The Steam Deck Dock release date has been delayed, owing to a mix of parts shortages and COVID-related closures at Valve's manufacturing facilities.
First revealed last summer, the Steam Deck is a handheld gaming PC from Valve that packs a punch in a fairly small package. Although Valve had recently announced efforts to speed up shipping of Steam Deck orders, the handheld's associated Dock has still not yet been released. The Steam Deck Dock was intended to launch sometime in late Spring 2022; now, sadly, it looks like this device won't make its launch date.
"Hi all. Due to parts shortages and COVID closures at our manufacturing facilities, the official Steam Deck Docking Station is delayed," read a Steam Community Event announcing the delay "We're working on improving the situation and will share more info when we have it. This has no effect on production schedule and reservation windows for Steam Decks (different parts, different factories)."
"In the meantime the team is continuing to work on improving the docked experience for Steam Deck with all USB-C hubs and external displays."
As Our World in Data shows, a recent upswing in COVID-19 cases resulted in closures of businesses throughout the world. Valve has not publicly stated where Steam Decks are manufactured. That said, there's a good chance they're made in Asia somewhere; China and surrounding countries have only recently loosened their mandatory COVID restrictions after the latest lockdowns.
When is the Steam Deck Dock Release Date?
Unfortunately, the Steam Deck Dock release date has not yet been determined. Valve had effectively delayed its release indefinitely; an announcement for a new release date will come at a later time.
Docks are still not available for purchase or pre-order at this time. For now, you can reserve a spot in the Steam Deck pre-order queue for $5.00 or your regional equivalent and get a chance to buy one when the next ordering window opens up.
