Instead of Valve not yet having its own dock for the Steam Deck, a 3D Redditor has printed its own custom support for the system, and it looks as good as anything Valve can come up with.
The Reddit user in question, Hannover2k (opens in new tab), built the dock by converting a Dock-Teck DD0003 USB-C hub accessory. They also added several other ports, including two USB 3.0 slots, an SD/MicroSD slot, HDMI and LAN ports, and a 45w USB C-Charge port.
The skill level on this Steam Deck cradle looks impressive and could lead to even more 3D-printed docks in the future. Steam has partnered with iFixit to provide official replacement parts for the console so buyers don’t have to turn to third-party sources, but if you’re looking for a Steam Deck dock, at least this custom printed dock might inspire some DIY options among Steam Deck owners.
Analysis: Can 3rd party docks and DIY Steam Deck make an official dock irrelevant?
With the recent disappointing news of the Steam Deck docking station being postponed indefinitely due to COVID-related manufacturing challenges, it looks like users will have to turn to third-party vendors and, increasingly, themselves to fill the accessories gap. from the Steam Deck.
There are already a number of third-party docking stations such as the UGreen USB-C multiport adapter or the j5create USB C docking station, as well as many other options on sites like Etsy. However, just like Hannover2k, there are more buyers who are successfully 3D printing their own docks.
If Valve can’t solve its supply chain problems, this emerging third-party and DIY market could seriously reduce its sales once it releases an official version.
On the other hand, users providing their own docks and mounts could mean that Valve won’t have to worry about releasing one, and may even quietly retire plans to produce them. This would have the added benefit of allowing the company to focus on Steam Deck production, which is still in high demand.
