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Steam Deck TV: How to Connect a Dock or HDMI

Steam Deck TV: How to Connect a Dock or HDMI

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Wondering how to connect your Steam platform to a TV or gaming monitor? Valve’s versatile handheld device actually doubles as a big-screen experience. Granted, the tiny Steam machine won’t be on par with a device rocking the best graphics card, but it’s more than capable of bringing an entry-level experience to your living room. You can also connect an external controller to the Deck, which means it can replace your current choice of large-screen console.

Valve’s official dock hasn’t arrived yet, but you can still connect the Steam deck to your TV. There are already tons of third-party docking stations available online, but thanks to the benefits of USB-C, you can also use an adapter and HDMI to connect directly to your screen. Keep in mind that if you choose to use a single cable, you won’t be able to charge the Deck or use other USB devices, as Valve’s handhelds use one port for connection and power.

Creating a Steam Deck TV setup is relatively simple, and you don’t necessarily need a high-end screen like a Samsung, LG, or Hisense.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a guide that will help you play Steam games with ease.

here is How to connect the Steam platform to a TV:

How to use a docking station to connect the Steam platform to a TV

HDMI adapters are cheap and enjoyable, but using a docking station eliminates issues like not being able to charge and using other wired accessories. Thankfully, you can get USB-C hubs that support multiple connections, video output, and power delivery, and they cost significantly less than traditional laptop-style docking stations.

here is How to use a docking station to connect the Steam platform to a TV:

  • Plug the HDMI cable into a free socket on the TV.
  • Connect the HDMI cable to the output port of the dock/hub.
  • Connect any USB accessories you wish to the dock.
  • Plug the dock’s USB-C connector into the Steam platform.
  • Connect the Steam Deck’s power supply to the dock’s USB-C power outlet.

Voila! Your Steam platform should now be connected to its power source and your TV using the dock.

How to connect the Steam platform to a TV using an HDMI cable

Just like the best gaming laptops, you can connect the Steam Deck to an external monitor using HDMI. For this, you’ll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable, both of which are available online. It’s worth noting that while there are cheap, unbranded options, they can be moody, so we recommend sticking with a brand like Anker.

here is How to connect the Steam platform to a TV using an HDMI cable:

  • Identify a free HDMI port on the TV.
  • Switch the TV’s input to match the HDMI port of your choice.
  • Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the TV.
  • Plug the USB-C adapter into the HDMI cable.
  • Plug the USB-C end of the adapter into your Steam platform.

The Steam platform should recognize your TV and automatically mirror its display. Next, you’ll need to go into your handheld’s display settings and adjust it to your personal preferences:

  • On the Steam platform, go to the left side of the taskbar and click System Settings.
  • Navigate to the “Hardware” section on the left and select “Displays and Monitors”.

If you’re using Windows 11, Deck’s display settings should look familiar. By using this screen, you can switch the resolution and refresh rate to match your TV’s specs. Other options include text and icon scaling, the ability to disable display options and screen orientation — handy for playing vertical arcade shooters.

Once you’re all set, you can start playing some Steam Deck games on your TV. While you can simply pick up the portable and use its built-in controls, we recommend using an external gamepad, especially if your HDMI cable of choice is shorter. You may also want to consider disabling the Deck’s built-in display, as this will help improve battery life when using its USB-C for video output only.

Does the Steam platform have HDMI?

The Steam Deck doesn’t have a built-in HDMI 2.0 port, but you can connect it to an HDTV using an HDMI to USB-C adapter. The handheld’s single connector also supports DisplayPort 1.4, which means you can use it with traditional TVs and high-spec monitors.

Can I use the Steam platform as a console?

Valve’s first handheld device was essentially a portable gaming PC, but its video-out capabilities and small form factor made it a great console replacement. The UI of the Steam Deck is designed with gamepads in mind, meaning you can browse your library and access key features without a keyboard or mouse. That said, not all games are suitable for couch gaming, so you may need to rock to your gaming table, or use the Deck’s trackpad.

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Kirsten Bennett
Kirsten is a passionate writer who loves games, and one day he decided to combine the two. She is now professionally writing niche articles about Consoles and hardware .