The Steam Deck doesn’t have Thunderbolt, but rather a USB-3 Gen 2 port. As such, a Thunderbolt dock that isn’t optimized for USB-C might cause issues.
For example, the CalDigit TS3 Plus is a great Thunderbolt dock, but it is not compatible with USB-C only computers like the Steam Deck. The TS4, on the other hand, is compatible with both. I figured this out when I tried plugging my Steam Deck into the TS3 - charging works, but nothing else does - and the fact that the TS4 is compatible with it was part of how I justified the purchase. To be clear, nobody should buy the TS4 as a dock just for their Steam Deck, but if they’re considering the two for their laptop, knowing one’s compatible with the Steam Deck and one isn’t might help them make a decision.
If you’re looking for a dock primarily for your Steam Deck, looking for a USB-C dock will also help you find much cheaper docks than looking for a Thunderbolt dock will.
…did you read it? It explains some of the software specifics of the Deck. It’s not just about the physical act of plugging in peripherals.
Any thunderbolt dock will do, all depends on usecase. The deck doesn’t require any special software or anything to dock. It’s all plug and play.
The Steam Deck doesn’t have Thunderbolt, but rather a USB-3 Gen 2 port. As such, a Thunderbolt dock that isn’t optimized for USB-C might cause issues.
For example, the CalDigit TS3 Plus is a great Thunderbolt dock, but it is not compatible with USB-C only computers like the Steam Deck. The TS4, on the other hand, is compatible with both. I figured this out when I tried plugging my Steam Deck into the TS3 - charging works, but nothing else does - and the fact that the TS4 is compatible with it was part of how I justified the purchase. To be clear, nobody should buy the TS4 as a dock just for their Steam Deck, but if they’re considering the two for their laptop, knowing one’s compatible with the Steam Deck and one isn’t might help them make a decision.
If you’re looking for a dock primarily for your Steam Deck, looking for a USB-C dock will also help you find much cheaper docks than looking for a Thunderbolt dock will.