What are the first accessories you have to get when you buy a Steam Deck? Many would argue about grabbing a large capacity microSD card and we couldn’t agree more. They can only fit so much storage space in a gaming handheld, after all, so any extra ones you can throw in can make a huge difference in your overall experience. After that, however, we definitely recommend picking up a Steam Deck case to protect your gaming handheld from the hazards of daily use.
Nicks and scratches are largely unavoidable when it comes to portable devices. There’s just way too many hard, damaging surfaces it can come in contact with, whether it sits in your bag during transport or you’re taking it out to actually play, which is why cases are also among the most popular Nintendo Switch accessories. A Steam Deck case offers effective protection against those instances, ensuring you can minimize the risk of nicking or scratching your admittedly pricey handheld gaming PC.
Some Steam Deck cases are unapologetically large. Others are intentionally slimmer, acting like an add-on layer of skin to minimize any bulk or heft. Unsurprisingly, most people prefer the latter, since they tend to complement your Steam Deck’s aesthetics, although we can also appreciate the protective benefit that bigger, bulkier cases can bring to your stash. At the end of the day, it’s up to you whether to go with one or the other.
These are the best Steam Deck cases to provide an extra layer of protection for your gaming handheld.
ProCase Upgraded Flip Case
Pros
- Excellent grip and feel
- Magnetically detachable flip-up cover
- Slim and lightweight
Cons
- USB cutout too small for use with some cables
- A bit tight to put on
This Steam Deck case is made up of two parts: a soft-touch TPU case that wraps around the sides and back of the handheld, as well as a hard nylon front cover that magnetically attaches to the upper rear section of the TPU case. The TPU case is meant to stay on the console the entire time, with all the necessary cutouts for easy access to all the controls and ports, while the front cover can be easily flipped up any time you want access to the screen. You can also snap the entire front cover off if having it dangling in the back is a tad too distracting. Overall, the case has a great feel and grip that’s definitely better than using the device without it. Plus, it doesn’t add a lot of weight, which is a big deal for such an already hefty handheld device.
Spigen Rugged Armor Case
Pros
- Slim case works with most accessories, docks, and storage cases
- Lightweight
- Handy wrist strap
Cons
- No kickstand
We love the fact that this Steam Deck case is compatible with most other accessories for the device, allowing you to keep it on at all times while being able to plug in any cable, mount onto any docking station (not perfectly flush, but it works), and accommodate every accessory we’ve tried. Suffice to say, you don’t lose any functionality using this thing. Heck, it can even fit inside Valve’s own hard shell carry case (the one that comes with the 1TB Steam Deck). That’s because the case, pretty much, just feels like a second skin for the handheld, adding minimal bulk and heft to the proceedings, all while offering adequate protection from the bumps and scratches of regular use. We particularly love the cutouts, since they’re all perfectly sized, making it easy to put on and take off, while allowing fully unimpeded access to every control and port. Granted, it’s not going to be as rugged as burlier cases, but it gets the job done.
Syntech Protective Case
Pros
- Beefy silicone construction
- Excellent grip
- Perfectly-sized cutouts
Cons
- No kickstand
If you prefer the feel of silicone over TPU, you might find this Steam Deck case a lot more to your liking. Due to its all-silicone build, the case provides a soft, flexible texture with a satisfying grip. It’s also incredibly easy to put on and take off, since you can stretch it freely without worrying about causing any damage. The silicone is thick enough to offer adequate protection from nicks and scratches, although it does leave the handheld a tad too thick to fit in the official dock. It does stay slim enough to fit in the official carrying case, though, if you own that. We love the enlarged cutout on the USB-C slot, which should allow it to accommodate all sorts of cables and dongles, along with the bundles thumb grips that you can put on the thumb sticks for more precise control.
Jsaux ModCase for Steam Deck PC0104
Pros
- 360-degree protection during transit
- Reliable grip and drop protection
- Extendable with modular accessories
Cons
- Bulkier than others
We love Steam Deck cases that offer detachable front hard covers for the gaming handhelds, since this ensures no damage will come to the screen during transit. This one has that and the hard plastic front cover is designed to fit flush, complete with raised sections for accommodating the thumb sticks, allowing you to drop this in a bag without any worries. The rear, sides, and grips of the handheld is covered in grippy silicone that feels a little firmer than usual (it’s not as easy to put on as the other silicone case above), with built-in attachment points for adding the included accessory modules, namely a kickstand and a silicone strap you can use to secure it to a rail or a similar structure. Other accessory modules you can mount to the case include a cooling fan, a USB hub, and a power bank (the power bank is sized to fit on the silicone strap). We can’t vouch for the drop protection (yet), but it definitely feels sturdy enough to adequately take drops like the outfit claims.
Tomtoc Carrying Case
Pros
- Protective splash-resistant hard shell case
- Raised sections and cushioned bumpers to avoid touching buttons
- Additional storage for SD cards and other small items
Cons
- Might not fit a Steam Deck with case
If you simply want a carrying case for your Steam Deck, you might want to look at this slim and compact option from Tomtoc, which has been custom-designed to fit Valve’s gaming handheld flush. How flush? Well, the EVA hard shell is shaped to mimic every curve of the console, complete with raised sections to accommodate every control on the device with no chance of pressing anything accidentally. It’s really not that much bigger than the Steam Deck itself, so it won’t add a lot of bulk to conform stash, although it also means it’s a pretty tight fit, so you won’t be able to cover your handheld in anything but the slimmest cases, if at all. Features include a zippered closure, a splash-resistant polyester fabric skin, a carry handle, and a padded bumper on the shoulders to avoid compressing the console’s shoulder buttons.
Dbrand Project Killswitch
Pros
- Rugged, protective build
- Detachable kickstand and rear strap
- Superb grip
- Optional adapter for fitting on official dock
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulkier than others
Hailed by many as the best Steam Deck case in the market, this accessory protects your handheld with a rugged exterior made up of a silicone shell and a strong plastic cover similar to the Jsaux case we’ve covered here. Comparing the two, this feels just a little more rugged with a more thorough fit, although it’s also over twice the price, so you have to consider that when deciding between the two. Everything about this case feels great, from the way it fits on the console and the texture on the grip to the way the front cover clicks securely into place. Similar to the Jsaux, there’s an attachment point in the back that you can use to attach either an included kickstand or silicone strap, while an optional adapter kit allows you to fit it on the Steam Deck’s dock without having to remove the case. They even threw in grippy thumbstick covers.
Satisfye StylthGrip Bundle
Pros
- Most rugged case for the Steam Deck
- Compatible with official dock
- Only Steam Deck case with hard shell backplate
Cons
- No kickstand
- Expensive
The most expensive Steam Deck case on the list, this accessory works much like the Dbrand case above, combining a silicone skin that wraps around the rear, sides, and grip with an ABS backplate and a hard shell case that snaps on to cover the front during transit. Suffice to say, this feels like the most rugged of all the cases here, especially with the added backplate in the rear, ensuring it’s properly reinforced to handle bumps and drops alike. We love the fact that the console can fit on the official dock even with the case on, as well as the secure grip, the thumb stick pads, and the included screen protector. Do note, the case is pretty thick, so it won’t fit on the official carrying case once you have it on. It also doesn’t have a kickstand, which is such a big omission. However, if you want the most protective Steam Deck case for your gaming handheld and don’t have any budget constraints, this is hands-down the way to go.
