Best cases for Steam Deck 2024
Never leave home without adequate protection for your beloved Deck.
If you've been lucky enough to bag a Steam Deck or the newer Steam Deck OLED, you'll no doubt want to keep it safe when leaving the house.
Valve includes an official carrying case with any orders, including exclusive versions for certain configurations, but they're not invincible. And if you're looking for something a little more stylish, you can definitely do better.
We've rounded up the best Steam Deck case replacements and alternatives to keep your console protected against damage.
Best replacement
This case has appeared under many brand names, typical for cheaper third-party accessories. Regardless, this model has a super soft interior, and the mesh pouch is spaced farther from the analog sticks than it looks. It's a little larger overall than the official Steam Deck case, and there's a mesh zipped compartment to stash smaller accessories and cables.
Best alternative
JSAUX quickly established itself as the premier maker of Steam Deck accessories, and this case is a perfect alternative to the official one from Valve. The little mesh pouch sits atop a soft panel to keep your screen protected, and is big enough for some cables, microSD cards and maybe even some earbuds. Compact, affordable, and tough.
Best silicone
If you already have a pouch or something similar to carry the Steam Deck in, a silicone case is perfect for protecting it against knocks and bumps. It's easy to apply, and you get an extra grip on the handles to prevent accidental drops. It isn't the most elegant looking of cases, but it gets the job done.
Best bag
They're not available from third-party retailers, but WaterField bags have proved their high-price worth in the past. This bag has individual SD card slots, a zipped pouch on the rear for cables, and a super soft interior to protect the Steam Deck's screen.
Best pouch
Another premium case from WaterField, their Steam Deck pouch, comes in multiple colors with pockets for SD cards and cables. You won't squeeze the AC adapter in here, but it's just the right size for the console and perfect for storing within another bag.
Clever protection
JSAUX's impressive collection of Steam Deck accessories includes the ModCase. Not only does it protect all sides of your Steam Deck, including the front, it's designed to work with or without some additional accessories. Out of the box though, you'll be able to prop it up to play with a controller, and it's a perfect travel companion.
Choosing the best Steam Deck case
Why you can trust Windows Central
Valve's Steam Deck is perfect for portable PC gaming, and they're generous enough to include an official carrying case with every order. The point is to protect against damage, so if yours has become too scuffed up to store your console reliably, there are a couple of options here to replace it with.
These type of cases are only good for moving your Steam Deck around, though. If you want something to protect against accidental knocks while you're using it, then you'll want to go for something like a silicone case or JSAUX's ModCase.
High-end cases from WaterField are only available from the official San Francisco manufacturer's website. Still, their high-quality bags have been making waves in the technology scene for a while now. If you can stomach the cost, they're a fashionable solution to carrying your console with a little subtlety, since there's no Steam Deck logo plastered on the side.
Whatever you choose, these cases pair up with the best Steam Deck accessories to get the most out of your new handheld PC.
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Ben is the channel editor for all things tech-related at Windows Central. That includes PCs, the components inside, and any accessory you can connect to a Windows desktop or Xbox console. Not restricted to one platform, he also has a keen interest in Valve's Steam Deck handheld and the Linux-based operating system inside. Fueling this career with coffee since 2021, you can usually find him behind one screen or another. Find him on Mastodon @trzomb@mastodon.online to ask questions or share opinions.
- Richard DevineManaging Editor - Tech, Reviews