This list of inexpensive handheld gaming accessories—from extra storage and power banks to compact docks and foldable keyboards—highlights small purchases that materially improve day‑to‑day play on Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go and other Windows handhelds, and it’s the toolkit I reach for most when I want convenience, durability, and the ability to play comfortably while charging.
Handheld gaming PCs have matured quickly: modern devices pack laptop‑class silicon into palm‑sized bodies, but the form factor forces tradeoffs around battery, port placement, and storage. Cheap, well‑chosen accessories are the fastest way to smooth those rough edges without spending hundreds on premium peripherals.
The Windows Central roundup collected a short, practical list of budget accessories that deliver outsized value for handheld owners—microSD cards for storage, a high‑wattage power bank and extra 65W charger for sustained play, compact docks and hubs for TV/monitor gaming, a foldable keyboard for text‑heavy or cursor‑driven games, and a protective carry case for travel. Each recommendation targets common handheld pain points: cramped internal storage, short battery life, awkward port placement, and the friction of switching between handheld and docked setups.
This article expands that list with concrete specs, independent verification of critical claims, practical tips for buyers, and an analysis of tradeoffs so readers can pick the right accessories for their use case.
A final note: prices, special offers and stock change fast—those Prime Day and Big Deal Day discounts are useful but time‑sensitive—so check current listings for the best price before buying.
Source: Windows Central These are the cheap handheld gaming accessories that I use most
Handheld gaming PCs have matured quickly: modern devices pack laptop‑class silicon into palm‑sized bodies, but the form factor forces tradeoffs around battery, port placement, and storage. Cheap, well‑chosen accessories are the fastest way to smooth those rough edges without spending hundreds on premium peripherals.The Windows Central roundup collected a short, practical list of budget accessories that deliver outsized value for handheld owners—microSD cards for storage, a high‑wattage power bank and extra 65W charger for sustained play, compact docks and hubs for TV/monitor gaming, a foldable keyboard for text‑heavy or cursor‑driven games, and a protective carry case for travel. Each recommendation targets common handheld pain points: cramped internal storage, short battery life, awkward port placement, and the friction of switching between handheld and docked setups.
This article expands that list with concrete specs, independent verification of critical claims, practical tips for buyers, and an analysis of tradeoffs so readers can pick the right accessories for their use case.
Why accessories matter for handheld gaming
Handhelds are small by design, and that brings predictable limitations:- Battery life: sustained Turbo/Boost modes drain batteries fast; external power or higher‑wattage charging is often required to play at full performance for long sessions.
- Storage: internal SSDs are limited on many SKUs; large game libraries quickly consume available space.
- Port strain and ergonomics: straight, stiff cables plugged directly into a handheld can stress ports and make handheld gameplay awkward.
- Docking and desktop use: a do‑it‑all dock or hub converts a handheld into a couch/monitor gaming device, but poorly engineered docks can damage cables or not physically reach some larger handhelds.
- Travel and protection: soft sleeves and padded shoulder bags let you take consoles on the go without sacrificing accessories.
Verified must‑have picks (what they are and why they matter)
SanDisk 1TB Extreme microSD — the easiest storage upgrade
- What it does: Adds a large, removable game library slot for handhelds with microSD support.
- Why it matters: If you play many games, internal SSDs fill quickly; a 1TB microSD gives you breathing room and avoids frequent uninstalling.
- Verified specs: SanDisk’s 1TB Extreme microSD cards deliver sequential read speeds in the ~150–170 MB/s range and write speeds in the ~90–100 MB/s neighborhood in independent tests. That performance keeps load times reasonable for many handheld titles and matches what reviewers found in lab benchmarks.
- Tradeoffs: microSD is slower than an internal NVMe SSD; expect longer install/copy times and slightly higher level‑load times for the heaviest titles. For most users, the convenience and price per TB make microSD an excellent first step.
Anker 20,000mAh 87W power bank (built‑in USB‑C cable) — portable power that keeps up
- What it does: Charges handhelds on the go and can supply the 65W needed to sustain high‑performance play on many Windows handhelds.
- Why it matters: Many handheld gaming PCs require roughly 65W of USB‑C PD to run at Turbo/maximum performance while charging; a high‑output power bank avoids throttling or drained batteries during long sessions.
- Verified specs: Anker’s 20,000 mAh model is a total 87W output device with a 65W max single‑port output, supporting rapid charging of handhelds and thin laptops. Both Anker’s product page and independent reviews confirm the 65W single‑port capability and ~20,000 mAh capacity.
- Practical tip: Use the bank’s USB‑C port/cable rather than adapter chains; the built‑in cable reduces connector wear and keeps cable clutter to a minimum.
- Caveat: Check airline and TSA rules before flying—some power banks have watt‑hour or capacity restrictions.
JSAUX 65W USB‑C wall charger — inexpensive spare charger with the right wattage
- What it does: A compact 65W PD charger that matches many handhelds’ recommended wall‑brick wattage.
- Why it matters: Having an extra charger in your bag or next to your couch means you can charge or play anywhere without swapping cables all the time.
- Verified specs: JSAUX’s 65W three‑port charger advertises PD 3.0 support and a 65W max single‑port capability; the vendor lists UL/CE/FCC certifications and multi‑protection systems. Independent retailer pages and product specs confirm those numbers.
- Practical tip: If you use Turbo modes on a ROG Ally, Legion Go or similar, a 65W charger is the baseline—some higher‑end devices or docked setups might benefit from 100W PD chargers for simultaneous docked display output plus charging.
Artciety Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard — compact keyboard + trackpad
- What it does: A foldable Bluetooth keyboard with integrated trackpad for text input and cursor control.
- Why it matters: A keyboard+trackpad eliminates the need to carry a separate mouse and makes text entry, certain strategy games, or launcher navigation far more comfortable on handhelds.
- Verified specs: Retail listings show Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, multi‑device pairing, foldable design, and an integrated trackpad; user reviews corroborate stable connections and practical portability.
- Practical tip: Look for models with a built‑in USB wireless receiver as a backup for platforms where Bluetooth pairing is finicky.
Tomtoc carrying case / Arccos shoulder bag — the travel solution that fits most handhelds
- What it does: A padded, pocketed travel bag or hard/soft carrying case built to accept Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go and similar devices plus chargers and cables.
- Why it matters: A low‑cost, durable bag reduces screen pressure on analog sticks, contains accessories, and simplifies travel.
- Verified sources: Retail pages and product writeups confirm that Tomtoc’s Arccos and slim hard‑shell cases are designed for multiple handheld PCs, come with removable inner padding, and include accessory pockets. Coverage of the Arccos bag emphasizes its value as a shoulder bag alternative to more expensive official cases.
- Practical tip: If you carry a larger dock or monitor adapter, pick the bigger shoulder bag style; if you only want a console + charger, the slim hard shell cases save space.
iVanky 8‑in‑1 Docking Station — simple, affordable dock for monitor/TV play
- What it does: Expands a USB‑C port into HDMI (4K), Ethernet, multiple USB‑A ports and PD passthrough.
- Why it matters: A compact, inexpensive dock turns a handheld into a couch or monitor gaming machine without a full PC dock setup.
- Verified specs and compatibility: Retail listings show HDMI 4K support, Gigabit Ethernet, multiple USB‑A ports and PD passthrough; reviews and Amazon listings confirm it works well with popular handhelds like the ROG Ally and Steam Deck in typical use.
- Practical tip: Buy an iVanky or similar dock with PD input rated at or above your handheld’s charger wattage—for many handhelds that’s 65W or higher—to ensure reliable Turbo play while docked.
JSAUX 6‑in‑1 Multifunctional Docking Station — designed for larger handhelds
- What it does: A two‑part dock and detachable base designed so the USB‑C cable can reach larger handheld ports (useful for Legion Go or similar).
- Why it matters: Some larger handhelds place their USB‑C ports in positions a single‑piece dock can’t reach comfortably; the JSAUX two‑part design and longer cable remove strain and improve fit.
- Verified specs: JSAUX’s product listing documents HDMI up to 4K@120Hz, Gigabit Ethernet, dual USB‑A ports, and a PD input up to 100W—plus the detachable base and silicone pads designed to stabilize larger devices.
- Practical tip: If you own a larger handheld like the Legion Go or Legion Go 2, prioritize docks that either list compatibility explicitly or have a long, flexible cable and adjustable cradle to avoid cable bend strain.
Anker USB hub — cheap expandability for USB‑A devices
- What it does: Adds multiple USB‑A ports for dongles and accessories.
- Why it matters: Many legacy peripherals (colorimeters, wired headsets, dongles for wireless mice/keyboard) still use USB‑A; a small hub converts your single USB‑C connection into multiple usable ports.
- Verified specs: Anker’s slim 4‑port USB‑A hubs are widely sold and offer 5 Gbps USB 3.0 throughput on each port, making them reliable for mice, dongles and flash storage.
- Practical tip: Hubs without external power won’t drive power‑hungry 2.5–3.5" drives; for those, use a powered hub.
Xbox Wireless Controller (2025) — the couch controller for docked mode
- What it does: A modern Xbox wireless pad with Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless support for Windows and Xbox consoles.
- Why it matters: When you dock a handheld to a TV/monitor, a comfortable wireless controller and the Xbox controller ecosystem simplify cross‑device play and pairing.
- Verified specs and price band: Microsoft’s product page confirms Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless compatibility, the Share button, textured grips and the usual modern ergonomics. Microsoft Store listings show the controller’s common price band and color SKUs; promotions and retailer discounts will vary over time.
- Practical tip: The official controller offers the best compatibility out of the box on Windows; third‑party controllers can be cheaper but may require additional mapping.
Buying guidance and practical checklists
If you want the maximum bang for your buck
- Buy a 1TB SanDisk Extreme microSD if you play a lot of different games and don’t want frequent installs. Verified lab figures place read speeds around 150–168 MB/s and writes near 90–100 MB/s—good enough for most handheld gaming needs.
- Get the Anker 20K 87W power bank if you want on‑the‑go Turbo play; it supports a 65W single‑port output to sustain many handhelds.
- Add a JSAUX 65W charger as a spare for travel or a second room—cheap and compact.
If you dock a lot or play on a TV
- Buy an iVanky or JSAUX dock that supports PD‑pass‑through with wattage equal to or greater than your handheld’s recommended charger.
- Pair a wireless controller (Xbox Wireless or equivalent) for couch play—official controllers have the cleanest Windows integration.
For travel and protection
- Choose a Tomtoc Arccos shoulder bag or slim hard‑shell case depending on whether you carry a dock. Tomtoc makes several sizes; the Arccos shoulder bag is roomy and well‑padded for larger gear.
Small but high‑impact extras
- Right‑angle USB‑C adapters and short USB‑A to USB‑C dongles prevent port strain and allow legacy devices to plug in—cheap fixes that extend connector life.
- A small, foldable Bluetooth keyboard with trackpad replaces a mouse and fits in most carry cases (Artciety and similar brands).
Critical analysis — strengths, limitations, and risks
Strengths: high value at low cost
- The picks are focused on precise problems: storage limits, power, dockability and portability. Small outlays on these peripherals produce immediate, measurable improvements to the handheld experience.
- The accessories are widely compatible across the current handheld ecosystem (Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go family, MSI Claw, and others) because they rely on standard USB‑C PD, microSD and HDMI/DisplayPort signals rather than vendor‑locked connectors. The original Windows Central selection emphasized broad compatibility.
Limitations: not a substitute for premium solutions
- microSD cards will never match NVMe SSD speeds. For users who demand the absolute shortest load times or want to store massive installs with minimal compression, an internal SSD upgrade is still the best option—when the handheld supports it.
- Inexpensive docks and hubs vary in quality. Cheap hubs can suffer from poor shielding (causing mouse or dongle interference), flaky PD handshakes, or lower real‑world HDMI throughput. Pick well‑reviewed models and verify PD wattage and HDMI spec before purchase. Independent listings and user reviews often reveal these issues before you buy.
Risks to watch for
- Warranty and hardware stress: forcing fit with a too‑short dock cable or a tight case can damage ports. The JSAUX “two‑part” dock was designed specifically to avoid cable‑strain on larger handhelds for this reason, and JSAUX’s own specs call out the design differences.
- Battery and charging confusion: not all chargers or power banks provide the same PD profiles. Buying a cheap “65W” charger that actually shares power badly across ports can produce underwhelming results if you plan to run Turbo mode while charging. Verify PD compliance and vendor documentation.
- Price volatility and deals: the Windows Central article highlighted Amazon Prime Day and Big Deal Days—timed sales drive much of the value. These discounts are transient; always check current street prices before buying.
Installation and setup tips (short, actionable)
- For storage: format any microSD card in the handheld before use and install games directly to the card from your game launcher to avoid confusion over multiple library locations.
- For charging: use the highest‑quality USB‑C cable included with a power bank or charger; cheap cables can be the bottleneck.
- For docking: test the dock with the handheld outside of any case first to ensure optimal port alignment; if a dock strains the USB‑C port, choose a different dock or use a short extension cable to change the angle.
- For travel: keep protective pouches for cables and small adapters to prevent abrasion against the handheld’s screen.
How to prioritize purchases for different users
- Casual player / commuter: microSD (1TB), foldable keyboard (optional), Tomtoc slim case.
- Frequent traveler / hybrid worker: Anker 20K 87W power bank, Tomtoc Arccos shoulder bag, JSAUX 65W charger.
- Docked/TV gamer: iVanky or JSAUX dock (match PD wattage), Xbox Wireless controller, Anker USB hub.
- Power user who mods or upgrades: higher‑speed SSD where supported (skip microSD if you can install a large NVMe), premium dock with explicit support for your handheld.
Final verdict — what to buy first
If you own a modern Windows handheld and you plan to play more than a couple of hours at a time or maintain a larger game library, start with these three:- A 1TB SanDisk Extreme microSD to relieve storage headaches and keep a diverse library installed.
- An Anker 20K 87W power bank (or equivalent 65W+ bank) to charge while you play on the go.
- A compact dock (iVanky or the JSAUX 6‑in‑1) that matches your handheld’s physical size and required PD wattage for the best docked‑mode experience.
Closing thoughts
Small peripherals often deliver the single biggest quality‑of‑life improvements for handheld gaming: extra storage that lets you stop uninstalling, a compact power bank that lets you play at Turbo without tethering to a wall, and a dock that turns your handheld into a living‑room machine. The Windows Central list is a practical starting point for any handheld owner, and independent product pages and reviews back up the central technical claims—SanDisk’s 1TB performance, Anker’s documented 65W single‑port capability, and the docks’ port and PD specs are all verifiable and consistent across vendor and reviewer materials.A final note: prices, special offers and stock change fast—those Prime Day and Big Deal Day discounts are useful but time‑sensitive—so check current listings for the best price before buying.
Source: Windows Central These are the cheap handheld gaming accessories that I use most