Transform Your Steam Deck into a Versatile Desktop

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As a seasoned gamer with a knack for exploring new frontiers, I must say, the Steam Deck has been an exciting addition to my gaming arsenal. The ability to transform this handheld gem into a fully-fledged desktop PC is nothing short of revolutionary.

The Steam Deck, an impressive portable gaming unit, serves purposes beyond just games. This multi-talented device can be converted into a fully operational desktop computer using a few straightforward procedures on its Linux-based operating system.

However, while this is a fantastic feature for people wanting to use their handheld gaming device as a second PC, one major flaw prevents it from being as fully functional as a Windows or Linux PC: the lack of printing capabilities. Keep reading to learn how to turn your Steam Deck into a powerful desktop PC.

Hardware You’ll Need

Connect your Steam Deck to a bigger screen using either an HDMI or DisplayPort cable for an enhanced desktop experience.

Docking Station: Valve’s authentic Steam Deck Dock performs well, yet there are more affordable alternatives. These alternative docks, often from third parties, come with extra USB connections which make them ideal for users who require additional connectivity. However, it should be noted that these third-party options may not incorporate DisplayPort.

HDMI or DisplayPort Cable: To connect the Dock to your monitor, you’ll need an HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4 cable.

For optimal charging of your Steam Deck, ensure you possess a suitable USB-C power adapter, analogous to those utilized with a Nintendo Switch.

In Desktop Mode, you’ll be fully in command with the use of a keyboard and a mouse. According to your personal preference, opt for either a wired USB or a wireless mouse and keyboard.

Setting Up Your Steam Deck as a Desktop

After you have the required hardware, do the following:

Enter Desktop mode: Turn on the Steam Deck, navigate to the Steam menu, and select Desktop Mode.

As a gamer, I’d say: “I’m slotting my Steam Deck into its cozy home, the docking station. Then, I hook up the USB-C cable from the dock to my trusty Steam Deck for some juicy power.

Connect the monitor: Insert the HDMI or DisplayPort cord into the Docking station and then into the monitor. Doing so enables you to utilize the bigger screen as your main screen.

Connect your keyboard and mouse to the USB ports on the docking station, so you can easily manage everything when using Desktop Mode.

Activate the Monitor and Steam Deck after ensuring all connections are secure. You may opt to duplicate the display or make the external screen the main output.

Useful Programs for Desktop Mode

As a tech enthusiast, diving into the Desktop Mode opens up a world of productivity and entertainment! Here’s a list of some top-notch software I’d highly recommend:

  • Browser: You can install Chrome or Firefox to browse the web.
  • LibreOffice: A free office suite with programs like Calc (spreadsheets) and Writer (word processing).
  • GIMP: A flexible image editor comparable to Photoshop.
  • VLC Media Player: Plays almost any type of video file.
  • PeaZip: Compress and extract files in ZIP, TAR, and other formats.

On the Steam Deck, quite a few games that don’t work in handheld mode are designed to operate in Desktop Mode instead. This typically applies to games that require a keyboard and mouse for play, such as grand strategy games or point-and-click adventure games.

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2024-11-04 14:43