Short answer: plug the Steam Deck into your TV with a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter, or sit it in a dock that has an HDMI port. The Deck switches to the TV automatically. Add a Bluetooth controller and you have a small console.
How this post was made: researched and written with Claude, an AI assistant, checked against the sources linked in this post, and overseen by Nersing Pradhan. How we make NP Handhelds
What you need
You have three options, from cheapest to most convenient:
- A USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter. The simplest way. Pick one that supports 4K at 60Hz (HDMI 2.0) so it can handle any TV. The catch is that it uses the Deck’s only USB-C port, so you can’t charge at the same time.
- A USB-C hub or third-party dock. Adds HDMI, USB ports for a keyboard or controller, and charging passthrough. Many cost much less than Valve’s dock.
- The official Steam Deck Docked. Valve’s dock has HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, three USB-A ports, Ethernet and charging passthrough. It also supports HDMI-CEC, so the TV remote can wake the Deck on some TVs. See Valve’s dock page for details.
The Deck’s USB-C port supports DisplayPort 1.4, which Valve says handles up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz. In practice, the dock or adapter you use sets the limit.
How to connect it
- Connect the cable or dock to the TV’s HDMI port and switch the TV to that input.
- If you’re using a dock or hub, connect its power supply, then plug the Deck in. Use Valve’s 45W charger or another charger with enough power for the dock.
- The Deck’s screen turns off and the picture appears on the TV. If it doesn’t, unplug and reconnect the USB-C cable, then check the TV’s input.
Set the resolution
The Deck picks a resolution for the TV automatically, often 4K on a 4K TV. That’s fine for menus, but games run much slower at high resolutions. To get a smooth picture:
- Go to Settings, then Display, and lower the external display’s maximum resolution to 1080p if your games stutter.
- In a game’s Properties, set its resolution. Many games run well at 1080p with lower settings, or at 720p or 800p with upscaling for demanding games.
- Use the performance menu’s scaling options to sharpen lower resolutions. Our performance settings guide explains each option.
The Deck is a handheld first. On a big screen, lighter and older games look great, while the newest games may need low settings.
Add a controller
Holding the Deck while it’s plugged into a TV isn’t practical, so pair a controller:
- Go to Settings, then Bluetooth, and turn it on.
- Put your controller in pairing mode and select it from the list.
Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro and most Bluetooth controllers work. You can also plug a wired controller into a dock’s USB port.
Play wirelessly instead
If your gaming PC is in another room, you don’t need the Deck at the TV at all. Steam’s Remote Play can stream games from your PC to a TV with the Steam Link app on many smart TVs and streaming boxes. It’s a different setup, but worth knowing about. For streaming to the Deck itself, see our streaming guide.
Want the rest of the kit? Our guide to the best Steam Deck accessories compares Valve’s dock with a cheaper JSAUX option and covers controllers, storage and power banks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I charge the Steam Deck while it’s connected to a TV?
Yes, with a dock or hub that has USB-C charging passthrough. A plain USB-C to HDMI cable uses the only port, so it can’t charge at the same time.
Does the Steam Deck output 4K?
Yes. It can output 4K at 60Hz through HDMI 2.0, and more through DisplayPort. Running games at 4K is a different matter, because most modern games are too demanding for that on the Deck.
Do I need the official dock?
No. Third-party docks and hubs work, as long as they support USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode and power passthrough. The official dock adds a tidy design and HDMI-CEC.
Can I use Desktop Mode on a monitor?
Yes. With a keyboard and mouse connected, the Deck works like a small desktop PC. See our Desktop Mode guide.
Watch our setup videos on the NP Handhelds YouTube channel.
