I never wasted my money on Valve’s official Steam Deck dock, and neither should you — I went with a cheaper (and superior) option

I never wasted my money on Valve's official Steam Deck dock, and neither should you — I went with a cheaper (and superior) option

As someone who has been following the gaming scene for quite some time now, I can confidently say that the Steam Deck is undeniably a game-changer. However, when it comes to accessories, I find myself questioning Valve’s pricing strategies, particularly with their official Docking Station. Thankfully, enterprising third-party brands like JSAUX have stepped up to offer more affordable and functional solutions such as their 6-in-1 Dock.


There’s no denying that the Steam Deck by Valve is among the most groundbreaking and impactful devices to be launched recently. While it operates on Linux, its approach to Windows PC game compatibility is unparalleled. The benefits we reap from these advancements are undeniable, and Valve’s pricing strategy for the console itself is relatively reasonable. However, the official Steam Deck Docking Station appears quite expensive compared to other accessories in the same category.

It’s great news that an excellent third-party brand has entered the scene, providing a superior, budget-friendly alternative which has further reduced in price to $31.99 on Amazon during the last hours of October Prime Day. Despite its high power and versatility, the JSAUX 6-in-1 Dock truly shines when it connects to a full suite of I/O essentials via its USB-C port, such as HDMI-out for immersive big-screen gaming experiences. In fact, I continue to rely on mine frequently.

Why pay more for full functionality?

I never wasted my money on Valve's official Steam Deck dock, and neither should you — I went with a cheaper (and superior) option

Despite the enthusiasm for Valve’s Steam Deck following its initial review, it does have its share of inconveniences. Transferring files to and from mine is simpler using JSAUX’s dock because it offers several full-sized USB-A ports that are compatible with conventional flash drives, eliminating the hassle of network transfers. Moving old backups from my desktop to the Deck has been a significant factor in my continued gaming experience, as it assists me in clearing out decade-old game backlogs.

Connecting any wireless Xbox controller to the Steam Deck via Bluetooth and hooking up my 4K TV via the JSAUX dock doesn’t exactly guarantee any game will hit that resolution (they won’t), but it gives me a fully-fledged desktop. It’s not Windows, but I could install Windows 11 on my Steam Deck if I wanted to — there really is a fully functional desktop PC inside Valve’s handheld. However, without a docking station, you’d be trapped on its 7-inch screen.

In simpler terms, for just $31.99, the 6-in-1 Dock from JSAUX maximizes the capabilities of your Steam Deck. It also works with ASUS’ ROG Ally and Lenovo’s Legion Go, which can run Windows 11 if needed. With a mouse and keyboard connected to its USB-A ports, these devices can transform into full desktop PCs quickly. If you have a Steam Deck but don’t own a docking station yet, consider purchasing JSAUX’s third-party dock as it offers better value for money compared to Valve’s official model, which doesn’t provide any special features.

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2024-10-09 19:39