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Handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go have changed how and where we play. They’re powerful, portable, and packed with features, but at the end of the day, they’re still handheld devices that come with their own limitations. That’s where accessories come in. With just a few budget-friendly add-ons, you can transform your handheld into a full desktop setup. Here are five inexpensive accessories that offer a massive boost in comfort, performance, and flexibility, without breaking the bank.
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5 USB-C hub with power delivery
The essential all-in-one expansion solution
Usually, the biggest problem for gamers when adding accessories is that most gaming handhelds only have one port. This makes a good USB-C hub the backbone of any handheld-to-desktop setup. For under $30, you can get a multi-port hub with HDMI output, USB-A ports, Ethernet, SD card readers, and power delivery passthrough.
This single accessory lets you connect a monitor, mouse, keyboard, external drives, and more while charging your handheld. To get the most from your device, make sure the hub supports at least 60W of power delivery and 4K@60Hz video output.
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Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1)
The Anker 555 is a good value dock, opening up access to an HDMI port, USB-C and two USB-A data ports, Ethernet, and a microSD and SD card reader.
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Anker 341 7-in-1 USB-C Hub
This dock is more compact than the previous, gigantic stations, but it'll only give you the basics. It includes HDMI, SD card, USB Type-C and Type-A ports, and more. It's a good option if you need more ports but don't want to spend a lot of money.
4 External SSD or flash drive
Expand your game library without internal upgrades
Depending on how much storage you have and what type of games you play, you'll probably find that your storage fills up fast on a handheld. Instead of swapping internal drives (or constantly deleting games only to have to re-download them), grab an external SSD or high-speed flash drive.
A 512GB SSD or 256GB USB-C flash drive can cost as little as $30 and adds plug-and-play space for game installs, media, or modding files. Many newer drives support USB 3.2 Gen 2, meaning you’ll get near-internal-level speeds, great for load times and game streaming.
SSD
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SanDisk Portable SSD
$81 $100 Save $19
SanDisk's Portable SSD is a tiny way to add external storage to your Mac. Plus, it's a great value option, offering 1TB of storage for under a hundred dollars. It features a tough rubber loop, drop protection, and USB-C as well.
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Crucial X9 Pro portable SSD
If you need a fast, durable, and portable SSD for your Acer Swift Go laptop, the Crucial X9 Pro SSD is one of the best options. It has fast read and write speeds and comes with a USB-C cable right out of the box.
3 Mechanical keyboard & mouse
Precision control for FPS and strategy games
Gaming on a handheld’s touchscreen or tiny on-screen keyboard gets old fast. A budget Bluetooth mechanical keyboard changes everything. You can get high-quality 60% or 75% layout boards for under $50, often with RGB lighting and hot-swappable switches. These compact keyboards are perfect for portable gaming stations, offering a real desktop feel without taking up too much desk or bag space. And since they’re wireless, you avoid cable clutter too.
Touchpads and joysticks can’t match a real mouse for FPS, RTS, and RPG games. Thankfully, even budget gaming mice now offer low latency, custom DPI settings, and RGB flair for around $20. Brands like Redragon, Logitech (G203), and Corsair have reliable models that don’t skimp on performance. Whether wired or wireless, a proper mouse turns your handheld into a desktop-class gaming rig, especially when paired with a keyboard and monitor.
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Corsair Scimitar Elite RGB Wireless MMO Gaming Mouse
The Corsair Scimitar offers 16 programmable buttons, adjustable size, ultra-precise 26K DPI optical sensor, and a long-lasting battery.
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Corsair K65 Plus Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for Mac
Step up your switch game with pre-lubricated Corsair MLX Red linear switches that make each keystroke silky smooth and responsive. Integrated sound dampening tempers annoying clacks and pings, so you can enjoy subtle, pleasant acoustics as you play and type.
2 Kickstand & portable monitor
Go hands-free, with a real screen
A simple kickstand or adjustable tablet stand is a must-have. Whether you're gaming at a café or docking your device on a desk, propping up your handheld frees up your hands, improves airflow, and reduces thermal throttling. Good stands cost as little as $10 but offer massive quality-of-life improvements. Look for ones with adjustable angles, rubber grips, and sturdy aluminum frames to keep your device stable and safe.
A kickstand creates a problem, though: the screen is too small to be seen from a distance. That's where the monitor comes in. This is the priciest item on the list, but at around $80–$120. However, paying this price for a portable HDMI display is still a steal compared to the cost of a gaming monitor. These thin, lightweight panels are powered by USB-C and support 1080p at 60Hz at a minimum, perfect for couch co-op or desktop-style setups on the go. Many come with kickstands, speakers, and cases included. Hook one up with your USB-C hub, and your handheld now has a full monitor display, ideal for work, gaming, or streaming setups.
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Asus ZenScreen MB166CR 15.6-inch portable monitor
Asus' ZenScreen MB166CR is a basic 15.6-inch portable monitor sporting a 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. With an IPS panel and 250 nits of peak brightness, the specs of this portable monitor won't jump out at you. However, it's a basic, reliable, and fairly thin monitor with a detachable stand.
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Moko Kickstand case for Steam Deck
$8 $13 Save $5
Protecting the Steam Deck should cover more than just the body and this kit has everything you need. The kickstand case protects the vital parts from knocks and drops, additionally having covers for the trackpads, rear buttons and grips for the sticks.
1 Xbox or DualSense controller
The gold standard for couch gaming
If you are trying to beef up your gaming handheld setup, then getting a controller is a must if you are planning on getting anything else on this list. When you dock the Device, you will need either a mouse and keyboard or a controller to use it. Although you can use or buy a third-party controller for your setup. Nothing feels quite as polished as an Xbox or PlayStation controller.
Usually selling for under $60 (and often $40 on sale), you can pair your handheld with an Xbox or PlayStation controller. Both controllers are supported natively on most handhelds, offer Bluetooth and USB-C options, and unlock a true console-like experience when docked. Whether you’re playing AAA titles, emulating classic consoles, or remote streaming, a real controller makes a huge difference.
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Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core is a controller that lets you game like a professional, thanks to the adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks.
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PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
Aimed at more demanding gamers, the DualSense Edge controller ups the ante with textured grips, swappable analog stick modules and caps, remappable buttons, and more.
A full desktop experience in your backpack
Handheld PCs are so exciting because they don’t have to just be handhelds. With a handful of budget-friendly accessories, often costing less than a new game, you can build a powerful, modular gaming setup that rivals traditional desktops or consoles. Whether you're after better ergonomics, expanded I/O, or a full desk setup, these inexpensive upgrades offer enormous value. Best of all, most work across multiple devices, meaning you can invest once and improve your experience for years.
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