Why it issues: Valve did not design the Steam Deck to function a desktop PC, however it may change into a workable backup with the fitting tools. Quite a few firms, together with Valve, present docks with a number of ports for connecting handheld gaming PCs to displays and different units. Nevertheless, JSAUX’s latest variant is likely to be probably the greatest worth fashions out there.
Accent maker JSAUX has launched a number of the highest-rated Steam Deck docks for the reason that machine’s launch. The corporate’s new HB609 revision adds a sooner HDMI connection, a vertical orientation, and help for the Lenovo Legion Go at an inexpensive worth.
Earlier fashions might join a Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally to a number of ports for connecting shows, storage, controllers, mice, and keyboards at a number of worth tiers. The HB609 is JSAUX’s first mannequin to help Lenovo’s handheld and one of many solely fashions that push the HDMI connection to 4K 120Hz, though the spec sheet nonetheless lists it as HDMI 2.0. Handheld gaming PCs cannot run fashionable AAA video games like Elden Ring and Helldivers 2 at that decision or body charge, however older or much less intense titles like Stardew Valley may work.
Different outputs embody a main USB-C port for connecting to the primary machine, a separate 5Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port, two USB-A 3.2 ports with the identical capabilities, a gigabit Ethernet port, and a 100W USB-C charging port. The HB609’s major compromise in comparison with Valve’s official dock or JSAUX’s 11-port HB1101 is the shortage of a DisplayPort.
The HB1101 also can attain 4K 120Hz however, like Valve’s hub, carries an $80 MSRP. At $45, the HB609 seems to be the one 4K 120Hz dock out there in its mid-tier worth vary.
It’s unclear why docks from JSAUX and different producers largely do not help related transportable PCs just like the MSI Claw, GPD Win, and Ayaneo Subsequent. Moreover, it stays to be seen if future arrivals like Adata’s XPG Nia and the Zotac Zone may spur the event of extra generic docks.
Exterior GPU help is one other curious space. GPD has closely promoted their use to deliver the handhelds’ graphics efficiency nearer to laptops or desktops, however they require extremely high-bandwidth connections like OCulink, USB4, or Thunderbolt 3. Furthermore, testing suggests high-end desktop playing cards can undergo noticeable efficiency penalties over OCulink.
