For under $20, I think this Steam Deck accessory is an essential this Prime Day
Jul. 17, 2024The cheapest Steam Deck dock in town.
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The Steam Deck might be a handheld, but using the portable PC on a big screen is a key feature for me. Yes, I know it can’t really handle resolutions above 1080p, and in a way that’s all part of the appeal. The only problem is, that putting together a proper hybrid setup more often than not means picking up an additional docking station, so finding an absolute bargain dock this Prime Day was top of my list.
So, what doPrime Day Steam Deck dealshave to offer in the way of docking stations? Well, I actually managed to find the excellent iVoler 5-in-1 forjust $19.99(was $23.99), with a handy 17% discount knocking it to its lowest price. In honesty, the accessory isn’tthatexpensive to begin with, but I’m still happy to see it floating around for $20.
Ivoler’s cheap docking station has dropped to this level before, but only three times by my count. That’s not that frequent considering we’ve had several big sales throughout the year already. The thing is, thisPrime Day gaming dealmore serves as a perfect excuse to remind you to actually buy a dock, as I’m willing to bet there are a bunch of you Steam Deck players out there going without.
iVoler 5-in-1 Steam Deck Dock |$23.99$19.99 at AmazonSave $4 -It’s a small discount, but a valuable one that knocks this cheap Steam Deck dock down to its lowest price. For under $20, you’ll struggle to find a docking station that’ll reliably turn the handheld into a hybrid.
Buy it if:
✅ You want to add plenty of extra ports✅ You don’t want to spend a lot on a dock
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’d prefer a metal finish over plastic
Price check:Walmart $50.09|Newegg $45.29
UK:£29.99£23.98 at Amazon
Should you buy the iVoler Steam Deck dock?
I’ve tested most of thebest Steam Deck dockoptions out there, and the ones I haven’t got my mits on are still very similar to the rest. The majority of options follow the same blueprint provided byValve’s official docking station before thebest gaming handheldcontender even launched, which is pretty amusing considering it too months for the first-party version to actually arrive.
At the moment, the iVoler 5-in-1 is my go-to ‘cheap’ Steam Deck dock, an accolade it earns by providing three USB ports and HDMI. For basic setups, that’s all you practically need to get up and running, especially if you’re merely looking to hook up to agaming TVand browse your library with aPC controller. Where things get a bit more complicated is when you consider turning the Deck into a makeshift rig, as it’s missing a few key elements that’ll make that quest a pain.
For starters, the iVoler 5-in-1 lacks Ethernet, meaning you’ll be reliant on your handheld’s built-in Wi-Fi. Personally, I never run into any connectivity issues when playing theSteam Deck OLED, but if we’re getting serious about PC replacements, the omission of a wired connection is less than ideal. I’m also not completely sold on its how little has been put into the dock’s aesthetic, as its plastic black shell and garish logo at the front could cramp your carefully craftedgaming desksetup.
The main thing to keep in mind here is that, for under $20, you’re getting a pretty reliable way to connect your Steam Deck to a TV, which is all some players will need. I’ll also save you falling too deep into bargain bins where the stinky deals are. For example, there’s a SIKRO 6-in-1 dock currently availablefor $11.99(was $14.99). The fact it apparently outputs 30Hz over HDMI is bad enough, but I also noticed a few Amazon buyers saying it didn’t last a week before going kaput, so that’s all I need to banish it from my Prime Day watchlist.
If I truly had my way, every Steam Deck owner I know would have either theBaseus 6-in-1orValve’s official docking stationto hand, as both boast my ideal specs and design features that stand out. The first-party option even receives firmware updates straight from the handheld, which isn’t something I’ve been able to easily replicate with any third-party models. However, I’m willing to make peace with the fact most of you won’t want to spend upwards of $40, and the iVoler 5-in-1 is more than good enough to serve as a budget alternative.
Looking for even more handheld offers? Check outPrime Day Asus ROG Ally dealsfor portable PC price cuts and more. Alternatively, swing byPrime Day TV dealsandPrime Day monitor dealsif you’re in the market for new screen.
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I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.
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