Top 5 Steam Deck Skins for Gamers in 2023
15 min readIntroducing the Steam Deck: Valve’s Game-Changing Handheld Device
A Revolutionary Leap in Portable Gaming
In order to understand which Steam Deck Skins are best, we need to analyze the steam deck itself. In the ever-evolving world of gaming, a significant mark has been made. Valve, with its latest innovation: the Steam Deck, isn’t merely another portable gaming console. It’s designed to bring the full-fledged PC gaming experience into the palms of players hands. This powerful piece of hardware stands out in the crowd.
Impressive Hardware Meets Ergonomic Design
Featuring a custom AMD APU, the Steam Deck boasts remarkable processing capabilities, guaranteeing smooth gameplay for even the most demanding titles. Coupled with its ergonomic design, high-resolution touchscreen display, and extensive controls, it offers an immersive gaming experience. So, whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the Steam Deck is pushing the limits of handheld gaming.
However, what is truly being set apart by the Steam Deck is its seamless integration with SteamOS, Valve’s dedicated gaming operating system. Consequently, this provides users with access to their entire Steam library while on the move. Included in this are all your saved games, mods, and community features.
Diving in further, and taking a closer look, it becomes clear that within the gaming industry, there’s a growing acknowledgment of the Steam Deck’s technical specifications and features as truly groundbreaking.
| Feature Category | Specification Detail |
|---|---|
| Compute | |
| Processor | AMD APU (CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz; GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz) |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5 (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels) |
| Storage | 64 GB eMMC |
| Display | |
| Resolution | 1280 x 800px (16:10) |
| Type | 7″ IPS LCD |
| Brightness | 400 nits |
| Controls & Input | |
| Gamepad | A B X Y, D-pad, L & R triggers/bumpers, View & Menu, 4 grip buttons |
| Thumbsticks | 2 full-size (capacitive touch) |
| Haptics | HD |
| Connectivity | |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band (2.4GHz/5GHz) |
| Audio | |
| Channels | Stereo (embedded DSP) |
| Microphones | Dual array |
| Power | |
| Battery | 40Whr (2-8 hrs gameplay) |
| Expansion | |
| microSD | UHS-I (SD, SDXC, SDHC supported) |
| Physical | |
| Size | 298mm x 117mm x 49mm |
| Weight | Approx. 669g |
| Software | |
| OS | SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based, KDE Plasma) |
Why You Need a Skin for Your Steam Deck
The Steam Deck, with its robust features and powerful hardware, is undoubtedly a prized possession for any gamer. While its build quality is commendable, like any handheld device, it’s susceptible to the wear and tear of daily use. This is where a skin can play a pivotal role. Here’s why adding a skin to your Steam Deck is not just a style statement, but a wise choice for the long run:
- Protection from Scratches and Dents: No matter how careful you are, accidental drops, or even just placing your device on rough surfaces, can lead to unsightly scratches and dents. A skin acts as a protective layer, shielding your Steam Deck from such potential damage.
- Personalization to Reflect Your Style: Everyone has a unique gaming style, and your device should reflect that. With a plethora of designs available, from sleek and minimalistic to vibrant and bold, a skin can make your Steam Deck truly yours.
- Enhanced Grip for Better Gameplay: The last thing you want during an intense gaming session is for your device to slip from your hands. Many skins come with a textured finish, providing an enhanced grip and ensuring uninterrupted gameplay.
- Preservation of Device’s Resale Value: If you ever decide to upgrade or sell your Steam Deck, having it in pristine condition can fetch a better price. A skin can help maintain its aesthetic appeal, ensuring you get the best value for your device.
- Easy Maintenance: Over time, handheld devices can accumulate fingerprints, smudges, and grime. A skin not only prevents these but is also easy to clean, ensuring your Steam Deck looks as good as new, every day.
Top 5 Steam Deck Skins Reviewed
1: PlayVital’s Carbon Fiber Steam Deck Skin:
PlayVital has introduced a custom-designed skin exclusively for the Steam Deck. The skin offers a range of patterns, allowing users to personalize their device according to their preferences.
Key Features:
- Custom Design: Tailored specifically for the Steam Deck, with a variety of patterns to choose from.
- Perfect Fit: The skin is cut precisely to fit the Steam Deck without hindering any of its features. It ensures that the touch area, haptic feedback, and all other functionalities remain unaffected.
- High-Quality Material: Made from premium adhesive vinyl stickers, the skin ensures no damage or peeling to the device’s surface. Moreover, it leaves no sticky residue or odor.
- Enhanced Protection: The skin provides an added layer of protection, safeguarding the device from accidental scratches, bumps, and daily wear and tear.
- Smooth Touch: The skin offers a comfortable grip, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
- Easy Installation: The skin is user-friendly and can be easily applied and removed. For a detailed installation guide, users can refer to PlayVital’s video on YouTube.
Package Content:
The package includes two sets of skins for the Steam Deck. It’s important to note that the package only contains the protective skin and does not include the handheld device. It also comes in a variety of different colors and designs.
2: POP SKIN’s Steam Deck Skin:
POP SKIN introduces the world’s first full covering skin exclusively designed for the Steam Deck. With its pristine white theme, it offers a sleek and sophisticated look to your gaming device.
Key Features:
- Exclusive Design: This skin is tailored specifically for the Steam Deck, ensuring a snug fit and a seamless look.
- High-Quality Material: Made from the finest wrapping material, the skin comes with an air release channel, ensuring a bubble-free installation. The pressure-activated adhesive allows for easy sliding, tacking, and repositioning.
- Enhanced Protection: The skin is designed to offer protection against UV rays, dirt, and scratches. Its clear overlaminate ensures the device remains free from any external damages.
- Eco-Friendly Printing: Embracing sustainability, POP SKIN uses eco-friendly ink to print the skin at art-quality resolutions, guaranteeing a design that’s both vibrant and long-lasting.
- Precision Cut: They prioritize accuracy in their designs, ensuring the skin is cut perfectly to fit the Steam Deck. When it’s time for a change, you can effortlessly peel off the skin without resorting to heat or chemicals. Best of all, it leaves your device residue-free.
Installation Tips:
For a seamless application, POP SKIN provides a QR code printed on the product that directs users to an instructional video. It’s essential to ensure that there’s no oil on the surface of your hands or the Steam Deck before applying the skin. Any oil can weaken the adhesive strength. The skin’s surface is specially coated to protect the printed design from scratches, moisture, and dirt.
3. Spigen’s Rugged Armor Protective Case:
Spigen, a renowned name in the world of device protection, brings forth its Rugged Armor Protective Case exclusively designed for the Steam Deck. With a matte black finish, this case promises not just style but also robust protection for your gaming device.
Key Features:
- Shock-Absorption: Made from flexible TPU, the case is designed to provide optimal shock absorption, ensuring your Steam Deck remains safe from accidental drops and impacts.
- Wrist Strap: The case comes with an external wrist strap, making it convenient for users to carry their Steam Deck on the go.
- Precision Cutouts: Spigen ensures that all buttons, joysticks, and ports on the Steam Deck are easily accessible, thanks to the case’s precise cutouts.
- Ergonomic Design: Gaming sessions can be long, and Spigen understands that. The case’s ergonomic design ensures that users have a comfortable grip, making gaming sessions more enjoyable.
- Compatibility: As with all Spigen products, the fit is of utmost importance. This case is tailored specifically for the Steam Deck, ensuring a snug fit.
With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over a thousand reviews on Amazon, Spigen’s Rugged Armor Protective Case stands out as a top choice for Steam Deck users. Not only does it offer protection, but its ergonomic design and added wrist strap also enhance the overall gaming experience. The case’s discounted price makes it an even more attractive option for those looking to safeguard their device without burning a hole in their pocket.
eXtremeRate’s Custom Glossy Faceplate:
Color Options: Chrome Gold, Clear Atomic Purple, Black, Chameleon Green Purple, Chameleon Purple Blue, Cherry Blossoms Pink, Clear, Clear Blue, Clear Red, Clear Slate Black, Emerald Green, Graphite Carbon Fiber Pattern, Matcha Green, Scarlet Red, White, Wood Grain.
Starting with aesthetics, eXtremeRate introduces a unique and stylish touch to your Steam Deck through its custom-designed replacement faceplate and backplate. Moreover, this transformation isn’t solely about looks; it’s also about infusing your handheld console with a personalized touch, ensuring it stands out from the typical standard colors.
Key Features:
- Precision Fit: These faceplates are designed exclusively for the Steam Deck handheld console, ensuring a snug fit and functionality akin to the original shell.
- Diverse Designs: With a plethora of colors and patterns available, there’s something for everyone. The chrome gold variant, for instance, offers a shiny, luxurious look.
- Quality Material: Made from premium ABS material, these faceplates are both durable and practical.
- DIY Installation: While the installation process requires a certain level of technical expertise, eXtremeRate provides a comprehensive video guide on YouTube to assist users. However, it’s essential to note that installing this shell might void the warranty of your console.
- Package Inclusions: The package comes with a back plate, faceplate, a full set of buttons, screwdrivers, open shell tools, and spare screws. The console itself is not included.
Why Choose eXtremeRate’s Custom Faceplate?
- Stand Out: With eXtremeRate’s custom faceplates, your Steam Deck will undoubtedly stand out, reflecting your unique style and personality.
- High-Quality Finish: The chameleon glossy vibrant color, especially, looks stunning, enhancing the overall look of your device.
- Comprehensive Package: eXtremeRate ensures you have everything you need to transform your Steam Deck’s appearance, from tools to screws.
- Installation Tips: eXtremeRate provides thorough install tips, emphasizing the need for patience, organization, and careful handling of delicate parts.
Boasting an impressive rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over a hundred reviews, eXtremeRate’s faceplate for the Steam Deck clearly stands out. Consequently, for those eager to personalize their device, this product emerges as a top choice. Whether you’re a DIYer or just someone looking to give your Steam Deck a fresh look, this product is worth considering.
Syntech’s Protective Silicone Case:
Syntech has introduced a protective silicone case designed specifically for the Steam Deck. This case emphasizes precision, protection, and comfort, aiming to enhance your gaming experience and keep your device in top-notch condition.
Key Features:
- Enhanced Alignment & Fit: In response to prevalent concerns like edge looseness and sagging, Syntech has innovatively implemented a zero-clearance design. Furthermore, by refining the silicone reformation process, they guarantee that the case seamlessly aligns with the Steam Deck.
- All-around Protection: This case shields your Steam Deck from daily wear and tear, including scratches, scuffs, and dust. It’s compatible with the original Steam Deck Carrying Case and screen protectors. However, it might not fit the official Steam Deck Dock.
- Quality and Durability: Syntech has rigorously tested this case, ensuring it withstands over 10,000 bending and tearing instances. Made from premium, hard-wearing recycled silicone, this lightweight case doesn’t add any extra weight to the device.
- Enhanced Grip and Comfort: The case features grip convex domes and strips on the handles, providing multiple contact points for your palms. This ergonomic design ensures the Steam Deck is easier to grip, making extended gameplay sessions more comfortable.
- Non-Slip Thumb Grips: The case comes with a complimentary pair of thumb grips, enhancing game control accuracy and sensitivity. These grips also protect the original thumbsticks from wear and tear.
Why Choose Syntech’s Protective Silicone Case?
- Precision Fit: Syntech’s focus on alignment ensures the case fits the Steam Deck seamlessly, addressing common issues faced by users.
- Comprehensive Protection: The case offers 360-degree protection, ensuring your Steam Deck remains free from scratches and scuffs.
- Ergonomic Design: The added grip features make holding the Steam Deck more comfortable, especially during extended gaming sessions.
- Value for Money: Priced competitively, the case also comes with added thumb grips, enhancing the overall value proposition for the user.
With a stellar rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 160 reviews, Syntech’s protective silicone case for the Steam Deck is a top choice for gamers. If you’re looking for a blend of protection, comfort, and style, this case is worth considering.
Conclusion on the Top 5 Steam Deck Skins:
Navigating the world of Steam Deck accessories can be a daunting task, given the variety of options available. However, after exploring deep into the features, designs, and user feedback of various products, it’s evident that these top 5 Steam Deck skins stand out. Whether you prioritize protection, aesthetics, grip, or a blend of all, there’s something in this list for every Steam Deck enthusiast.
Each brand brings its unique flair, ensuring that your device not only remains protected but also reflects your personal style. As the popularity of the Steam Deck continues to soar, investing in a quality skin is paramount. Remember, the right choice in Steam Deck skins can elevate your gaming experience, safeguarding your device while adding a touch of individuality.