Steam Deck Charger Guide: Everything You Need to Know
April 8, 2024 | Words by Jackson
Welcome to the Steam Deck Charger Guide! Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of handheld gaming, having the right charger for your Steam Deck is essential for uninterrupted gaming sessions.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about Steam Deck chargers, from understanding the different types to tips for maximizing their performance.
So, let’s take a look with Jackson!
Contents:
- Understanding Steam Deck Charger Types
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Charger
- Top Recommended Steam Deck Chargers
- How to maximize battery life?
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Understanding Steam Deck Charger Types
In the world of gaming, having a reliable charger for your Steam Deck is crucial for uninterrupted gaming.
We'll explore USB-C chargers, power banks, and other compatible options to help you make an informed decision for your gaming needs.
USB-C charger:
USB-C chargers are becoming more and more popular due to their versatility and fast charging capabilities.
They are compatible with Steam Deck and offer several benefits:
Advantage:
1. Fast Charging: The USB-C charger supports fast charging technology, allowing you to quickly replenish your Steam Deck's battery.
2. Universal Compatibility: USB-C is a widely adopted standard, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices beyond the Steam Deck.
3. Portability: The USB-C charger is compact in size, making it convenient for travel and out-and-out gaming.
Shortcoming:
1. Limited power output: While USB-C chargers offer fast charging, they may not deliver as much power as a dedicated gaming charger, especially during intensive gaming sessions.
2. Compatibility issues: Some USB-C chargers may not provide the best performance or may be incompatible with some devices, so you need to choose carefully.
Mobile Power:
Power banks are portable battery packs that allow you to charge your devices on the go, making them a convenient option for gamers who need to extend their gaming sessions.
Advantage:
1. Portability: This power bank is small and lightweight, making it ideal for games without power sockets.
2. Extended battery life: Using a power bank, you can significantly extend the battery life of your Steam Deck, allowing you to play longer.
3. Versatility: The power bank can be used to charge a variety of devices, making it a versatile choice for gamers who own multiple gadgets.
Shortcoming:
1. Limited Capacity: Not all power banks offer the same level of capacity, so you may need to invest in a high-capacity power bank to extend your gaming time.
2. Charging speed: While power banks offer portable charging solutions, they may not offer the same fast charging speeds as dedicated wall chargers.
3. Additional Cost: Purchasing a high-quality power bank can be an additional expense, especially if you choose one with a larger capacity.
Other compatible options:
In addition to USB-C chargers and power banks, the Steam Deck offers other compatible charging options, such as:
- Dedicated gaming chargers: Some manufacturers offer dedicated gaming chargers designed specifically for gaming devices like the Steam Deck. These chargers offer higher power output and faster charging speeds, making them ideal for intense gaming.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Charger
Capacity: Understanding mAh and Wattage Requirements
Capacity refers to the amount of energy a charger can store and deliver to your Steam Deck. It's crucial to understand the capacity in terms of milliampere-hours (mAh) and wattage to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
mAh: Milliampere-hours represent the amount of charge a battery can hold over time. When choosing a charger for your Steam Deck, consider its mAh rating to determine how many charging cycles it can provide before needing to be recharged itself.
Wattage: Wattage indicates the rate at which a charger can deliver power to your device. Higher wattage chargers can charge your Steam Deck faster, which is beneficial for reducing downtime between gaming sessions, especially during intense gameplay.
When selecting a charger for your Steam Deck, look for one with a capacity that meets your gaming needs and matches or exceeds the recommended mAh and wattage requirements specified by the manufacturer.
Opting for a charger with higher capacity can provide longer gaming sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
Portability: Importance of Size and Weight for On-the-Go Gaming
Portability is another critical factor to consider when choosing a charger for your Steam Deck, especially if you enjoy gaming while traveling or away from home. The size and weight of the charger can impact its convenience and ease of transport.
Compact Size: Choose a charger that is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your bag or pocket without adding unnecessary bulk. A smaller charger takes up less space and is more convenient for on-the-go gaming.
Weight: Consider the weight of the charger, especially if you plan to carry it around for extended periods. A lightweight charger is more comfortable to carry and won't weigh you down during gaming sessions.
When selecting a charger for your Steam Deck, prioritize portability to ensure it fits seamlessly into your gaming setup and lifestyle. Look for slim and lightweight chargers that offer the perfect balance between performance and convenience.
Durability: Materials and Build Quality for Long-Term Use
Durability is an essential factor to consider when choosing a charger for your Steam Deck, as it directly impacts the longevity and reliability of the charger over time.
Materials: Look for chargers made from high-quality materials that are durable and resistant to wear and tear. Premium materials such as aluminum or high-grade plastics offer superior durability and can withstand frequent use.
Build Quality: Pay attention to the build quality of the charger, including the construction and design. A well-built charger with solid construction is less likely to break or malfunction, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.
When selecting a charger for your Steam Deck, invest in one with excellent durability and build quality to withstand the rigors of gaming and daily use. Prioritize chargers from reputable brands known for their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Top Recommended Steam Deck Chargers
Choosing the right charger for your Steam Deck can make a big difference in your gaming experience, ensuring you get the power you need wherever you need it.
We’ll do a detailed comparison of the top 5 Steam Deck chargers, providing reviews, pros, cons, and performance analysis. Whether your priority is budget, functionality, or user preference, our recommendations have something to suit your needs.
1. Steam Deck Charger (US/CA)
Advantage:
- This is a genuine Steam Deck charger made by Valve, the exact same charger that comes in the Steam Deck box when you purchase it new (in the US/Canada).
- 45W USB-C power supply with Power Delivery 3.0 (PD3.0) specification and 57-inch (144 cm) power cord.
Shortcoming:
-Limit 3 items per customer.
2. 45W Charger for Steam Deck and Switch
Advantage:
- The affordable price makes it suitable for a wide range of gamers.
- Universal compatibility with other devices outside of the Steam Deck.
Shortcoming:
- Bulky design may not be convenient for traveling.
3. Baseus PowerMega 3 Ports Fast Charger 140W
Advantage:
- Versatile charging options, including USB-C and USB-A ports, can charge multiple devices simultaneously.
- It runs on 240V and weighs only 10 ounces, making it a lightweight option.
Shortcoming:
- Higher price compared to other options on the market.
4. ZIKE 100W GaN USB-C 4 Ports Wall Phone Charger Z310
Advantage:
- Comes with free UK and European plugs.
- Foldable plug design makes it ideal for mobile gaming.
- Quick charging feature ensures minimal downtime between gaming sessions.
- Durable build quality ensures long-term reliability.
Shortcoming:
- Compared with the previous three chargers, its advantages appear to be conservative.
ZikeTech
ZIKE 100W GaN USB-C 4 Ports Wall Phone Charger Z310
4.95 / 5.0
(56) 56 total reviews
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5. Anker 737 Charger
Advantage:
- High capacity ensures extended gaming time without frequent charging.
- Advanced safety features prevent overcharging, overheating and short circuiting.
- Anker’s proprietary technology ActiveShield 2.0
Shortcoming:
- Expensive.
When choosing a charger for your Steam Deck, consider factors like charging speed, portability, and build quality to ensure you find the perfect option for your gaming needs.
Whether you prioritize performance, affordability, or convenience, our detailed comparison of the top 5 Steam Deck chargers will help you make an informed decision and enhance your gaming experience.
How to maximize battery life?
Maximizing your Steam Deck's battery life is critical for long hours of uninterrupted gaming.
We'll explore best practices for charging and discharging your Steam Deck battery to extend its life.
1. Charge specifications:
- Avoid overcharging: Once fully charged, disconnect the Steam Deck from the charger to prevent overcharging, which can degrade battery performance over time.
- Use recommended chargers: Stick to manufacturer-recommended chargers to ensure compatibility and optimal charging performance.
- Charging in moderate temperatures: Avoid charging your Steam Deck in extreme temperatures, as high temperatures can shorten the life of the battery.
2. Discharge practice:
- Avoid full discharge: Avoid completely draining the battery on a regular basis, as deep discharge shortens the battery's lifespan. Instead, keep your battery charged between 20% and 80% for optimal life.
- Regular use: Regular use and discharge of your battery helps keep it healthy and prevents loss of capacity over time.
3. Optimize settings to reduce power consumption:
- Adjust display brightness: Lowering display brightness can significantly reduce power consumption during gaming and extend battery life.
- Manage background apps: Close unnecessary background apps and processes to minimize resource usage and save battery power.
- Optimize performance settings: Adjust in-game graphics settings and performance profiles to strike a balance between visual quality and power consumption.
4. Take advantage of power saving mode:
- Enable battery saver mode: Many devices, including the Steam Deck, offer a battery saver mode that optimizes performance and reduces power consumption to extend battery life.
- Limit network activity: Disable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when not in use to reduce power consumption of wireless connectivity features.
5. Store correctly:
- Store in moderate temperatures: When not in use for long periods of time, store the Steam Deck in a cool, dry place with moderate temperatures to keep the battery healthy.
- Partially charged storage: If storing the Steam Deck for an extended period of time, partially charge the battery to approximately 50% to prevent over-discharging or overcharging during storage.
FAQ
Why is my Steam Deck not charging?
There could be several reasons for this, including a faulty charger or cable, debris in the charging port, or a software issue.
Try using a different charger and cable, clean the charging port, and restart your Steam Deck to troubleshoot.
How long does it take to fully charge the Steam Deck?
The charging time can vary depending on factors such as the charger's wattage, battery level, and usage during charging.
On average, it takes around 2 to 3 hours to fully charge a Steam Deck from 0% to 100%.
Can I use a third-party charger to charge my Steam Deck?
While third-party chargers can work with the Steam Deck, it's recommended to use the original charger provided by Valve to ensure compatibility and optimal charging performance.
Why does my Steam Deck get hot while charging?
It's normal for electronic devices to generate heat during charging due to the conversion of electrical energy into battery power. However, excessive heat could indicate a problem with the charger, cable, or device itself.
Ensure proper ventilation and avoid charging in direct sunlight or hot environments.
Is it safe to leave my Steam Deck charging overnight?
While modern devices typically have safeguards against overcharging, it's generally not recommended to leave your Steam Deck charging overnight.
Over time, continuous charging can degrade the battery's lifespan.
It's best to disconnect the charger once the device is fully charged.
Why does my Steam Deck take longer to charge than usual?
Several factors can contribute to slower charging times, including using a low-power charger, running resource-intensive apps/games while charging, or a software issue.
Try using a higher-power charger, closing background apps, and restarting your Steam Deck to improve charging speed.
Can I use my Steam Deck while it's charging?
Yes, you can use your Steam Deck while it's charging. However, using intensive apps/games while charging may increase heat generation and slow down the charging process.
It's best to use the device lightly or let it charge undisturbed for faster charging.
Conclusion
With the information provided in this ultimate guide, you're now equipped to make informed decisions when it comes to choosing, using, and troubleshooting your Steam Deck charger.
Remember to prioritize compatibility, reliability, and battery health for an optimal gaming experience. Whether you're gaming at home or on the go, a reliable charger is your ticket to endless gaming adventures with your Steam Deck.