The Steam Deck ships with a 45W USB-C charger that works fine at home but takes up unnecessary bag space when traveling. Third-party USB-C chargers can deliver the same 45W Power Delivery in a more compact form factor — and the right one charges your Switch, phone, and tablet too. This guide covers USB-C power delivery for the Steam Deck, what wattage you actually need, and how the MARSDOCK 45W USB-C Charger ($14.99) fits into a multi-device setup.
What the Steam Deck Needs
| Scenario | Minimum Wattage | Recommended | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charging while off / sleeping | 15W | 45W | Full charge in ~2 hours at 45W; 5+ hours at 15W |
| Charging while playing light games | 30W | 45W | Battery gains slowly at 30W; steadily at 45W |
| Charging while playing AAA games | 45W | 45W | Battery maintains or slowly gains at 45W; may drain at 30W |
| Quick charge between sessions | 45W | 45W | 0-80% in approximately 80 minutes |
Key takeaway: A 45W USB-C PD charger is the minimum for full-speed charging during gameplay. Lower-wattage chargers (phone chargers at 15-20W) will charge the Deck when it’s off but cannot keep up during intensive gaming.
MARSDOCK 45W USB-C Charger
The MARSDOCK 45W USB-C Charger ($14.99) delivers full 45W Power Delivery in a compact form factor. It’s compatible with:
- Steam Deck OLED and LCD — full-speed 45W charging
- Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED — the Switch only draws 18W max, so the 45W charger provides more than enough (it won’t over-deliver; the device negotiates the correct wattage)
- Phones and tablets — any USB-C device that supports USB PD
At $14.99, this is the most affordable way to add a second charger to your setup. Keep the stock Valve charger at home and use the MARSDOCK for travel, or vice versa.
USB-C Power Delivery Explained
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is a standard that allows the charger and device to negotiate the optimal voltage and current. When you plug the MARSDOCK into the Steam Deck:
- The charger announces it can deliver 5V/9V/15V/20V at various current levels
- The Steam Deck requests 20V × 2.25A = 45W
- The charger delivers exactly that
When you plug the same charger into a Nintendo Switch:
- The Switch requests 15V × 1.2A = 18W
- The charger delivers 18W — not 45W
USB PD is device-controlled. The charger can’t force more power than the device requests. A 45W charger on a device that only needs 18W delivers 18W safely.
Travel Charger Comparison
| Charger | Wattage | Steam Deck Charging Speed | Multi-Device? | Approx. Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valve stock charger | 45W | Full speed | Yes (USB-C PD) | Large — full-size brick |
| MARSDOCK 45W | 45W | Full speed | Yes (Switch, phones, tablets) | Compact — phone charger size |
| Phone charger (typical) | 15-20W | Slow (off only) | Yes | Very small |
Using One Charger for Everything
The MARSDOCK 45W charger eliminates the need to pack separate chargers for each device. A single charger handles:
- Steam Deck (45W max draw)
- Nintendo Switch / Switch OLED (18W max draw)
- iPhone or Android phone (varies, typically 20-27W)
- iPad or Android tablet (varies, typically 20-30W)
- USB-C laptops that accept 45W charging (some ultrabooks)
For travel setups, pair the charger with the JSAUX Carrying Case ($25.99) or JSAUX Sling Bag ($36.99) — both have accessory pockets that fit the MARSDOCK charger and cable. See the Complete Steam Deck Travel Kit for the full recommended setup.
FAQ
Will a 65W or 100W charger damage the Steam Deck?
No. USB PD is negotiated by the device. The Steam Deck will request 45W regardless of the charger’s maximum capability. A 100W charger delivers 45W to the Steam Deck, 18W to the Switch, etc. Higher-wattage chargers are safe but provide no benefit — you’re paying for capacity the Deck can’t use.
Can I charge the Steam Deck with the Nintendo Switch’s stock charger?
The stock Switch charger outputs 39W (15V × 2.6A). This is close to 45W and will charge the Steam Deck at nearly full speed when the device is off or playing light games. During AAA gaming, you may see the battery drain slowly rather than charge. For guaranteed full-speed charging, use a 45W+ charger.
Does cable quality matter?
Yes. A cheap USB-C cable that only supports USB 2.0 power delivery may not carry the full 45W. Use cables rated for 3A or higher current (often labeled “PD compatible” or “60W rated”). The cable included with the MARSDOCK charger meets these specifications.
Is the MARSDOCK charger safe for airplane use?
Yes. USB-C chargers are standard electronics permitted on all commercial flights. The 45W output is well within airline power limits. Plug into seat-back USB-C ports (which may only deliver 10-15W) or use an outlet adapter for full-speed charging.