Can You Use a Steam Deck on a Treadmill?

Yes, but holding one while you walk isnt the best way to do it. A Steam Deck weighs about 1.4 to 1.5 pounds depending on the model, and that gets heavy fast with your arms up. It also pulls your eyes down and away from where you are going. The better option is to dock it to a TV and use a wireless controller.

Option 1: Dock it to a TV

This is what we would do. Connect the Deck to a dock or a USB C to HDMI adapter, put it on a shelf or stand away from the treadmill, and use a wireless controller. Your screen is at eye level and your hands are free to move naturally.

You get a big screen with no PC needed. Bluetooth controllers pair up right in the Deck’s settings. Check out our best controllers for treadmill and bike gaming if you need one.

Option 2: Set it on the treadmill

Some treadmills have a shelf or tablet holder. It can work at a slow walk, but we wouldnt count on it. The Deck is heavier than a phone or tablet and treadmills shake, so it could slide off. A small screen is also tough to read when you are bouncing around. If you try it, make sure it is held firmly and check your treadmill’s manual for any limits.

Option 3: Hold it

We would only do this at a very slow walk, if at all. Your hands are busy so you cant grab the rail, your eyes are down and your arms get tired. It is much better suited to an exercise bike, where you are sitting down.

On an exercise bike, it is great

A bike is where handheld gaming makes sense. You are seated with your upper body still, so you can rest your elbows on the handlebars or use a holder. Just give it some air, because the Deck blows hot air out the top and you dont want that vent blocked.

Tips for any setup

• Plug it in if you can. Demanding games can drain the battery quickly.
• Wipe sweat off it after each session.
• Use the built in sleep mode. It makes it easy to stop and come back.
• Turn down the game’s graphics settings if the fan gets noisy.
• Use the Deck’s button remapping to move hard to reach controls.

Which games work best?

Lots of Deck games are a good match since they are easy to pick up and put down. Brotato, Vampire Survivors and Slay the Spire all do well in our reviews. Look through our pause friendly list for more.

Warning: Playing video games while using exercise equipment can lead to injury. Use the safety clip and start at a slow speed.