As video games continue to evolve, their file sizes are increasing at a rapid pace. It’s becoming increasingly common for high-end, big-budget games to require over 100GB of storage space. Having a good quality microSD card is essential for expanding the storage of your Steam Deck. With a vast array of options available, it can be tricky to pick the right one for your needs.
Samsung Pro Plus microSD card
Lexar Play 256GB microSD
SanDisk 1TB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter
SanDisk Ultra 1.5TB microSD
SanDisk Extreme Pro microSD card
Best Overall microSD for Steam Deck:Samsung Pro Plus 512GB
The Samsung Pro Plus 512GB microSD card strikes a fantastic balance between speed, capacity, durability, and price. With read speeds of up to 180MB/s and write speeds of 130MB/s, it delivers smooth performance when loading games and transferring files on your Steam Deck.
Beyond its impressive speeds, the Samsung Pro Plus boasts impressive durability. It’s waterproof, magnet-proof, and temperature-proof, making it ideal for taking your Steam Deck on the go without worrying about damaging your precious game data. Thanks to its sturdy construction, it can even withstand a few accidental drops. Samsung backs this up with a generous 10-year warranty, giving you peace of mind.
The 512GB capacity offers ample space for a sizeable game library. You can install several AAA titles and indie gems without worrying about running out of room. Plus, the price point makes it an excellent value proposition for those seeking a well-rounded microSD card that won’t break the bank. Samsung is a big name, so watch out for fake Samsung cards! Buy from reputable vendors toavoid fake microSD cards.
Samsung PRO Plus 512GB microSD
The Samsung Pro Plus offers the best balance of speed, capacity, durability, and price. It’s fast (180MB/s read), reliable (water-proof, etc.), and has a long warranty (10 years). With 512GB, you have plenty of space for games.
Best Budget microSD for Steam Deck:Lexar Play 256GB
The Lexar Play 256GB microSD card offers a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers without sacrificing too much performance. While it won’t break any speed records with read speeds of 160MB/s and write speeds of 100MB/s, it delivers smooth gameplay for most games on the Steam Deck. You might experience slightly longer transfer times than high-end cards, but the difference is often negligible for many smaller titles.
The Lexar Play comes from a reputable brand with a history of producing reliable storage solutions. It maintains a good balance between affordability and performance, making it a great choice for those who prioritize value. Plus, the 256GB capacity offers enough space for a decent collection of games, especially indie titles and smaller AAA games. These qualities make the Lexar Play one of thebest microSD cardsoverall, not just for the Steam Deck.
Keep in mind that there might be even cheaper microSD cards available. However, the Lexar Play offers the advantage of being from a trusted brand known for quality and reliability. This can be crucial for ensuring your valuable game data is safe and secure, especially when considering the punishment a portable device like the Steam Deck can endure.
The Lexar Play is a great choice for budget-minded gamers. It’s affordable, from a reputable brand, and offers decent performance (160MB/s read) for most games. The 256GB capacity is enough for many indie titles and smaller AAA games.
Best 1TB microSD for Steam Deck:SanDisk Extreme 1TB
If capacity and speed are both equally important to you, then the SanDisk Extreme 1TB microSD card is the undisputed champion. This powerhouse boasts read speeds of up to 190MB/s and write speeds of 130MB/s. These translate to lightning-fast loading times, even for your Steam Deck’s most demanding AAA titles.
This exceptional speed isn’t just for show. It allows you to seamlessly switch between games, transfer large files in a blink, and experience snappier performance on your Steam Deck. The high speed, coupled with a huge 1TB capacity, is particularly beneficial for those who juggle a large library of games or frequently download and install new titles.
Of course, top-tier performance comes at a premium price. However, for those who want the largest and fastest storage, the SanDisk Extreme 1TB is an investment that significantly enhances the Steam Deck experience.
SanDisk Extreme 1TB microSD
The SanDisk Extreme is a powerhouse, offering both exceptional speed and ample storage space. With blazing-fast read speeds of up to 190MB/s, you’ll experience rapid game launches and file transfers. Plus, its 1TB capacity provides plenty of room for your game library.
Largest Capacity microSD for Steam Deck:SanDisk Ultra 1.5TB
For gamers who prioritize having the most storage space for their Steam Deck library, the SanDisk Ultra 1.5TB microSD card is the way to go. With a whopping 1.5TB capacity, it lets you download and store a massive collection of games. This eliminates the constant need to uninstall and reinstall games to free up space, letting you keep your entire library readily available.
However, there’s a trade-off when opting for such a high-capacity card. Unlike other cards on this list that utilize the faster A2 technology, the SanDisk Ultra relies on A1 technology. A1 has slower random read/write speeds, which affect app and game launch times.
The SanDisk Ultra is ideal for gamers who prioritize having their entire library at their fingertips and are willing to accept slightly slower loading times for unmatched storage capacity. If you prioritize speed over absolute capacity, other options on this list might be a better fit.
Need the most storage space possible? Look no further than the SanDisk Ultra. Its massive 1.5TB capacity lets you store a colossal game library, including large AAA titles and countless indie gems.
Fastest microSD:SanDisk Extreme PRO 1TB
The SanDisk Extreme PRO 1TB microSD card caters to a specific breed of gamer: those who demand the absolute fastest speeds possible, regardless of price. Boasting phenomenal read speeds of up to 200MB/s and write speeds of 140MB/s, it obliterates loading times on your Steam Deck. This raw speed translates to a significant advantage. You’ll experience rapid game launches, seamless multitasking between games, and blazing-fast file transfers.
However, as expected, the SanDisk Extreme PRO’s top-tier performance comes at a hefty price tag. Here, you’re paying a premium for the absolute best speeds available. If you prioritize raw speed above all else and have the budget to accommodate it, the SanDisk Extreme PRO is a worthy expansion for your Steam Deck.
For most users, the speed difference between the SanDisk Extreme and the SanDisk Extreme PRO might be negligible. The SanDisk Extreme offers excellent performance at a more reasonable price point. However, the SanDisk Extreme PRO remains undisputed for those who crave the absolute best and have the budget to match. After all,deciding which SD card to buyis all about your priorities.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO prioritizes raw speed above all else. With phenomenal read speeds (up to 200MB/s), it delivers the fastest performance on the market, ideal for hardcore gamers who demand lightning-fast loading times and multitasking.
Q: Can I use any microSD for Steam Deck?
Not exactly. Steam Deck is designed for microSDXC cards with a UHS-I interface. Among UHS-I cards, aim for those that boast A2 and V30 markings. A2 indicates the card is optimized for random read/write operations, essential for fast app launches and game loading on the Steam Deck. V30 guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s, ensuring smooth data flow during gameplay and file transfers.
Q: How do I format a microSD card for the Steam Deck?
You can format the microSD right from the Steam Deck. Once you install the microSD, your Steam Deck will prompt you to format it. For detailed instructions, see our guide oninstalling a microSD card on Steam Deck.
Q: What are SD card speeds, and why do they matter for the Steam Deck?
SD card speeds (measured in read and write speeds, MB/s) affect how quickly data transfers on the Steam Deck. Faster speeds mean quicker game loading times, smoother overall performance, and faster file transfers.
