Level Up Your Handheld Gaming Setup
Handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally, and MSI Claw have exploded in popularity. If you have just picked one up, or you are shopping for someone who has, the right accessories can completely change the experience.
From faster storage and better controls to docks, cases, and headsets, there is a lot of gear out there. This guide walks through some of the most useful and beginner friendly upgrades and add ons for PC handhelds, with a focus on real world benefits like comfort, performance, and convenience.
Storage, Controllers, and Docks
One of the first pain points handheld owners hit is storage. Modern PC games are huge and the base SSD can fill up fast. You have two main upgrade paths: microSD cards and internal NVMe SSDs.
- microSD cards are the easiest option. The Samsung Pro Plus series is a reliable pick and often drops to around 80 dollars for a high capacity card. You will not suddenly double performance with a microSD, but you get simple plug and play expansion that is great for less demanding titles and older games.
- NVMe SSDs give you the best speed and capacity if you are comfortable opening your device. For compact slots like the Steam Deck’s 2230 format, drives such as the Sabrent Rocket 2230 offer fast performance at around 1 TB with a reasonable price tag. Some handhelds support full size 2280 SSDs, where options like the WD Black SN7100 let you go wild with multi terabyte storage and excellent throughput.
If you play fast paced games, upgrading your controller experience is just as important as storage. Accessories like the GameSir G7 come with modern stick technology that helps eliminate drift using sensor systems similar to Hall effect sticks. A 1,000 Hz polling rate keeps input latency extremely low, which is ideal for shooters and twitchy action games. The inclusion of 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity means you can get console like responsiveness when your handheld is docked to a TV or monitor.
Docks are what really turn a handheld PC into a mini desktop. If you own a Steam Deck, Valve’s official dock is a clean all in one solution. It is not the most extreme spec monster but it gives you:
- Three USB A ports for peripherals
- DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0
- Gigabit Ethernet for stable online gaming
- Support for variable refresh rate and up to 120 Hz at 1440p
If you want more flexibility or have a mixture of devices like Legion Go or ROG Ally, third party docks such as the JSAUX Docking Station add HDMI 2.1 support and can physically fit larger handhelds. While you probably will not be pushing new triple A titles at 4K 120 Hz on these machines, older or lighter games can look fantastic on a big screen.
Power, Protection, Audio, and Mods
Performance does not mean much if your battery keeps dying. Fast chargers and power banks are essential for anyone who travels with a handheld or just likes to game around the house without being tethered to one outlet.
- Multi device wall chargers like Anker’s 4 in 1 can charge a handheld, a phone, and a tablet together. It is ideal for families or shared setups where everyone is fighting over sockets.
- High powered power banks are crucial if you own more demanding handhelds. For example, a 140 W capable model can keep even upcoming heavy hitters like a GPD Win or OneXPlayer class device running. For most users, a 65 W bank is enough to keep a Steam Deck or similar powered, especially if you limit performance modes to balance battery life and frame rate.
Once you have power sorted, keeping the device safe is next. Handhelds are not cheap, especially premium models that easily cross the 1,000 dollar mark.
- Form fitting shell cases like the JSAUX ModCase for ROG Ally and Ally X give you slim protection that still fits in a backpack. Many include built in kickstands so you can prop the handheld up on a table.
- Silicone skins from brands like NINKI add grip and shock protection for devices like the ROG Xbox Ally and Lenovo Legion Go 2. Extra grip matters when you are gaming on the couch with sweaty hands after a big meal.
- Full carry cases such as JSAUX’s Steam Deck case give you room not just for the handheld, but also chargers, SD cards, earbuds, and cables, turning everything into a neat grab and go kit.
Do not overlook audio. Good headphones or earbuds make portable gaming more immersive and help you tune out noisy environments.
- Over ear headphones like Sony’s WH 1000XM6 offer top tier noise canceling, long battery life around 30 hours, and great sound for games and music alike. They are fantastic for travel.
- Gaming headsets such as the AceZone A Spire add low latency wireless options via USB C dongle while still supporting Bluetooth and wired 3.5 mm connections, making them versatile for handhelds and gaming laptops.
- Gaming earbuds like SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are especially handy for handhelds. They are pocketable, offer a 2.4 GHz dongle for low latency connection, and include active noise canceling so your portable setup stays truly portable.
If you or the person you are buying for loves tinkering, there are also some fun upgrades and mods for devices like the Steam Deck.
- Hall effect thumbstick modules from brands like GuliKit replace the stock sticks on both the LCD and OLED Steam Deck models. They practically remove the risk of stick drift and are designed to be installed without soldering, just careful disassembly.
- Custom shells like the JSAUX transparent backplate add a clear aesthetic and often include extra heatsinks for improved cooling. These mods are more about style and personalization, but they can make a standard Steam Deck feel unique.
With Black Friday and holiday sales in full swing, many of these accessories, from microSD cards to docks and power banks, can be found at significant discounts. Whether you are upgrading your own handheld or putting together a killer gift package, focusing on storage, power, protection, and audio will give any PC handheld gamer a noticeably better experience.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/holiday-gift-guide-2025/
