Valve announced the delay of Steam Deck’s Docking Station
Valve confirmed the postponement of Steam Deck’s Docking Station in a recent Steam update, citing part shortages and the COVID-mandated shutdown of production facilities. Fortunately, this would not affect Steam Deck’s supply. The official docking station had to be delayed, according to Valve, because of a shortage of parts and COVID shutdowns of industrial facilities utilized for its production. Most of the time, third-party docks would do for Steam Deck customers, however, Valve promised an official dock with the device, only to fail to deliver in the intended spring 2022 release timeframe. A docking adapter for Steam Deck has been delayed, according to Valve, due to parts shortages and COVID shutdowns from its Chinese manufacturing partners.
While the accessory’s availability has been delayed yet again due to COVID shortages and issues, the company assured those who reserved the Steam Deck that the delays will not affect the Stream Deck’s production schedule or availability window because the Steam Deck Docking Station uses different parts and is manufactured in different factories. The delay was disclosed through a Steam post on the 1st of June, with Valve apologizing for the inconvenience and explaining why the Steam Decks next dock was delayed: The dock, which allows players to use a portable PC through TVs or monitors, was set to debut in late Spring.
Valve announced yesterday that their official Steam Decks Dock, which allows you to broadcast the Steam Decks images to a TV or monitor while also attaching two USB peripherals, has been delayed yet again. Because the Steam Deck is currently running at maximum performance in portable mode, Valve has already verified that a docking station will not improve performance, therefore there is nothing to lose by acquiring another docking option other than a more stylish look.
The dock is designed to assist the Steam Deck by allowing you to connect additional screens, USB peripherals, and power cables, allowing you to play for far longer periods of time than the Steam Deck’s 2-to-8-hour battery life while detached. In addition to these ports, the official Steam Deck dock has HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, a gigabit Ethernet socket, a power outlet, USB-C power delivery pass-through input, and a USB Type-C cable to connect to the Steam Deck.
In April, the Docking Station underwent a quiet revision of its single-spec, with Valve switching port configurations from USB 2.0 to three USB 3.11 Type-A connections. The delays do not rule out utilizing the Steam Deck as a desktop computer with the included USB-C Hub and external monitors and accessories; you’ll just have to find another 3rd party solution until the dock arrives.
