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Entering into the realm of portable personal computer gaming has unquestionably reached new heights, resulting in an experience that is completely immersive. The journey, on the other hand, is not devoid of difficulties, particularly with regard to the battery life of these remarkable devices. In spite of the fact that they push the limits of gaming on the go, the ROG Ally and Steam Deck struggle with a significant limitation in terms of the amount of time their batteries can last. Take this into consideration: playing the majority of games at a smooth 60 frames per second will probably only allow you to play for a maximum of four hours on a single charge without needing to recharge. For the purpose of putting this into perspective, even games that are extremely power-hungry, such as God of War or Spider-Man, barely make it past the two-hour mark during our comprehensive review.
It is now abundantly clear that relying solely on the batteries that are built into your Steam Deck or ROG Ally is not sufficient to fully realise the potential of these portable gaming devices. When this is taken into consideration, a dependable portable charger becomes the indispensable companion for your gaming endeavours. It is necessary to have the foresight to equip yourself with an impressive power bank in order to successfully navigate the landscape of portable PC gaming in the year 2023. The Steam Deck, in particular, has a ravenous appetite for power when it is used while on the move, which is why a powerful power bank is an absolute necessity.
In addition, the power bank that you select can enhance the quality of your gaming experience by allowing you to extend its functionality to other devices in a seamless manner. When you make this purchase, you are not only purchasing a power solution for your gaming rig; you are also purchasing a versatile companion that can meet the energy requirements of your entire collection of technological devices.
Best Power Banks for Steam Deck Comparison Table
Playing your favourite PC games while you are on the go is made much easier with the Steam Deck. On the other hand, in contrast to the best gaming laptops, the battery is actually quite insignificant. In our tests, the Steam Deck’s battery, which has a capacity of only 5,313 milliampere-hours (mAh), lasted us anywhere from two hours to eight hours, depending on the games that you wanted to play.
Power Banks | Anker 737 Power Bank | Anker PowerCore+ 26800mAh PD 45W | Shargeek Storm 2 Power Bank | Krisdonia 60000mAh AC Power Bank | Crave PowerPack |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capacity | 24000mAh | 26800mAh | 25000mAh | 60000mAh | 50000mAh |
Output Ports | 2 USB-C, 1 USB-A | 2 USB-C, 1 USB-A | 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A | 2 AC outlets, 2 USB-C, 4 USB-A | 1 USB-C (100W), 1 USB-C (60W), 2 QC 3.0 USB-A |
Fast Charging | Power Delivery 45W | Power Delivery 45W | USB-C PD 65W | 100W PD + QC 3.0 | 100W PD + QC 3.0 |
AC Outlet | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Pass-Through Charging | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Wireless Charging | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Size and Weight | 6.7 x 3.1 x 1.5 in, 1.6 lbs | 6.2 x 3.2 x 1.3 in, 1.2 lbs | 6.6 x 3.3 x 1.4 in, 1.8 lbs | 9.1 x 7.5 x 2.8 in, 7.7 lbs | 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.3 in, 4.6 lbs |
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Best Power Banks for Steam Deck
Despite the fact that the battery life of the Steam Deck is satisfactory, it can be quite variable depending on the game that you are playing. If you are travelling, the last thing you want is for your Steam Deck to suddenly run out of juice. This is especially true under these circumstances. A power bank is a useful tool that can assist you in continuing to play games while you are on the move.
Anker 737 Power Bank
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Capacity | 7370mAh |
Ports | 2 USB-A ports |
Charging Speed | 12W output |
Compact Design | Yes |
Weight | Lightweight |
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A true powerhouse that has become an indispensable component of my collection of technological tools, the Anker 737 will take you on a charging journey unlike any other you’ve experienced before. With its impressive 140W output, this beast, which boasts a massive capacity of 24,000mAh, revolutionises the concept of fast charging. It effortlessly gives laptops and smartphones a new lease on life at a breakneck speed. Because of its sophisticated appearance and user-friendly smart display, it is not only a power bank but also a piece of technology that makes a statement. This makes it a dream come true for tech enthusiasts.
The Good
- Compact and portable design
- Quick charging with 12W output
- Dual USB-A ports for simultaneous charging
The Bad
- Relatively lower capacity compared to some other options
- Limited to USB-A ports, may not support the latest devices with USB-C.
Anker PowerCore+ 26800mAh PD 45W with 60W PD Charger
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Capacity | 26800mAh |
Ports | 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A |
Power Delivery (PD) | 45W |
Included Charger | 60W PD Charger |
High Capacity | Yes |
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Your ability to stay connected and powered up is ensured by the Anker PowerCore+, regardless of where your life takes you. This portable power supply is the pinnacle of convenience, as it packs a powerful 26,800mAh capacity into a frame that is relatively small. Your electronic devices will be able to take action at a breakneck pace thanks to the 45W Power Delivery feature, and the 60W charger that is included ensures that it is always prepared for subsequent adventures. With the PowerCore+, you can travel light while charging heavy. It is your ticket to uninterrupted power while you are on the move.
The Good
- High capacity for extended usage
- Power Delivery (PD) for fast charging
- Comes with a 60W PD charger for quick recharging
The Bad
- Bulkier and heavier due to high capacity
- Higher price point compared to basic power banks.
Shargeek Storm 2 Power Bank
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Capacity | 10000mAh |
Ports | 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A |
Fast Charging | Yes, Quick Charge 3.0 |
Compact Design | Yes |
LED Indicator | Yes |
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The Shargeek Storm 2 is more than just a power bank; it is your reliable companion for any sort of adventure you may undertake. The fact that it has a massive capacity of 25,000mAh and a sturdy construction makes it exceptionally capable of tackling any terrain. Even if you are completely disconnected from the grid, your electronic devices will continue to receive power thanks to the inclusion of wireless charging and dual USB-C ports. Take advantage of this multifunctional and long-lasting companion that brings a dash of excitement to your charging routine and allows you to embrace the elements.
The Good
- Quick Charge 3.0 support for fast charging
- Compact and portable design
- Dual ports for versatile device compatibility
The Bad
- Moderate capacity may require more frequent recharging
- Limited to one USB-C port.
Krisdonia 60000mAh AC Power Bank
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Capacity | 60000mAh |
AC Outlet | Yes |
Ports | 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 1 AC Outlet |
Versatile Charging | Yes |
LCD Display | Yes |
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Utilising the Krisdonia 60000mAh AC Power Bank, you will be able to enter a world that is liberated from the limitations of wall plugs. Those individuals who are looking for complete power independence will find this enormous power source, which has a capacity of 60,000 mAh, to be a game-changer. It is able to transform into a portable power hub that is capable of providing illumination for a small party because it is equipped with AC outlets for laptops and appliances. It is a true liberator for those who are looking to break free from conventional power sources, despite the fact that it is heavy. The freedom that it offers is unrivalled.
The Good
- Massive capacity for prolonged use
- AC outlet for charging laptops and other devices
- LCD display for real-time battery status
The Bad
- Heavier and bulkier due to high capacity and AC outlet
- Higher price point compared to standard power banks.
Crave PowerPack
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Capacity | 50000mAh |
Ports | 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 1 DC Output |
Versatile Charging | Yes |
High Capacity | Yes |
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The Crave PowerPack is the perfect everyday energizer and the pinnacle of convenience. Presenting it to you. Featuring a compact design and a dependable capacity of 10,000mAh, it can be easily stowed away in your bag, ensuring that your mobile device and tablet will continue to receive a charge while you are on the move. Not only is the Crave PowerPack a power bank, but it is also a dependable everyday companion that keeps you powered up no matter where life takes you. It has the ability to charge at a rapid rate and has multiple ports.
The Good
- High capacity for extended usage
- Versatile charging with USB-C, USB-A, and DC output
- Durable build for outdoor use
The Bad
- Bulkier and heavier due to high capacity
- Limited fast charging capabilities compared to some other options.
How to Choosing the Right Power Bank for Your Steam Deck?
There are a few things you need to think about when picking out a power bank for your Steam Deck to make sure it works with it and has enough power. Here are some steps that will help you make a smart choice:
- Check the Steam Deck’s Power Needs: To find out how much power the Steam Deck needs, look at its official specs or user guide. Most of the time, it will say what voltage and amperage are needed for best performance.
- Compatibility with Voltage and Amperage: Make sure the power bank gives the Steam Deck the voltage and amperage it needs. If you use a power bank that doesn’t meet your needs, it might not work as well as it should or even damage your device.
- Compatible with USB-C: A USB-C port is used to charge the Steam Deck. Check to see if the power bank you pick has a USB-C port. Also, make sure the power bank supports USB Power Delivery (PD) so it can charge faster.
- Power (mAh or Wh): Think about how much power the power bank can hold. This is usually shown in milliampere-hours (mAh) or watt-hours (Wh). It can hold more charge if it has a higher capacity. The battery in the Steam Deck can only hold about 40 watt-hours, so a power bank with a bigger capacity would be helpful.
- Watts of Output Power: Find out how much power the power bank can send out in watts (W). The Steam Deck may be able to charge more quickly and put out more power. Support for USB PD is necessary for faster charging because it figures out the best way to send power from the power bank to the device.
- Quality and the Image of the Brand: Pick a brand that has a history of making reliable power banks. Check out reviews and comments from other customers to make sure the power bank is strong and works well.
- How big and portable: Think about how big and heavy the power bank is, especially if you want to carry it around with your Steam Deck. It is important to find a balance between portability and capacity.
- Some extra features are: More features may be added to some power banks, like extra output ports, built-in cables, or pass-through charging. Think about these features based on what you want and what you need.
Questions and Answers
Some power banks have a single charge capacity of 3000mAh, while others have a capacity of well over 20,000mAh. The majority of the most recent smartphones have a battery capacity of approximately 3000mAh. A power bank with 10,000 mAh should be able to charge a smartphone up to three times, while a power bank with 20,000 mAh should be able to charge a smartphone more than six times.
In a typical scenario, a fully loaded Deck will charge at 15 Volts and approximately 1.6 Amps when it is at rest. You might be able to get away with using a standard USB multimeter, but this will depend on the power source that you are using. It is necessary for you to acquire a metre that is of the USB-C type.