Just picked up a new deck OLED, and I really want to get the docking station. Only thing is, is that I already have a PC so is there any point in getting one? I’m really looking for a reason to get one so please give me some. Thanks
Hard to find a dock that has enough USB ports (need 4 for mouse, keyboard, controller and external SSD) but hard to tell how many USB-A and USB-C I need since a few of the items I want don’t state which USB port they use.
I don’t use the official dock, but I use the JSAUX one. The only reason why I have it is because I can play on the television, sit the Deck in the rest, and it doesn’t fall over or off the TV stand.
That, and I can leave the dock plugged in, and not have to keep plugging and unplugging cords all the time.
If you are treating the whole setup like a station, then it’s quite useful. If you’re treating it like a hub that you’re going to plug and unplug cords often, then I don’t suggest it.
I think if you want to do a lot of tinkering in Desktop mode It’s worth it
No, absolute rip off, & people always complain about its issues.
If you can’t think of a reason to buy one then don’t.
I just use a 3D printed stand with space for an Anker USB hub with PD charging. It has all the connections of the dock apart from ethernet. I haven’t missed having a dock at all. I can use it to sideload apps and roms to the SD, run my portable USB-C external monitor through it, connect a controller to it. It was a lot cheaper doing this than buying the dock.
So, that’s my argument for not getting one ;)
Probably not worth it, although I am always tempted when I see it in the sale
Do whatever you want.
I have the official dock and have no complaints to be honest, I play docked maybe 40% of the time. I also value sitting on the sofa and having that console experience from time to time. My steam deck is also docked when I’m not using it so it’s full charged and ready to go when I want to play it. It just depends on your needs really and if you want those things I mentioned.
I bought a $14 one on Amazon. It works just fine for docking to my TV.
Even if you decide for a dock, there are much cheaper alternatives. The only thing in favour of the official dock is that the deck can stand on it, but I think there are also third party products available that support it.
Just get the SABRENT dock