The Steam Deck OLED ships with a carrying case, but a lot of owners want something you can keep on while you play, or a slimmer bag than Valve's. This guide is the short list: seven cases sold for the Steam Deck OLED with high buyer ratings when we checked. The OLED model has the same outer shape as the original LCD Steam Deck, so every pick here fits both. Urban Armor Gear does not make a Steam Deck case, so it is not on this list.
A note on the ratings. The star ratings and review counts below are what each listing showed when we checked. Counts can be shared across colors on the same listing.
JSAUX ModCase: best modular case
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 793 ratings when we checked. The JSAUX ModCase is a modular case set that includes a protective case and a face cover, and JSAUX sells add-ons that clip onto it. It fits the LCD and OLED models. See the full set on JSAUX's own store.
tomtoc Slim Carrying Case: best slim travel case
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 462 ratings when we checked. The tomtoc Slim Carrying Case is a protective travel bag sized for the Steam Deck and the OLED model. It is thinner than Valve's own case.
Skull and Co. GripCase SD: best grip
Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 1,523 ratings when we checked. The Skull and Co. GripCase SD is a soft protective case with textured grips that stays on while you play. It is the pick for long sessions.
JSAUX Kickstand Case: best for tabletop play
Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 605 ratings when we checked. The JSAUX Kickstand Case is a protective case with a built-in kickstand, so the Deck can stand on a table when you play with a controller.
tomtoc Armor Slim Case: best hard shell
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 394 ratings when we checked. The tomtoc Armor Slim Case is a slim case that tomtoc rates for military-grade protection. tomtoc lists its Armor Steam Deck case on its own store.
Syntech Silicone Case: best soft silicone
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1,137 ratings when we checked. The Syntech Silicone Case is a silicone protective case for the Steam Deck OLED and LCD. It is the simplest grip case here.
Spigen Thin Fit Pro: best slim hard case
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 424 ratings when we checked. The Spigen Thin Fit Pro is Spigen's slim case for the Steam Deck LCD and OLED. It adds little bulk, so the Deck still fits most carrying cases. Spigen lists its gaming cases on its own store.
What we left out
We skipped large backpack-style bags and docks, which are a different category, and listings with only a handful of reviews. We also skipped cases that fit only the LCD model. UAG makes rugged cases for other devices, but it had no Steam Deck case when we checked.
Still deciding on the console?
Valve's Steam Deck OLED page covers the screen, battery and storage options. If you are choosing between models, the outer shape is the same, so a case you buy now will move with you.
How to choose
Play case or carry case. The JSAUX ModCase, Skull and Co. GripCase, JSAUX Kickstand, Syntech and Spigen stay on while you play. The two tomtoc cases are for the bag.
Grip. The Steam Deck is heavy for a handheld. A textured grip case like the Skull and Co. makes long sessions easier.
Docking. A thick case may need to come off before the Deck goes in a dock. Slim cases like the Spigen are the safest bet.
Check the model. Look for listings that name the OLED model, even though the shape is the same.
Fit, comfort and care tips
OLED or LCD. The Steam Deck OLED keeps the outer shape of the LCD model, so cases carry over. The OLED is a little lighter, which you will notice less once a grip case is on.
Playing in the case. A grip case stays on while you play, which adds weight in your hands. Try a long session before you decide it is permanent. Some players keep a slim shell on at home and only use a hard carry case for travel.
Vents. The Deck pushes warm air out of the top vent. Any case you play in should leave that vent open, and you should never run a demanding game with the Deck zipped inside a carry case.
Charger and cables. Carry cases usually have a mesh pocket or a split lid for the charger, a cable and a few microSD cards. If you carry a dock or a power bank, check the inside depth before you assume it fits.
Cleaning. Wipe hard shells with a damp cloth. Silicone and TPU grips can pick up lint and skin oils, so a quick wash with mild soap and water keeps them from turning slick. Let everything dry fully before you put the Deck back in.
For travel, our best carry-on travel backpacks guide has room for a Deck case. And for a different take on protection, see the Nathan Kostechko x UAG collectors box.
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