How many watts does the Steam Deck’s official charger provide?

Learning about the importance of charger wattage can be a harsh lesson, particularly when discovering your phone or laptop isn’t fully charged right before you need to leave. This is especially relevant for Valve’s Steam Deck, which has limited battery life even when fully charged. The official Steam Deck charger is a non-detachable USB-C that supplies 45W of power, designed for optimal performance. While technically, any USB-C connection can power the Steam Deck, it consumes around 15W when active. Therefore, a minimum of 45W is recommended for efficient charging.

The Steam Deck supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) as its fast-charging standard, favoring 45W USB-C chargers with a maximum power draw of around 40W. A 65W adapter is ideal for maximum charging speeds, although anything beyond that won’t enhance charging, as the Steam Deck’s intake is capped. The type of cable used also matters, with a preference for a USB-C to USB-C cable that supports fast charging and is USB PD marked.

Most electronics retailers can provide suitable adapters and cables in case of a replacement charger. The Steam Deck can technically be charged with any USB charger, including those with lower power outputs like 5V/1A, but this will be much slower. Higher wattage chargers like 120W or 150W are compatible and won’t harm the device. The Steam Deck can handle up to 100W for charging. However, using a charger with a wattage lower than required can lead to slower charging or reduced performance.

The Steam Deck’s charging capabilities are robust. It can be charged with various power sources, including car chargers and power banks. While it doesn’t support Fast Charging or Quick Charge specifications, it’s designed to optimize long-term battery health. As such, a 45W charger is recommended for the best balance of charging speed and battery health. Take a look at my charger guide for the Steam Deck and my power bank guide for the Steam Deck for great charging recommendations.