The second item in the box is a docking station designed for the Steam Deck—not the ROG Ally. Currently, there are four major handheld PCs on the market: the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and Lenovo Legion Go. Three of them share a common issue: a single USB-C port that handles everything from charging to display output. (The Lenovo Legion Go is an exception, offering two USB-C ports, though both still require adapters.)
This docking station helps solve that issue. It features a semi-flexible, angled USB-C connection that plugs into your console, expanding it into a full-fledged docking hub.
Features and Ports:
USB Expansion: Three USB 3.0 ports for peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, or external storage.
Power Delivery: A USB-C power delivery port supporting up to 100W input.
Ethernet: A 1-Gigabit Ethernet port for a stable wired internet connection.
Display Outputs: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, and VGA (supporting multiple monitor setups).
Display Support:
Single Display (HDMI/DP): Up to 4K @ 60Hz.
Dual Display: One at 4K @ 30Hz, the other at 1080p @ 60Hz.
Triple Display: All outputs run at 1080p @ 60Hz.
Before purchasing, make sure your device supports DisplayPort Alt Mode for video output; most handheld PCs do, but some laptops may not.
Build Quality & Usage
The docking station is made from an aluminum alloy, with an angled USB-C connector that initially concerned me—I feared it might overheat and damage my device. However, after testing, I found no overheating issues. The dock also includes adhesive rubber pads to prevent scratches, but since I use a silicone sleeve on my ROG Ally, I didn’t apply them.
One downside is the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack. If you’re serious about gaming, Bluetooth is not a reliable option due to latency. Instead, you’ll need to plug your headset directly into your console or use a USB gaming headset. HDMI and DisplayPort do support audio output, so you can also route sound through a compatible monitor.
USB Performance
With three USB ports, this dock provides the bare minimum for a desktop setup: one for a keyboard, one for a mouse, and one spare. If you use a wireless keyboard and mouse with a single dongle, you’ll free up an extra port for external storage or other accessories. I tested the USB speeds using a USB 3.2 portable SSD, and the transfer speeds were virtually identical whether plugged into the dock or directly into the ROG Ally.
Final Thoughts
Surprisingly, accessories designed for the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck can work exceptionally well with other handheld gaming PCs. This carrying case is spacious and well-built, and the docking station provides much-needed expansion for devices with limited ports. If you’re looking for a travel-friendly case or a reliable desktop dock, these products from Nixie Gaming are excellent options.
Links to purchase are in the description below.