This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:18:31
The video provides an in-depth look at essential accessories and modifications for enhancing the Valve Steam Deck gaming experience. Key themes include storage expansion, battery solutions, and ergonomic improvements to maximize usability and gameplay comfort.
Storage is a primary focus, with recommendations for U3-rated Micro SD cards, such as the Samsung Evo 512GB, to counteract the Steam Deck's limited internal storage. Although the Micro SD card operates at slower UHS-I speeds, it remains a practical solution, especially for less demanding games. The video discourages NVMe SSD upgrades due to their complexity and warranty impact.
Battery life, another critical concern, is addressed with a specialized power bank featuring a magnetized back plate and a 16,000mAh capacity, providing significant gameplay extension.
Ergonomic improvements include thumbstick caps, particularly those from JSOX and Play Vital, which enhance comfort and control, essential given the Steam Deck’s unique design. Protective cases, especially hard plastic ones like the JSOX case with a kickstand, are recommended for better grip and compatibility with docks. The video also covers the importance of docks that offer fast charging, multiple USB ports, ethernet connectivity, and HDMI support, cautioning against low-quality third-party options.
Aesthetics are touched upon through customization options like carbon fiber stickers for rear buttons and touchpads, alongside vinyl decals. The video underscores personal preferences, such as opting out of screen protectors.
The video concludes by inviting viewer interaction, promoting additional content on gaming news, tutorials, and product reviews, and mentioning upcoming live streams on Discord and Twitch.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on must-have upgrades, mods, or accessories for the Valve Steam Deck. It starts with a humorous take on the term “must-have,” emphasizing that all you truly need is the Steam Deck and internet to enjoy games. However, it notes that accessories can enhance the experience, especially if you need extended battery life, or plan to use the device with a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
The segment mentions the high cost and limited functionality of Valve’s official dock compared to third-party options. For those struggling with the Steam Deck’s controls, it highlights the importance of thumbstick caps, even teasing an upcoming video on Control Freaks products.
Comfort in handling is discussed, particularly for users with larger hands, and the importance of ergonomic cases is noted. The creator tested the top three protective cases from Amazon to find the best option.
Customization also gets a nod, for those wanting a unique look for their device. The first recommended accessory is a storage expansion, likely a Micro SD card, especially important for the entry-level Steam Deck which uses slower memory. While upgrading to an NVMe SSD is an option, it’s discouraged by Valve due to its complexity and impact on the warranty. The segment concludes by emphasizing the limited storage capacity of all Steam Deck models and the hefty size of modern game files, making storage expansion essential.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses storage and battery solutions for the Steam Deck. They explain that while the Steam Deck’s internal storage is limited, especially in the entry and mid-tier models, using a U3-rated Micro SD card like the Samsung Evo 512GB can help expand storage capacity. Despite the Micro SD slot’s limitation to UHS-I speeds, which can cause longer load times, games remain playable. The speaker recommends saving more demanding titles for internal storage.
Additionally, the speaker addresses the Steam Deck’s battery limitations, noting that heavy use can drain the battery quickly. They introduce a specific power bank designed for the Steam Deck that has a magnetized back plate for easy attachment and supports fast charging. This power bank has a capacity of 16,000mAh, significantly extending gameplay time compared to the Steam Deck’s standard 5313mAh battery. Links to recommended Micro SD cards are also provided.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the effectiveness of a power bank for the Steam Deck, noting that while theoretically, it can charge the device three times fully, in practice, it charges it twice fully and then about 50% the third time. The power bank’s clip is only compatible with a naked Steam Deck, not one with a protective case. The speaker expresses a preference for using a carrying case over the power bank, given their typical indoor use.
Furthermore, the speaker talks about docks for the Steam Deck, emphasizing the importance of having at least three USB ports for peripherals like keyboards, mice, and controllers. They caution against many third-party docks, which were poor quality, sometimes even hazardous. It’s highlighted that the preferred dock should have fast charging capabilities (100 watts, but the Steam Deck limits it to 65 watts), three USB 3.0 ports, a gigabit ethernet port for reliable internet connectivity, and HDMI 2.0 support for 4K 60Hz or 1440p 120Hz resolutions. The highlighted dock does have some minor downsides: it cuts the HDMI display if pass-through charging is removed, and it can get slightly warm after prolonged use.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the creator discusses various aspects and tips for using the Steam Deck, particularly when docked to a display and considering protective cases. They highlight the need to manually change display settings to match the resolution of external screens when docking the Steam Deck, as it defaults to 800p. The creator also emphasizes the advantage of adding a rubberized padding to the dock to prevent metal or plastic contact. When it comes to protective cases, they point out the dual benefits: added drop protection and increased comfort, especially for users with larger hands. They compare different types of cases, preferring hard plastic cases, such as the JSOX case, which includes a kickstand and provides better grip and protection. They note that hard plastic cases typically fit better with docks designed specifically for the Steam Deck’s original dimensions.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the drawbacks of using traditional silicone or rubber thumbstick caps, which can stretch over time and become loose, especially for daily users. The JSOX thumbstick caps are recommended as they clip on easily without damaging the thumbsticks. The presenter also explains the benefits of adding thumbstick caps, such as increased height for better leverage and improved grip, comparing this to the effect on full-size controllers like those for PlayStation or Xbox.
The Steam Deck poses unique challenges due to its flat, smaller thumbsticks with a built-in proximity sensor, making it incompatible with products like Control Freaks or Scuff Universal caps. The presenter suggests using caps specifically designed for the Steam Deck, like those from Play Vital, which fit perfectly and provide a better experience. The video also touches upon customizing the appearance of the Steam Deck with protective cases and vinyl decals for a unique look. Key recommendations and links for these products are provided in the video description.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses using carbon fiber stickers on the Steam Deck’s rear buttons and touch pads. They mention the stickers’ durability, noting some peeling due to cleaning with a microfiber cloth. The speaker does not use screen protectors, citing personal preference and a good track record with avoiding screen damage. They conclude by summarizing the video, encouraging viewers to enjoy their Steam Deck, and disclosing that the product links are affiliate links. The speaker also urges viewers to comment, like, and subscribe, highlighting the community aspect and the additional content available on their channel, such as gaming news, tutorials, product reviews, and exclusive discounts.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the presenter humorously promotes their Discord and Twitch channel, mentioning that they will begin live streaming frequently starting in June. They thank the viewers for watching, sign off with their name, and mention that they upload daily.