If you’ve ever tried using your Steam Deck during a flight and want something to rest it on, you know it’s not always easy. The tray table isn’t very big, and there’s sometimes barely enough room for your hands, let alone a whole gaming setup. But now, a user named Destrike on Printables has come up with a smart solution, which comes in the form of a custom mount that attaches your Steam Deck to an airplane’s tray table.

This gadget is called the Steam Deck plane table mount (v3), and its files are available for free on Printables. It was 3D printed using strong PETG plastic and designed to be flexible enough to handle the bumps and turbulence of flying. Destrike has already used it on two long flights, each lasting over 9 hours, and the mount held up just fine the whole way.

How does it work?

The mount clips onto the seatback tray table and holds your Steam Deck securely in front of you. It’s designed to be easy to install and remove. If someone next to you needs to get by, you can simply slide the Deck out of the holder without removing the entire setup.

The mount includes removable table clips, so in the future, you might be able to swap them out for other types of mounts. This makes the whole system more flexible if you’re flying on different airlines or using different tray designs.

It is, however, important to keep in mind that files for only the left side mount are included, so you’ll need to mirror it in your 3D printer’s software to create the right side. Plus, the mount was made to fit the Steam Deck exactly. So, if you use a skin or protective case, it might not fit well. You can try scaling the design slightly, but that’s up to you. According to the creator, you’ll also need to sand the parts, especially the grips, as this will help avoid scratching the Steam Deck.

About the Author

Charlie Noon

Charlie is the Affiliate manager for PC Guide. He has a vast understanding of most PC hardware and consumer essentials, using his knowledge to provide the best products and the biggest deals.