Steam Deck

From what I've seen:

Many of the fans seem to be such different sizes, placements, etc. It seems like no one really knows how to cool the steam deck from the back at this time.

I have also never seen someone's default steam deck getting overheating issues. But I don't work for valve's warranty/RMA department.

Personally, I haven't had any issues playing GTAV on my steam deck directly in my lap. A friend of mine has the JSAUX plastic back plate, their thermal pad doesn't fit flush, and removing the thermal pad doesn't affect temperature more or less than the original.

I am of the opinion that no accessory is needed for 1-2 hours of play in terms of cooling, it will be fine for years to come. Battery, however, will be your main issue. I'd get an external battery, and some companies make cases that can hold the battery to the back.

Let me know if you need any help getting your steam deck set up! Or if you need any advice on some things you should do first with your SD.

Don't worry about the deck's cooling, the built in fan is fine. It will work fine with a case as well as long as the case doesn't cover the vents.

It's possible to get by with a 64gb deck and microSD cards, but it can be difficult. Even if you don't install any games to the internal storage, things like shader cache will still be saved to the internal storage and can fill it up. A faster, larger SSD is really nice. Opening the deck isn't very hard (just make sure you use a proper size screwdriver, make sure it's fully inserted in the screws before turning them, and don't overtighten when you put them back).

I would at least get a 256 GB SD card. Some newer games don't fit on a 128 GB card. However, upgrading the internal SSD is probably even better, if you can do it.

Yes, get an ssd first. The 64g version doesn't just have small storage size but it has slow storage type.

It's absolutely worth the $20 to get at least a 128g 2230 nvme disk, and 1tb can be had for within $10 of a same size SD card.

2 hands. My friend has 1 hand and highly recommends 2.

I wouldn't buy any accessories other than an SD card and a "dock". The stock cooling of the Deck is fine unless you plan to game in scorching heat: https://twitter.com/OnDeck/status/1549467955754217473

In my experience the back side gets a bit hot, but it's not where you touch the device, and as long as the APU is cool enough, I wouldn't see this as a problem.

About the "dock": Any USB hub with Power Delivery (min 45W) and an HDMI port is fine. I'm using a D-Link one and am very happy with it.

Get the SSD before anything else. 2TB can be had for $114

Most people have already addressed the fact that you'll need more SSD space and that other accessories aren't strictly required; but here's what I got:

• Laptop 65W USB-C PD chargers off eBay (cost £18 each instead of £30 for a USB PD charger +£10 for a cable). Have a look at PD power banks as well if that's something of use to you.

• A hoodie with a big pocket on the front. Perfect for carrying around the Deck in the pocket.

• This 90° elbow connector from Ali Express to play while plugged in.

• Deckmate for attaching anything you want to the Deck.

• 8bitDo makes for a perfect controller to use with the Deck (whichever flavour you like).

• Whichever wired/wireless earphones you like

• Any universal USB-C hub you like. People tend to be fixated on a dock. I personally don't see any reason for a Deck to be propped upright. A flat universal hub can be packed in a bag easier and used with your laptop too.

• Back button enhancers.

• I haven't needed to open up my Deck since I got the 512 version, but if I ever do open it I'll put in hall effect joysticks.

• I already had an air mouse/keyboard lying around which I use to do quick tasks in desktop mode without having to connect it to my computer monitor. The Unified Remote Android app works well for this as well.

• a lot of people have put skins and cases on theirs but I haven't. See if that's something you would like.

• You could get a screen protector as well. I didn't since I got the 512 GB version.

A case won't hurt cooling unless it blocks airflow. The deck doesn't cool meaningfully through the body, so insulating the body doesn't matter.