Steam Deck AC Adapter
Steam Deck AC Adapter - A good at home fast charger for your Steam Deck.
Summary
The official Steam Deck AC Adapter is an example of Valve supporting open standards and compatibility between the Steam Deck and third-party accessories. Unlike Nintendo, the Steam Deck charger operates like a standard 45W USB-C charger. It’ll support an Android phone, the Nintendo Switch, and some laptops just as well as it supports the Steam Deck. And likewise, the Steam Deck is perfectly comfortable using any other 45W or higher USB-C charger. Unfortunately, the built-in USB-C cable and fixed prongs keep this AC adapter from also being a good travel charger.
Port 1: 45W USB-C PD 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/2.25A)
Built-in 5-foot USB-C cable
Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 1.1 in | 5.2 oz
Model: W20-045N1A
Price: $24.99
Overall
-
Performance
(5)
-
Design
(4)
-
Safety
(4.5)
-
Portability
(3)
Pros
- The official USB-C charger for the Steam Deck from Valve included with both the Deck and their dock
- Charges a Steam Deck under all conditions
- Fast charges Android USB-C phones
- Charges Nintendo Switch in both handheld and docked modes
- Fast charges all model iPads and tablets with USB-C
- Can support most 13-inch or smaller laptops
- Works worldwide with 100-240V power input (may need a plug adapter)
Cons
- Can’t charge an iPhone 14 or older with its built-in USB-C cable
- Fixed prong nullifies an otherwise good brick shape
- Won’t support Samsung Super Fast Charging or PPS
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased the product in this review.
Steam Deck AC Adapter printed specs
My Impressions of the Steam Deck AC Adapter
The Steam Deck AC Adapter works well as a 45W charger and is open to other USB-C devices. Unfortunately, its design prevents it from being a good travel charger. It meets the needs of the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, any USB-C tablet, and most 13-inch or smaller laptops. By following USB PD standards (please take note, Nintendo) the device works with USB-C phones and accessories.
The brick part itself is a decent size. Big for 45W, but similar to a 65W. The problems are at the ends, with the fixed prongs and attached USB-C cable. Those keep it from being travel-friendly and offer up issues with cable length and iPhone/iPad compatibility. That said, Valve tried to make up for these issues with the Steam Deck case included with all models. On the underside of the case is an elastic band covering a pocket. This space is meant for the Steam Deck AC Adapter. It fits neatly and is surprisingly secure. Trying the same thing with a similarly sized 65W USB-C charger and a separate USB-C cable does fit, but they shuffled around. It didn’t get a perfect safety rating above because it is not USB-IF certified, which is common among still good USB-C chargers.
I have the Steam Deck AC Adapter plugged in by the TV for when I hook up with Steam Deck with a USB-C hub. For travel, I use a third-party case and keep an Anker 45W USB-C charger and cable in there for connecting the Steam Deck to a TV away from home. Testing has shown no problems using third-party chargers (45W or more) with the Steam Deck. But if you feel more comfortable with the original charger, and are happy using the original case and its charger pocket, then, by all means, go OG.
Compare this charger with the best fast chargers for your Steam Deck.
Buy Steam Deck AC Adapter if you:
- Need to replace your Steam Deck charger and prefer official Valve accessories to third-party options
- Want a charger that will fit more securely in the underside of your official Steam Deck case
Don’t buy if you:
- Need more than 5 feet of cable length
- Want a travel-friendly charger for your Steam Deck