The Steam Deck is one of the most powerfulportable gaming consolestoday, allowing owners to play Sony and Xbox exclusives, as well as third-party titles on the go. Compared to its main competitor, the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck performs considerably better thanks to greater graphics, higher RAM, and higher storage options.
Satisfye StylthGrip Bundle for The Steam Deck
Spigen Rugged Armor Protective Case for Steam Deck
Although Valve gives buyers an official travel case for storage, the manufacturer doesn’t offer a protective case for the Steam Deck, so it’s worth exploring the available options from third party manufacturers. Fortunately, you can find one or more of these cases in online stores today. To help you narrow your options, we’ve curated a list of the best Steam Deck Cases worth getting in 2024.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Steam Deck Cases in 2024
Syntech Protective Case
If you’re looking for a protective case for your Steam Deck that feels lightweight but guarantees you maximum protection against scratches and dirt, then the Syntech case should be on your radar. Built with ergonomics in mind, this case feels comfortable to hold for long periods, allowing you to game for hours without suffering wrist pain. It also features complimentary thumb grips which keep the original ones from wear and tear plus improve their sensitivity and accuracy for better gameplay.
The Syntech protective case is an amazing accessory for Steam Deck owners who want to keep their handheld gaming console free, yet in pristine condition. With up to four distinct colors to choose from, Syntech claims that each one is designed to match the Steam Deck’s aesthetic. Made with silicone, the case has undergone several bending and tearing tests, giving it an amazing level of ductility. This means that even when stretched for long, the case won’t break down. It’s also incredibly lightweight, adding almost no extra heft to the console’s weight.
The case also comes with a pair of thumb grips that give you a better chance to aim correctly at targets and can help with sensitivity when playing racing games. But most importantly, it keeps the original thumb grips from experiencing wear and tear. Even with the protective case, the Steam Deck still fits perfectly inside the official carrying case. Unfortunately, it’s only compatible with the LCD version of the Steam Deck, meaning that owners of the most recent OLED variant have to look elsewhere. Despite this flaw, this is one of the best Steam Deck cases to buy today, as it’s an excellent blend of comfort and protection.
ProCase Upgraded Flip Case for Steam Deck/Steam Deck OLED
The Flip Case by ProCase is an amazing protective cover for the Steam Deck with a handful of interesting features. With protection for scratches on the outside and inside, you can play for hours with absolute freedom. To avoid unexpected drops, the case comes with an anti-slip handgrip design which keeps the console secure.
Our budget pick for the best Steam Deck cases is the flip case by ProCase, which comes with a magnetically detachable TPU cover. Sporting a design that’s similar to flipphone cases, this case from Pro Case protects the entire Steam Deck. The exterior is made from TPU material, adding an extra layer of safety against accidental bumps. On the inside, the microfiber covering keeps the Steam Deck’s screen from getting scratched, allowing you to see in-game characters clearly as intended.
An ergonomic and anti-slip handgrip design gives users the freedom to play without worrying about the console accidentally dropping. As mentioned, the case is magnetically detachable, so feel free to take it off when you want to play, then slip it back on when it’s time for work or sleep. Some users have noted that the cutout for the USB connection is barely wide enough for standard USB, forcing them to make minor adjustments with a knife.
JSAUX PC0104 ModCase for Steam Deck
The JSAUX ModCase is an all-in-one case for the Steam Deck, giving you maximum protection against drops and dirt. One of its standout features is the modular slider on the back cover that you may use to attach accessories such as a power bank, cooler, and hub for a better gaming experience. It also has a front protective shell which you can slip on and take off at will.
The JSAUX ModCase offers your Steam Deck protection, flexibility, and lots more. It comes with a detachable front shell which you can slip on and take off at will. Compatible with both the LCD and OLED Steam Deck variants, the ModCase’s back case comes with a metal kickstand, which is also a protective case that helps with heat dissipation. The ModCase’s silicon material is not only eco-friendly, but durable enough to prevent the Steam Deck from suffering screen scratches or cracks. The ModCase also has a TPU wrap that goes on the console’s edges to lessen the effects of an accidental drop.
Versatility is one of the ModCase’s selling points, and it doesn’t hide it. A modular slider on its back cover gives users the freedom to add compatible accessories such as a cooler, hub, and power bank to the mix, enriching their gaming experience by far. Upon purchase, shoppers get an official protective dock cover as a complimentary gift. A downside of the ModCase’s design is that the power button isn’t covered, throwing open the possibility of the console accidentally turning on when kept in a backpack, draining the battery, and causing a lot of heat. The fan that’s sold separately has also been faulted for being quite loud when in use, while the phone attachment will almost certainly lead to heating issues.
Mooroer Steam Deck Upgrade Carrying Case
The Mooroer case is an excellent travel case for your Steam Deck and other accessories such as controllers, dock, USB cables, and chargers. It comes with multiple compartments, allowing you to store all the gaming accessories that you need in one case for easy access when on the go. It’s also scratch-resistant and waterproof, giving you little to worry about when the case drops by accident or gets splashed with a glass of water.
The Steam Deck is marketed as a portable gaming PC of sorts, so it only makes sense for it to accompany you on trips to the beach, coffee shops, and so on. Although the official case is pretty good, the Mooroer travel case ups the ante by offering various compartments for other things aside from your handheld console. Compatible with the LCD and OLED variants, the case can accommodate the Steam Deck, charger, earphones, dock, hub, HDMI cable, USB cable, and more accessories. There’s also a storage room for game cards which comes in handy if you’ve got a Nintendo Switch lying around.
The Mooroer case was built with durability in mind, so it’s no surprise that it’s said to be anti-scratch and waterproof. A true travel case, you can opt to carry it around like a briefcase or let it hand from your shoulder using the included strap. Users have noted that the top compartment is pretty loose, meaning that accessories stored in there tend to move around. The inside zippers have also been faulted for feeling somewhat cheap.
If you’re looking for a premium case for your Steam Deck, the StylthGrip bundle is a nice option. Alongside the hard cover which safeguards your console from scratches and drops, you get a screen cover and two sets of thumb pads which offer considerably better gameplay for long periods.
The StylthGrip Bundle sold by Satisfye offers a terrific build quality, which makes it highly durable alongside top-tier ergonomics for maximum enjoyment during gameplay. To justify its high pricing, the bundle includes a StylthGrip hard cover, which provides all-round protection against drops on the ground and other hard surfaces. Buyers also get two sets of thumb pads made with RyzePod rubbers for a better fit for players while gaming. A screen protector is also included in the package, offering Steam Deck owners yet another level of safety from dirt, dust, and scratches.
The case is also compatible with the official Steam Deck dock, so feel free to keep the case on while you take your gaming to a4K TV. Although the console’s hand grips are pretty good, the StylthGrip case’s hand grips allow players’ hands to feel more comfortable while holding it for extended periods. There are a few cons, particularly regarding pricing. At $80 a pop, it’s not cheap, and may not appeal to some players looking to stay within a set budget. Once the case is on, the Steam Deck no longer fits into the official travel case, a flaw that translates to another purchase, as you’d need to get a larger case to take the set with you efficiently.
The Spigen rugged case provides great protection against scratches and drops for your Steam Deck at an accessible price. What’s more, it has a slim build profile that doesn’t add up to the Deck’s weight. It also has a textured surface which is anti-slip and is pretty comfortable to hold for long periods. You also get an external wrist strap for easy on-the-go carry.
Rugged cases help keep our devices safe from untimely damage, and the Spigen rugged armor case promises the same value to Steam Deck owners. The case features a tough TPU cover that’s strong enough to withstand most of the impact from accidental drops on the ground. To help players easily access buttons, ports, and the joysticks on the console, the case features accurate cutouts. An adjustable external wrist strap is also available to help you carry the console when on the move.
The Spigen case also has a sleek build profile which is a good feature, seeing as the Steam Deck is quite bulky and can feel heavy to hold. By sporting a slim build, you may play without worrying about your console getting heavier. The case grips sport a matte texture, making it less likely for the console to accidentally slip from your hands. However, the case doesn’t allow you to dock your Steam Deck, and some users have noted that it does tend to get sticky after long gaming sessions. If you look beyond these downsides, the Spigen case offers a ton of value that’s worth the $25 price tag.
How to Choose the Right Steam Deck Case
Since there are a ton of protective cases for the Steam Deck, below are some factors to consider for making the right purchase:
Materials: The materials used in manufacturing a Steam Deck case play a major role in determining how resistant it will be against accidental drops, scratches, and dirt. Materials such as silicone and TPU have various strengths and weaknesses that you should adequately research to avoid making a regrettable purchase.
Cutouts: Ensure that the case you buy for your Steam Deck comes with precise cutouts for buttons, thumbsticks, charging port, and, most importantly, the heat vents. The Steam Deck tends to get hot quickly, and blocking the vents with a case that lacks the appropriate cutouts could cause serious overheating issues.
Price: Ensure that you have an idea of the price of multiple cases, so you can assess their pros and cons to make a good decision. Some cases cost more because they offer extra protection and come with additional features. Some cases also cost less because they offer no add-ons, so consider this carefully.
Durability: Another important thing to note about the case is that it should have some level of durability. It should provide adequate protection against accidental drops, dust, and dirt. It should also be resistant to scratches as well. Some cases offer better protection than others, so keep this in mind when browsing the available options.
Compatibility with Dock: The dock comes in handy for players who want to expand their horizons bygaming on a TVscreen instead of the Steam Deck’s 1200x800 display. However, not all cases will fit into the dock, so it’s worth confirming the compatibility of the case and the dock before making a purchase.
FAQ
Q: Do cases make the Steam Deck hotter?
Provided the case has a cutout for the heat vent, you should have no cause to worry about overheating.
Q: Does the Steam Deck OLED have an SD card slot?
Both the 512 and 1TB variants of the Steam Deck OLED support memory extension through the SD card slot.
Q: Is the Steam Deck OLED more powerful?
Yes, the OLED variant offers slightly more performance than the LCD version plus it has a quieter fan and a brighter display.
