Quick Facts

  • Alternative device: JSAUX Docking Station for Steam Deck
  • Price: Currently on sale at Amazon for $26.99
  • Compatibility: Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, and most handheld gaming PCs
  • Required extras: External controller and power supply

Valve's new Steam Machine is here, but its price tag is a shock. Because of RAMageddon, Steam Machines start at over $1,000. For players who want a big-screen setup without draining their savings account, the Steam Machine price vs Steam Deck dock comparison reveals a much cheaper alternative.

Instead of dropping a grand on a Steam Machine, players can use the JSAUX Docking Station for Steam Deck, currently available at Amazon for $26.99. This simple accessory bridges the gap for anyone wondering how to use Steam Deck as a home console.

How the Steam Deck Dock Works

The JSAUX dock functions as a tiny plastic base just large enough to support a Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Lenovo Legion Go. It features a built-in cable that plugs into the handheld's power port for charging, alongside ports on the back for HDMI, USB-C, and two USB-A connections.

Connecting the dock to power and a television routes the handheld's display straight to the big screen. This setup allows players to enjoy the majority of their Steam library on a TV, mirroring the core appeal of a Steam Machine without the steep Valve Steam Machine expensive alternative price tag.

Performance and Setup Considerations

Running games through a docked Steam Deck on a TV comes with a few technical limitations. The Steam Deck lacks the raw power of a Steam Machine, meaning most titles run at 1080p and may appear slightly fuzzy on a 4K display.

Because the console sits away from the couch, players also need an external controller. While the sold-out Steam Controller is hard to come by, players can easily connect an 8BitDo gamepad, an Xbox controller, a PS5 controller, or a Nintendo Switch controller instead.

For players trying to figure out if the new Steam Machine is worth buying in 2026, a $27 dock offers a practical workaround to enjoy portable libraries on a living room screen for a fraction of the cost.