Valve’s Steam Deck LCD and Steam Deck OLED are major players in the console space. While they’re technically handheld Linux PCs, they are accessible and affordable enough to be the preferred option for many gamers, especially those who want more power and a larger game library than the Nintendo Switch can provide. Not to mention, many games on Steam are cheaper, or, at least more frequently discounted, than they are on other gaming platforms.
It didn’t take long after the 2022 launch of the original LCD model, followed in late 2023 by the OLED, for the Steam Deck accessory scene to blossom — and it shows no signs of slowing down. Those range from all but necessary (a microSD card and glass screen protectors) to some that are just nice to have, whether you use your Steam Deck strictly at home or if you want additions to make a on-the-go lifestyle easier.
Price is important, but not everything
Despite our best efforts to find affordable upgrades, some of the products included in this guide aren’t what you’d call cheap. In most cases, those products justify their higher costs due to either a lack of competition, premium quality, extra functionality, or a combination of those factors.
Products are included based on Polygon’s firsthand experience
It’s a daunting task to test, say, every microSD card out there, or every hard case. Instead, we lean on the expertise and shared knowledge of Polygon staff to populate this guide with products (and brands) that we’d feel comfortable spending our own money on.
Each pick will remain until better and/or cheaper ones come along
We aim to frequently assess new products that may find their way into this guide, so stay tuned for updates.
