A USB-C hub for Steam Deck, ROG Xbox Ally, Legion Go 2 or MSI Claw can turn a handheld into a desk or TV setup with one cable, as long as the hub accepts DisplayPort Alt Mode video and passes power through. All of these handhelds send video out of their USB-C port, so a powered hub can put a 4K@60Hz picture on a monitor while it also runs wired controllers, a keyboard, an SSD and a headset. The Nintendo Switch family is the exception. Switch 2 blocks most third-party hubs on purpose, the original Switch needs an extra handshake that generic hubs skip, and Switch Lite has no video output at all.
Quick answer: Steam Deck (LCD and OLED), ROG Ally, ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X, Legion Go 2 and MSI Claw 8 AI+ all output video through USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode, which is what the Gitfos C1 Pro 18-in-1 powered USB-C hub needs for its 4K@60Hz HDMI port. Plug the handheld's own charger into the hub's PD port to keep it charging. Skip it if you need Switch or Switch 2 TV mode, 120Hz output or wired Ethernet.
Which handhelds work with a USB-C hub for Steam Deck-style docking?
Every current Windows handheld and the Steam Deck can drive a monitor through a standard USB-C hub, while the Nintendo Switch family cannot be counted on. The deciding feature is DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), the USB-C function that carries a DisplayPort video signal over the same cable as data and power. A hub with an HDMI port converts that signal for your TV or monitor. If the handheld's port does not offer DP Alt Mode, or adds a private handshake on top of it, a generic hub shows nothing.
| Handheld | USB-C ports | Video over USB-C | Stock charger | Meets C1 Pro video requirement? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck (LCD / OLED) | 1 (USB 3.2 Gen 2) | DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode | 45W USB-C PD | Yes, tested by Gitfos, up to 4K@60Hz |
| ROG Ally (2023) | 1 (USB 3.2 Gen 2) | DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode | 65W USB-C PD | Yes, up to 4K@60Hz |
| ROG Xbox Ally (2025) | 2 (USB 3.2 Gen 2) | DisplayPort Alt Mode on both | 65W USB-C PD | Yes, up to 4K@60Hz |
| ROG Xbox Ally X (2025) | 2 (1 USB4, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2) | DisplayPort Alt Mode on both | 65W USB-C PD | Yes, up to 4K@60Hz |
| Lenovo Legion Go 2 | 2 (USB4, 40Gbps) | DisplayPort Alt Mode on both | 65W USB-C PD | Yes, up to 4K@60Hz |
| MSI Claw 8 AI+ | 2 (Thunderbolt 4) | DisplayPort on both | 65W USB-C PD | Yes, up to 4K@60Hz |
| Nintendo Switch / Switch OLED | 1 | Needs a Nintendo-specific negotiation before video starts | Nintendo adapter | Not supported |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 2 (video on bottom port only) | Proprietary handshake with the dock | Nintendo adapter | Not supported |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | 1 | None | Nintendo adapter | No video output possible |
Gitfos tested the Steam Deck with the C1 Pro directly. For the other handhelds, the "Meets requirement" column compares each maker's published port specs with the C1 Pro's input requirement: a full-featured USB-C port with DP Alt Mode. Real output resolution also depends on your monitor, HDMI cable and in-game settings.
What problems does a hub solve on a gaming handheld?
A handheld runs out of ports the moment you plug in its charger, and a hub gives that single port back many times over. The Steam Deck has exactly one USB-C port. The original ROG Ally has one. Even two-port models like the Legion Go 2 put one port on the top edge and one on the bottom, so a second cable gets in the way of the stand or your grip.
- Charging and a TV at the same time. On a one-port device you otherwise choose between power and video. Through a hub, the charger, the HDMI cable and your accessories share one connection to the handheld.
- Local multiplayer with wired controllers. Four wired controllers need four USB ports.
- Desk mode. A Windows handheld is a full PC. Add a keyboard, mouse, monitor and headset and it works as a small desktop for browsing, Discord or light work.
- Storage. Game installs fill a 512GB or 1TB internal SSD quickly. A 10Gbps USB port lets an external SSD hold backups, recordings or part of a game library.
How the C1 Pro's ports map to a handheld setup
The Gitfos C1 Pro gives a handheld one HDMI output, nine extra USB data ports and two card readers through a single cable. The table lists every port with its rated spec and a typical gaming use.
| Port | Qty | Rated spec | Handheld use |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI | 1 | 4K @ 60Hz | TV or monitor |
| USB-C PD input | 1 | Up to 100W passthrough | Handheld's own charger goes here |
| USB-C charging | 2 | 45W single / 20W each when both used | Charge a controller, phone or earbuds |
| USB-C data | 2 | USB 3.2, 10Gbps | External SSD, USB-C headset |
| USB-A data | 1 | USB 3.2, 10Gbps | External SSD with a USB-A cable |
| USB-A data | 4 | USB 3.0, 5Gbps | Wired controllers, keyboard, mouse |
| USB-A data / charging | 2 | 5Gbps data or 7.5W charging | Controller or wireless receiver |
| SD + microSD | 2 | Card readers | Transfer captures and files |
| 3.5mm audio | 1 | Analog audio | Wired headphones or desk speakers |
The hub also has a Smart Button. One press turns off the HDMI picture but keeps the EDID signal alive. EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is the handshake a monitor uses to tell the computer what it is, so Windows keeps treating the display as connected and does not shuffle your open windows. Two quick presses switch the hub to charge-only mode, which cuts data to the connected device.
How to keep a handheld charging through the hub
The C1 Pro runs on its own 65W DC adapter, and the handheld charges from its own USB-C charger plugged into the hub's PD port. That means two power bricks on the desk. The 65W adapter powers the hub and its ports. It does not create 100W. The 100W figure is the most the PD port can pass through from a charger you connect to it.
In practice the handheld charges at whatever its own charger supplies:
- Steam Deck: Valve ships a 45W USB-C PD charger.
- ROG Ally, ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X: ASUS lists a 65W (20V / 3.25A) charger.
- Legion Go 2: Lenovo ships a 65W charger.
- MSI Claw 8 AI+: MSI lists PD charging from 45W up to 65W while the system is running.
If Windows or SteamOS shows a slow-charger warning, go back to the handheld's original charger before changing anything else. Some third-party chargers negotiate lower power profiles with specific handhelds.
Setting up the hub with a Steam Deck or Windows handheld
Connect power first and the handheld last, and the whole setup takes a few minutes. Follow this order:
- Plug the 65W DC adapter into the C1 Pro. The hub does not work without it.
- Plug the handheld's own USB-C charger into the hub's PD input port.
- Connect an HDMI cable from the hub to your TV or monitor.
- Plug controllers, keyboard and mouse into the 5Gbps USB-A ports, and an external SSD into a 10Gbps USB-C or USB-A port.
- Connect the handheld to the hub with the included 3.3 ft (1m) E-marked USB-C cable. On two-port handhelds, either port works because both support DisplayPort. On the Steam Deck, use its only USB-C port.
Then set the output resolution in the handheld's display settings. The handheld's own GPU renders every frame, so 1080p or 1440p usually plays more smoothly than 4K in demanding games. The hub carries up to 4K@60Hz, but it does not make the handheld faster. On a Steam Deck, expect the built-in screen to turn off as soon as the monitor shows a picture.
Why the handheld's own screen goes dark after you connect a monitor
On a Steam Deck, a black built-in screen after the monitor lights up is normal behavior, not a hub fault. Gitfos tested a Steam Deck with the C1 Pro and with other hubs and docks that have a video output. Each time the picture appeared on the external monitor, the Steam Deck's own screen turned off, while charging, controllers, USB storage and audio kept working.
The cause is SteamOS Game Mode, the default Steam Deck interface. Game Mode shows the game on one display at a time, and a newly detected external display takes over. If you need both screens, switch the Steam Deck to Desktop Mode, where the display settings let you mirror or extend the desktop.
Windows handhelds decide what happens to the built-in screen through the Windows projection mode, and one of them now matches the Steam Deck by default:
| Handheld | Built-in screen after a monitor connects | How to change it |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck (SteamOS Game Mode) | Turns off (tested by Gitfos) | Switch to Desktop Mode to mirror or extend |
| ROG Xbox Ally / ROG Xbox Ally X | Turns off automatically since the April 2026 docking update | Projection mode in the Game Bar Display widget |
| ROG Ally (2023) | Follows the Windows projection mode | Hold M1 or M2 and press X, or press Windows + P |
| Legion Go 2, MSI Claw 8 AI+ | Follows the Windows projection mode | Press Windows + P, or open Settings > System > Display |
The Windows projection mode has four options: PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend and Second screen only. For TV play, Microsoft recommends Second screen only on the ROG Xbox Ally, because the handheld then renders only at the TV's resolution and refresh rate. The Windows + P shortcut needs a keyboard, which the hub's USB-A ports can supply.
What the C1 Pro cannot do for handheld gamers
The C1 Pro is a desk hub, not a console dock, and it leaves out several things gamers often want. Check this list before you buy.
- No Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 TV mode. Switch 2 exchanges a sequence of Nintendo-specific messages with its dock before video starts, and most third-party hubs cannot complete it. Switch 2 system update 21.0.0 broke video on many third-party docks that had worked before. The original Switch adds its own negotiation step before it enters DisplayPort mode. Switch Lite cannot output video through any accessory.
- No high refresh rates. The HDMI port is rated for 4K@60Hz. Gitfos does not list 120Hz or 144Hz modes, so a 1440p 120Hz gaming monitor will not run at its full refresh rate through this hub.
- No Ethernet port. Downloads and online play go over the handheld's Wi-Fi.
- One external display only. None of the USB-A or USB-C ports output video, including through adapters. Only the HDMI port carries a picture.
- Wall power required. The hub needs its 65W DC adapter connected to work at all. It has no bus-powered mode, so it is not a travel dock.
- Not Thunderbolt. The C1 Pro is a USB-C hub. It does not carry an external GPU (eGPU) connection, even when the handheld has a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port.
- Use the included cable. The 3.3 ft E-marked cable is required. A generic USB-C cable can limit data speed and power.
C1 Pro vs a dedicated handheld dock
A dedicated handheld dock suits a TV-first setup, while the C1 Pro suits a desk where the handheld shares space with a laptop and needs many ports. The table uses Valve's published spec for the Steam Deck Docking Station as the dedicated-dock example.
| Feature | Steam Deck Docking Station | Gitfos C1 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Video outputs | DisplayPort 1.4 + HDMI 2.0 | 1 HDMI |
| Top output modes | 4K@60Hz or 1440p@120Hz | 4K@60Hz |
| Wired Ethernet | Gigabit | None |
| USB-A ports | 3 × USB 3.1 Gen 1 | 7 (1 × 10Gbps, 6 × 5Gbps) |
| USB-C data ports | Not listed | 2 × 10Gbps |
| Accessory charging ports | Not listed | 2 × USB-C (45W single / 20W dual) |
| SD / microSD readers | Not listed | Yes, both |
| Power | Passthrough from the Steam Deck charger | Own 65W adapter, plus handheld charger for passthrough |
Choose a dedicated dock for a TV setup that needs Ethernet or 120Hz. Choose a powered hub when one desk serves a laptop by day and a handheld at night, since one cable swap moves every accessory over.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use any USB-C hub with Steam Deck?
No. The hub needs to accept DisplayPort Alt Mode video for its HDMI port to work, and it needs PD passthrough if you want the Steam Deck to charge while docked. Hubs without DP Alt Mode support can still add USB ports, but they will not show a picture.
Does the ROG Ally work with a USB-C hub?
Yes. The original ROG Ally, ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X all support DisplayPort Alt Mode and USB Power Delivery on their USB-C ports. ASUS lists a 65W charger for them, which you can plug into a hub's PD port to charge while playing on a TV.
Can I charge my Steam Deck through a USB-C hub?
Yes, if the hub has a USB-C PD input with passthrough. Plug the Steam Deck's 45W charger into that port. The Deck charges from that charger through the hub, while the hub's own power adapter runs its other ports.
Why won't my Switch 2 work with a USB-C hub?
Switch 2 requires a Nintendo-specific handshake with its dock before it starts video output, and most generic hubs do not perform it. Some third-party docks built specifically for Switch 2 work, and a few have needed firmware updates after Nintendo system updates. Video only comes from the bottom USB-C port.
Why does my Steam Deck screen go black when connected to a monitor?
This is normal in SteamOS Game Mode. Game Mode shows the picture on one display at a time, so the Steam Deck turns off its own screen once the external monitor is active. Gitfos saw the same result with the C1 Pro and with other hubs and docks. Desktop Mode lets you mirror or extend instead.
Can I use the ROG Ally screen and a TV at the same time?
Yes. Windows handhelds can show the picture on both screens with the Duplicate or Extend projection mode. The ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X turn off the built-in screen automatically after docking, and you can change that in the Game Bar Display widget.
Can a USB-C hub run a handheld at 120Hz on an external monitor?
Only if the hub's video output is rated for it. The Gitfos C1 Pro's HDMI port is rated for 4K@60Hz, so it is not the right choice for 120Hz play. The Steam Deck Docking Station lists 1440p@120Hz support.
Can you connect wired controllers to a Steam Deck through a hub?
Yes. USB controllers that work when plugged into the Steam Deck directly also work through a USB hub, one per USB port. A hub with seven USB-A ports can handle a full local multiplayer group plus a keyboard.
Bottom line
For a Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go 2 or MSI Claw that sits on a desk, a powered USB-C hub solves the one-port problem: charging, a 4K@60Hz display, wired controllers and fast storage all run through one cable. For Switch TV mode, 120Hz play or wired Ethernet, pick a dedicated dock instead.
See the full port list on the Gitfos C1 Pro product page, browse other USB-C hubs and charging gear, or open the C1 Pro user guide and troubleshooting hub. If something does not work as expected, the Gitfos support center can help.