A vital aspect of portable gaming is having a perfectly matched gaming headset, so you can enjoy immersive audio wherever you go.
On-the-go gaming has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, from high-performance gaming laptops to the SteamDeck. Today, we’re looking at the SteamDeck, in particular, and its requirements for audio headwear. We’ll be detailing a little bit about the console itself, the audio ports it possesses, and some great headset recommendations to use with it. So, gather your blog-reading provisions and mosey on through this guide!
The SteamDeck
Unless you are entirely new to the world of PC gaming, there are few of us that don’t know the SteamDeck launched on February 25th 2022. Taking a similar approach to portable gaming as the Nintendo Switch, the SteamDeck can be used to play an ever-growing catalogue of games available through Steam. Both are owned and developed by the same company, Valve Corporation, so makes perfect sense.
This console is equipped with all the input actions we know and love, such as analogue sticks, D-pads, and shoulder buttons, as well as some of the more recent mod-cons, like an IPS LCD touchscreen, trackpads, and 6-axis IMU. Plus, it can be connected to a monitor via a choice of connectivity options. You can even plug in your USB peripherals and play. The SteamDeck is the pinnacle of versatility and portability.
With access to a large selection of the Steam library. You can either trawl through the entire SteamDeck compatible list here which includes titles like Elden Ring and Hi-Fi Rush. Or, just keep an eye out for the verified badge in the sidebar, pictured here.
SteamDeck Hardware
As tech heads, we love to know what’s inside powering our gaming. The spec varies from model to model, with larger and fast storage being utilised as you move up the tiers. The processor, graphics, and memory remain the same, however. For memory, the SteamDeck is equipped with 16GB of high-speed LPDDR5 RAM, to keep operations smooth and seamless.
Valve teamed up with AMD to create a purpose-built APU primed for handheld gaming, harnessing the power of Zen 2 and RDNA 2. There are four cores and eight threads able to reach speeds up to 3.5Ghz, paired with eight RDNA 2 compute units at speeds up to 1.6GHz. Some tasty tech right there! My favourite factoid about this APU is that its codename was seemingly “Aerith”, which makes my inner Final Fantasy nerd so happy.
The SteamDeck Audio Tech Specs
Now for the reason we’re all here. The audio. In true SteamDeck fashion, your choice of audio ports is just as flexible and versatile as the console is. There are three ways you can plug in and enhance your soundscape. Before we get to that, the SteamDeck is already equipped with stereo speakers with an embedded digital signal processor (DSP). Even without headphones, this portable console can provide immersive audio.
But you can’t play your games out loud on the train or other public spaces. People will tut and shake their heads in a devastatingly British way!
Which brings us back to audio connectivity. You can take advantage of a 3.5mm jack, USB-C port, or Bluetooth 5.0 – the choice is up to you! Whether you already own a headset with one of these connection styles or were planning to upgrade your headset game, plenty of gaming headsets will work perfectly with the SteamDeck.
Our Top Picks
As there is so much choice available to you, we’ve picked out our favourite headset for each connection type. If none of these models spark joy or fit your aesthetic, then have a browse of all our gaming headsets. We’re confident you’ll find something you like!
Logitech G G332 Gaming Headset
The first highlighted headset utilises the 3.5mm audio jack, the Logitech G G332. Thanks to its 3.5mm jack, this headset boasts multi-platform connectivity allowing you to use it with your gaming PC, the SteamDeck, and other consoles you may own. Its slim and lightweight design is incredibly comfortable, with a breathable leatherette fabric on the earcups and headband. The 50mm drivers create an immersive and expansive sound, bringing your favourite gaming soundtracks to life. Plus, the microphone includes lift-to-mute functionality, as well as volume control at your fingertips. We think the red accents are pretty snazzy too.
ASUS ROG Delta S RGB Gaming Headset
Next, we have a headset with USB-C connectivity, the ASUS ROG Delta S. It has RGB lighting too, which is always a winner. This gaming headset is chock-full of premium audio hardware, to deliver clear and detailed audio, such as hi-fi grade ESS 9281 with QUAD DAC, ASUS Essence drivers, and MQA technology. Plus, with its lightweight frame and ergonomic D-shaped ear cups, you’ll stay comfortable using this headset for the duration of the SteamDeck’s battery life.
EPOS GSP 670 Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset
Finally, we have a gaming headset with Bluetooth 5.0, the EPOS GSP 670. This is a closed acoustic headset, meaning it will muffle out background noise and thus make it easier for you to enjoy your game audio more. Especially helpful if you use your SteamDeck whilst on a busy commute or when surrounded by noisy family. Built directly into the headset are dedicated controls for chat and game audio, enabling you to stay in contact with your squad without compromising your audio. Plus, with intelligent battery management, you can enjoy up to 20 hours of use between each charge.
Does the Steam Deck compare to gaming laptops in terms of portable gaming performance? Check out our ultimate showdown to find out!
Game On
Do you have a SteamDeck? Let us know in the comments below how you’re finding it and what headset you use!
- 5 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK for two years, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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