Anker Recommends 5 Steam Deck Accessories, Led by $36 6-in-1 Dock

Q: Why would Anker include a premium HDMI cable if their budget dock might secretly bottleneck the highest gaming refresh rates?

Because the cable and the dock solve different problems. Anker’s HDMI 2.1 cable is a general-purpose, future-facing accessory for users who may connect the Steam Deck through other adapters, other docks, or directly to higher-spec displays later. The dock, by contrast, is clearly a budget hub built around HDMI 2.0-class output, topping out at 4K 60Hz. That means the cable is not wasted, but it also does not override the dock’s ceiling. In any display chain, the weakest link sets the limit. If the Anker dock only outputs 4K60, an HDMI 2.1 cable cannot magically deliver 4K120 or VRR through it. The searched material reinforces this: HDMI 2.0 docks generally cap at 4K60, while HDMI 2.1 docks are needed for 4K120 and VRR. There are still practical reasons to include the premium cable. It supports modern TVs and monitors, reduces the risk of cable-related signal issues, and remains useful if a buyer upgrades to a better dock later or uses another device that can actually output HDMI 2.1 features. It also fits Anker’s broader “starter pack” logic: cover common needs now, while keeping one accessory compatible with more advanced setups. The tradeoff is messaging. Pairing a 4K120-capable cable with a 4K60 dock can create the impression that the full bundle supports high-refresh external gaming when the dock likely does not. For buyers who specifically want 4K120 or VRR, the more important upgrade is not the cable but an HDMI 2.1-capable dock or adapter.

3 articles · Updated · Boy Genius Report · Aug 23

Five Anker products were highlighted as a Steam Deck starter pack, with the $36 6-in-1 dock positioned as the key upgrade for adding charging, 4K/60Hz HDMI, USB ports and Ethernet through the handheld’s lone USB-C port.
Battery support drove two other picks: the $110 Anker 737 power bank offers 24,000mAh and up to 140W output, while the $60 100W USB-C wall charger targets the Steam Deck’s short runtime in demanding games.
Display and audio rounded out the list with a $19 HDMI 2.1 cable rated for 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz and $37 Soundcore P31i earbuds that add gaming mode, adaptive noise cancellation and up to 40 hours with the case.
The recommendations were framed for new Steam Deck owners, prioritizing essential accessories over optional storage upgrades and leaning on Amazon ratings, expert reviews, pricing and compatibility across devices.