supports up to 4k and there are portable screens with this. However most come with a refresh rate of 60 HZ.
   • For gaming, a higher refresh rate is preferred, 144 HZ options in 1080P are fairly common, and we would recommend this over 4k at 60 HZ.
3. Connectivity & Display Port
   • The options provided can display using HDMI or USBc. The option you will be using if choosing one of the docks i’ve recommended will be the HDMI mini to HDMI (mini = screen side). This is because the docks only have one USBc port.
4. Charging
   • The screen options I’ve given & tested can be charged via USBc and USB. Ideally it would be wonderful to take advantage of the full functioned USBc ports on the screen – and only have one connection BUT it’s sad to say that the docking stations let us down here, with only one USBc port. This means the next best option is to charge through the dock via a USB 3.0 port. This worked successfully for each dock i have linked, and is a pretty good option.

There are a many stands available on the market. Here is what works.

1. The Base
   • A square base keeps more space available and enables the placement of a dock on top.
2. Height Adjustment
   • Height adjustment is critical to achieve the integrated feel – allows clearance.
3. Connection between arm and holder plate
   • A connect at the top is more preferable – where the plate connects to the arm.
   • It provides the most natural clearance – a pocket of space.
   • This is important if seeking to have the portable screen glide nicely over top of the steam deck, rather than simply sit above it.

There are a many docks available on the market. Here is what we’ve tried and the features to note

1. Display Port Compatibility
   • The docks I’ve tried all use HDMI as the primary connection method for display. While most of the screens also support USBc connection for display, the docks generally only provide on fully functioned USBc port, which limits to ability to connect this way.
2. Dimensions/ Foot print
   • The footprint of the dock is of reasonable importance. It really depends on the other accessories you want to pair with it.
   • If space on your desk is going to be tight, and you are not planning to use items we have tested, we recommend measuring carefully and planning it with cut cardboard cut outs.
   • The height is of particularly concern, especially for clearance of the monitor – especially if you are looking to pull the monitor forward over the steam deck for close up gaming.
3. Cable Management
   • This really depends on you and your preferences – what do you plan to plug in? All the docks I’ve recommended come with a number of USB3.0 ports for your keyboard and mouse. If you need to regularly put things in and out, the SYNTECH dock has one benefit here – it’s circular design means it’s ports are slightly more accessible.
4. Storage Expansion Management
   • Docks that come with any additional SD card slots, or SDD expansion will be extremely valuable if you need additional space for particular games that you may only want to play while docked. If SDD expansion is really important to you, then the UPTOHIGH version is the only way to go. The LISEN version does come with additional SD slots, while the Syntech version cannot compete here.
5. Cooling
   • After a while gaming your steam deck does get pretty warm, especially if you are multi tasking (e.g watching TV on the steam deck while gaming on the monitor). Further, having cases on, will not help. If you are planning to really put your machine to work, definitely consider whether a case is for you, and whether you go with the fan cooled LISEN Dock.

There are a many controllers you may have at your finger tips, and the best controller for most is the one you don’t have to purchase.

Which Controllers Work Best with Steam Deck: What we do recommend for the Steam Deck?

They all have their pros and cons on the SteamDeck and this is what we recommend as controller. Our overall pick is the Xbox Controller, followed closely by the PS5 Dual Sense.

Xbox Controllers for Steam Deck: They match the Steam Deck button layout.

The biggest factor for the casual gamer will be a matching layout.

The most obvious choices that fit this description are Xbox Controllers & the Steam Deck controller put out by Valve. The latter of which i have not had the pleasure to use because of the relative cost – which is the reason I’m not recommending it because of the large difference, and i am yet to read any astounding reasons as to making the switch.

We started using the Switch Pro Controller and moved on to the  Xbox Conrollers after a number of days. We found that that the button layout was a major determining factor for our preference here.

While the build quality of the Xbox is less than it’s peers, and the L2/R2 resistance may be lacking, we have read that performance players have been happy with the controller when Wired in.

Switch Pro Controllers for Steam Deck:

For Nintendo Switch players who are making the switch (sigh). Although there is an option in the settings to alter the layout to mimic the Nintendo switch. While this works in more recent titles, it doesn’t change what games reference as the correct button layout for all titles by default. There may be modications available to address this in some instances, so this will be a different experience game to game.

So if you are playing many games, and not an expert at remembering layouts or cannot be bothered finding mods to alter this (if they exist), I would go for a controller that mimics the Steam Deck layout to reduce one layer of effort/confusion.

Community feedback is one of frustration here as well. While they love the quality of the controller most report unhappiness at its recognition via SteamInput and Emulators

Further, the inverted ABXY keys makes it even less intuitive to use than it’s peers, and it’s not possible to easily change the buttons via dissembly. I In short, this is the last option we would recommend.

PS5 Dual Sense for Steam Deck: They’re excellent in terms of quality and have Touch Pads.

Let’s get the con out of the way – the Button Layout

It’s the button layout, they do not correspond to the ABXY. We understand however (as noted earlier) that on recent games that use Steam Input you can see them on the screen. For older titles, you will necessarily download mods to modify the keys displayed on the screen to match the icons of the Dualsense (again – if these mods exist).

What about the Pros

The PS5 Dual Sense has touchpads that allows you to navigate with the mouse if needed, which gives it a very important advantage for the SteamDeck – this is the biggest reason to use this controller for some gamers.

Further, we prefer the build quality of the PS5 Dual Sense controller – it feels good and solid and has great L2 and R2 resistance compared to it’s peers.

Playing via emulation is well reported, and is recognized by Dolphin and Yuzu. However you will still have the problem of displaying the ABXY keys.

Which Controllers Are Compatible with Steam Deck?

• Xbox 360: USB
• Xbox One: USB and Bluetooth (3rd generation)
• Xbox Series X/S: USB and Bluetooth
• Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
• Steam Controller: USB and Bluetooth
• Switch Pro: USB and Bluetooth
• PlayStation DualShock 4: USB and Bluetooth
• PlayStation 5 DualSense: USB and Bluetooth
• GameSir T4 Mini

There are a many controllers you may have at your finger tips, and having a small holder/ charger that works on your desk is a very nice feature. Here is what works with controllers you may have already, or that you may want to purchase.

All options have a small foot print, and will fit on your desk in the.

These options are powered via USBc ports, and can be plugged into your dock for a trickle charge.

We’re far from keyboard experts, and we appreciate there will be a lot of preference at play here. Many of you will likely opt for the mechanical options because they respond faster are more durabable and generally allow for tons of customization. However, they are also bulky, so the more casual gamer may just want something a little more thin and sleek.

Regardless of that choice but you will probably need to compromise on the size – a 11-12.5 inch keyboard is the ideal size here. The options provided will all fit fine on your desk.

I’ve tried the Anne Pro 2, and the Slim keyboard by Satechi, both worked great. I would like to try the nuphy Air75 Mechanical Keyboard next – so stay tuned