On this page
- Find out which handheld they own
- Storage: the gift they'll use every day
- Docks: turn the handheld into a TV console
- Chargers and power for travel
- Cases, grips and screen protection
- Games that run well on a handheld
- Controllers and keyboards for docked play
- Mistakes to avoid
- Quick picks by budget
- Frequently asked questions
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The short version
- A fast microSD card is the safest gift. Steam Deck takes UHS-I cards; ROG Xbox Ally X has a faster UHS-II slot.
- Valve's own Steam Deck Docking Station is $79 and connects the Deck to a TV or monitor, with room for controllers and a keyboard.
- Games: look for the Steam Deck Verified badge on the store page. It means the game works without setup.
- Every Steam Deck already comes with a carrying case, so a case is only worth buying if theirs is worn out or they want a slimmer one.
- Steam gift cards are the low-risk option, since you don't need to know what they already own.
The best gift for a Steam Deck or handheld PC owner is a fast, large microSD card, because every one of these devices runs short on storage. After that, a dock for TV play or a compact fast charger for travel are the most-used accessories. For games, look for the "Steam Deck Verified" badge on the store page so you know it works out of the box.
Here's how to figure out which handheld they have and what fits it.
Find out which handheld they own
"Handheld PC" covers a few devices that look similar but take different accessories. Check the device or ask what they play on.
- Steam Deck OLED or Steam Deck LCD (Valve): the most common. Valve's spec page lists a UHS-I microSD slot and a 45W USB-C power supply for both.
- ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X (ASUS with Xbox branding, 2025): a Windows handheld. ASUS lists a UHS-II microSD slot and USB4 on the Ally X. Our Ally vs Ally X breakdown explains the differences.
- Other Windows handhelds such as Lenovo Legion Go models and older ROG Ally units. These generally use USB-C power and a microSD slot, but check the exact model's spec page.
If they play on a Nintendo Switch, that's a different system entirely; see our Switch 2 gift guide instead.
Storage: the gift they'll use every day
Modern PC games are large, and handhelds ship with limited internal storage. A microSD card is the easiest way to add space: it slides into the slot, the Deck formats it automatically, and games can install and run from it.
What to buy
- For any Steam Deck: a UHS-I microSD card. Look for the "A2" app-performance rating and a speed rating of U3 or V30 on the packaging. Valve says the slot supports SD, SDHC and SDXC cards.
- For a ROG Xbox Ally X: a UHS-II card can use the faster slot, though a good UHS-I card works too.
- Size: 512GB is a comfortable step up. 1TB is the generous choice for someone with a big Steam library.
1TB A2 microSD card (Samsung PRO Plus, SanDisk Extreme or similar)
Name-brand A2 cards from Samsung and SanDisk are the safe choice. Buy from Amazon directly or the brand's official store; counterfeit microSD cards that report fake capacity are a known problem on marketplaces.
- Works on every handheld PC and many cameras
- No setup beyond inserting it
- Slower than internal SSD for loading, though fine for most games
Some enthusiasts replace the internal SSD for more space. ASUS notes the Ally X uses a standard M.2 2280 drive, and the Steam Deck has an internal SSD too. That's a fun project for the owner, but it means reinstalling the system. Leave it to them; a microSD card is the gift.
Docks: turn the handheld into a TV console
A dock connects the handheld to a TV or monitor, charges it, and gives it USB ports for controllers, a keyboard and a mouse. It's the gift that changes how they use the device.
Steam Deck Docking Station (Valve)
Valve's official dock, $79 on Valve's site. It's shaped to hold the Deck securely, works with both OLED and LCD models, and supports up to two external displays. Valve also says the Deck works with third-party hubs and docks if you'd rather spend less.
- Made for the Deck, holds it at the right angle
- Works with LCD and OLED
- Third-party docks can be cheaper
For a Windows handheld like the ROG Xbox Ally X, ASUS recommends a dock capable of 130W, such as its own ROG Bulwark Dock, for external displays and accessories. A cheaper USB-C hub with HDMI and power passthrough also works for basic TV play; check that it lists the handheld by name.
Chargers and power for travel
The Steam Deck ships with a 45W USB-C charger, per Valve. A second charger means they can leave one at work or in a travel bag. A compact GaN charger with at least 45W of USB-C Power Delivery output is the right type, and many can charge a laptop or phone too.
65W USB-C GaN charger (Anker, UGREEN or similar)
A small wall charger with 65W of USB-C output covers a Steam Deck with headroom, and it can charge their phone or laptop. Look for "PD" (Power Delivery) on the listing.
- Smaller than the stock charger
- One charger for several devices
- Higher-wattage Windows handhelds may charge slower under heavy load
A USB-C power bank is the other option for long flights. Look for one with at least 45W USB-C output. The FAA says spare batteries and power banks must go in carry-on bags, and those up to 100Wh are allowed without airline approval. Airlines can set stricter limits, so check before a trip.
Cases, grips and screen protection
Valve's store page says every current Steam Deck model includes a carrying case. So a new case is only worth gifting if theirs is worn, too bulky for their bag, or they want one with room for a charger. A tempered-glass screen protector is a cheap, practical stocking stuffer; just make sure it matches their exact model, because Valve lists the OLED screen at 7.4 inches and the LCD at 7 inches.
For more travel ideas, see our travel gaming setup guide. If they complain the device runs hot, our handheld cooling verdict explains whether clip-on fans are worth it.
Games that run well on a handheld
On Steam, every game page shows a Steam Deck compatibility rating. Valve uses four labels:
| Label | What it means |
|---|---|
| Verified | Works great right out of the box. Full controller support, readable text, no warnings. |
| Playable | Works, but may need some tweaking, like choosing a controller layout. |
| Unsupported | Doesn't currently work on Steam Deck. |
| Unknown | Valve hasn't tested it yet. |
For a gift, stick to Verified. Valve also notes ratings can change over time as it reviews more games. For Windows handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally, Deck ratings are still a decent guide to which games play well with a controller on a small screen.
What tends to work best
Shorter-session games suit a handheld: roguelikes, indie games, and turn-based games you can pause anytime. Huge, demanding new releases may run, but at lower settings. Our best Steam Deck games of 2026 list is built around games that play well on the Deck specifically.
On Steam, open the game's store page, choose "Purchase as a gift," and pick them from your Steam friends list. If you're not on Steam, a Steam gift card works and avoids buying something they already own. Our digital gifting guide walks through it.
Steam gift card
Steam's library is huge and frequent sales stretch the money further. A gift card lets them pick a Verified game they actually want, or catch the next big Steam sale.
- No risk of duplicates
- Works on Steam Deck and Windows handhelds
- Feels less personal than a chosen game
Controllers and keyboards for docked play
Once a Steam Deck is docked to a TV, it works like a console, and a separate controller makes that much better. Most Bluetooth controllers pair with the Deck, including PlayStation and Xbox wireless controllers they might already own for another console. If they don't have a spare, a wireless controller they can use from the couch is a strong companion gift to a dock. Our best PC controllers guide covers options that work with SteamOS and Windows.
For someone who uses their Deck as a small computer, a compact Bluetooth keyboard and mouse turn a docked Deck into a basic desktop for browsing and light work. That's a niche gift, but a welcome one if they've mentioned it.
Headphones for travel
Handhelds get played on planes, trains and couches next to people who don't want to hear the game. A pair of wired earbuds or Bluetooth headphones they like is an easy add-on. ASUS lists a 3.5mm audio jack on the ROG Xbox Ally X, so wired earbuds plug straight in; check the spec page for other models.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a Switch accessory. Cases and screen protectors are model-specific. A "handheld case" listing may be for a Switch.
- Buying a slow or no-name microSD card. Cheap cards from unknown sellers can be slow or counterfeit. Stick to known brands sold by Amazon or the brand store.
- Buying console games. A PS5 or Xbox disc won't work on a Steam Deck. Steam games are what they need, and Windows handhelds can also run other PC stores.
- Assuming every Steam game works. Check the Deck rating on the game's page before buying.
- Buying a low-wattage charger. Under 45W, a Steam Deck may charge slowly or drain while playing.
Quick picks by budget
| Budget | Best pick |
|---|---|
| Under $25 | Screen protector, or a Steam gift card for a Verified indie game |
| $25 to $50 | 65W GaN charger, or a 512GB microSD card |
| $50 to $100 | 1TB microSD card, or the $79 Steam Deck Docking Station |
| Over $100 | Dock plus microSD card, or a larger Steam gift card |
If they're thinking about buying a handheld rather than accessorizing one, our best handheld gaming PC guide compares the current models.
Frequently asked questions
What microSD card works in a Steam Deck?
Valve's spec page says the Steam Deck has a UHS-I slot that supports SD, SDHC and SDXC cards. A name-brand card rated A2 and U3 or V30 is a good pick. The Deck formats it automatically when inserted.
Does the Steam Deck come with a case?
Yes. Valve lists a carrying case with every current model, including the 1TB OLED, which adds a removable liner. A new case is only worth buying if theirs is worn out or they want a different style.
Can a Steam Deck connect to a TV?
Yes, through its USB-C port with a dock or a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Valve's Steam Deck Docking Station costs $79 and adds USB ports for controllers and a keyboard. Valve says third-party docks and hubs also work.
Can I give someone a Steam game directly?
Yes. On the game's Steam store page, choose to purchase it as a gift and pick the recipient from your Steam friends list. A Steam gift card is the alternative if you're not on Steam or don't know what they own.
Are Steam Deck accessories compatible with the ROG Xbox Ally?
Some are. USB-C chargers, docks and microSD cards usually work across handhelds if they meet the power and spec requirements. Cases, grips and screen protectors are shaped for a specific device and won't cross over.
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