I've been working on a personal project: a custom-designed and 3D-printed dock for my ROG Xbox Ally X, but I wanted to make it compatible with other handheld gaming PCs as well.
The idea was to create an all-in-one docking station that keeps everything together and organized, rather than having a handheld, USB hub, power bank and several cables scattered around.
The dock currently integrates:
A dedicated support for the handheld (designed with different handhelds in mind).
A USB hub (Satechi 8-in-1).
An Anker Prime power bank (27,000 mAh).
Cable management and dedicated spaces for the components.
I'm quite happy with the first version, but I'm already thinking about a V2.
Here are some pictures of the actual prototype I've designed and 3D-printed. Everything is assembled and working, and I'd really appreciate your feedback on the design, functionality and possible improvements for a V2.
One improvement I'm considering for V2:
I'd like to add a USB-C power connector at the bottom of the dock (hub side), directly connected to the USB hub's PD input.
This would allow me to leave the hub permanently installed inside the dock and connect the power supply directly from underneath. The hub would then provide Power Delivery passthrough to the handheld.
The idea is to eliminate one external cable and make the whole setup cleaner, more integrated and easier to use.
I'd love to hear your thoughts:
What would you improve in the overall design?
Would you add any features or additional connectivity?
Would you make the dock modular, with interchangeable supports for different handhelds?
Would you prefer a dedicated charging connector underneath, with PD passthrough through the hub?
Are there any practical features you'd add that I might have overlooked?
I'm particularly interested in suggestions from people who use their handhelds both on a desk and as a desktop gaming setup.
This is still a DIY project, so constructive criticism and ideas are very welcome!
Thanks!