As my colleagues know all too effectively, the worst saved secret on the computing staff right here at Tom’s Information is how a lot I am keen on Steam Deck OLED. We’re speaking such a badly saved secret, it’s up there with Darth Vader lopping Luke’s hand off then instantly proclaiming that he’s our hero’s Sith papa.
It’s an unbelievable handheld. With its sensational HDR OLED panel and palm-friendly design that feels constantly comfy throughout even essentially the most weekend-devouring of Elden Ring periods, I strongly consider Steam Deck OLED has a declare to being the perfect piece of PC {hardware} to come back out within the final decade.
As superior as Valve’s up to date moveable PC is out of the field, although, I’ve made it even higher with one important, wallet-friendly accent.
Proper now the Baseus 6-in-1 Steam Deck Docking Station is on sale for $33 at Amazon. Now, granted, that’s solely a $6 low cost in comparison with its regular $39 listing value. However hey, a sale is a sale and for lower than 35 bucks I can’t consider one other accent that has improved my day-to-day expertise with a console, gaming PC or handheld fairly like this aggressively priced Steam Deck accent. The Baseus Steam Deck Docking Station is accessible for £49 on Amazon UK too, although sadly there’s no low cost at time of writing.
My colleague Anthony Spadafora not too long ago (and rightly) sung the praises of taking the plunge on a Steam Deck dock, and Baseus’ accent is a shining instance of how to do that form of system correctly. This little magnificence is a Swiss Military Knife of a gadget… mercifully minus the sharp elements.
Although I’ve completely used it with Steam Deck OLED, the Basesus 6-in-1 dock additionally helps different spectacular handheld gaming PCs, just like the ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go. You don’t must be a Gabe Newell disciple to get pleasure from this superior, feature-rich dock.
Talking of which, Baseus’ child is severely packing within the ports division. A trio of USB-A slots are joined by an Ethernet port and a type-C PD connector to make sure speedy charging. That is additionally a gizmo that feels surprisingly premium contemplating its price range price ticket. With an aesthetic but understated brushed metallic look and padded adjustable stand that permits you to play your Steam Deck at a wide range of angles, you get an entire lot of Baseus bang to your buck with this incredible product.
Dock it to me
The very best factor in regards to the Baseus docking station? It’s actually broadened the methods I work together with my Steam Deck OLED. One of many few obvious omissions I can throw shade on the machine over (except for its lack of VRR help), is that not like Nintendo Change OLED, it doesn’t include a kickstand. Like I mentioned up prime, Valve’s handheld is comfy to carry for lengthy intervals of time, little question. But for these situations once I’m feeling particularly sloth-like, I want to position my Steam Deck on this dock that’s just about at all times glued to my espresso desk.
I then join both a Nintendo Change Professional controller of Sony DualSense Edge via one among its USB-A ports (I nonetheless don’t totally belief pairing gamepads wirelessly over the Deck’s Bluetooth), then I lie as flat as a pancake on my couch to get pleasure from a marathon motoring session of Forza Horizon 5.
I often reap the benefits of the Baseus’ docking station’s HDMI port in order that I can join my Steam Deck to an exterior OLED monitor”
I additionally often reap the benefits of the Baseus’ docking station’s HDMI port in order that I can join my Steam Deck OLED to my 13-inch Asus ZenScreen OLED moveable monitor. Not solely is that this an distinctive HDR display in its personal proper, it permits me to get pleasure from much less demanding Steam video games in 1080p at 60 frames per second; just like the unbelievable Alien: Isolation or Rockstar’s underrated Max Payne 3. That’s a considerable pixel enhance over Steam Deck OLED’s 1200 x 800 native display decision.
In case you personal both the unique Steam Deck or the up to date OLED mannequin, I can’t advocate this docking station sufficient. It’s in all probability the perfect $40 I’ve spent on any tech accent over the previous couple of years.