What’s the best microSD card for your Steam Deck?
Running out of space on your Steam Deck is a nightmare for any gamer. Fortunately, upgrading to a high-quality microSD card is the simplest and most effective way to expand your handheld’s storage beyond its internal SSD. A fast and spacious card means endless room for new game downloads, and the flexibility to swap cards makes managing your game library a breeze, especially if you have an extensive collection.
Our Top MicroSD Card Picks for Steam Deck:
- Samsung Pro Plus – The best all-rounder for performance and value.
- SanDisk Extreme – The ultimate choice for maximum speed.
- Lexar Play – Your go-to for budget-friendly storage expansion.
1. Samsung Pro Plus
The Best MicroSD Card for Steam Deck Overall
Specifications:
- Storage capacity: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Max read speed: 180MB/s
Pros:
- Exceptional durability (waterproof, shockproof)
- Includes a full-size SD adapter for versatility
Cons:
- Limited to 512GB for some regions
The Samsung Pro Plus microSD card hits the sweet spot for most Steam Deck owners, offering an ideal blend of robust build quality, competitive pricing, and impressive speeds. While its maximum read speed might be slightly lower than some premium alternatives, it delivers more than enough performance for seamlessly loading even the most demanding games.
Mirroring the resilience of the SanDisk Extreme, the Pro Plus boasts comprehensive protection against water, extreme temperatures, X-rays, and accidental drops. Backed by a generous 10-year limited warranty, these cards are built to last. Our team has relied on them for years, even before the Steam Deck’s arrival, and their incredible durability has consistently impressed us. The only minor drawback is the current absence of a 1TB option in certain markets, though various capacities are available.
2. SanDisk Extreme
The Fastest MicroSD Card for Steam Deck
Specifications:
- Storage capacity: 64GB, 128GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Read speed: 190MB/s
Pros:
- Blazing-fast, seamless performance
- Extremely durable (shockproof, waterproof)
Cons:
- Higher price point
If raw speed is your priority, the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC card, particularly the 1TB model, stands out as the quickest option in our selection. Even though the Steam Deck’s UHS-I interface caps its full potential, preventing it from reaching its advertised 160MB/s read speed, it still outperforms competitors, hitting speeds of up to 100MB/s during real-world usage.
Its “Extreme” moniker isn’t just for show – this card is built like a tank. Western Digital confirms its waterproof, shockproof, and even X-ray proof capabilities. While we don’t recommend putting these claims to the test, SanDisk offers a lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind and justifying its slightly higher cost compared to other choices.
SanDisk is a renowned name in storage, synonymous with reliability. While even faster microSD cards exist, the SanDisk Extreme offers more than enough speed for the Steam Deck, making it the fastest and most dependable choice we confidently recommend.
3. Lexar Play
The Best Budget MicroSD Card for Steam Deck
Specifications:
- Storage capacity: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Read speed: Up to 160MB/s
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Specifically optimized for portable gaming
Cons:
- Not the absolute fastest option
Lexar Play microSD cards are specifically engineered with portable gaming consoles in mind, offering exceptional value among all the cards on this list. While it comes with a slightly shorter five-year limited warranty compared to some rivals, let’s be honest, how many of us hold onto a single microSD card for a decade?
Boasting maximum read speeds of up to 160MB/s, the Lexar Play card, in our tests, felt nearly indistinguishable from the SanDisk Extreme and Samsung Pro Plus in real-world gaming scenarios. As the most affordable option, it allows you to invest in a larger capacity for the same price as smaller, more expensive alternatives, making it a fantastic choice for expanding your game library without breaking the bank.
Choosing the Right MicroSD Card for Your Steam Deck
When it comes to storing your ever-growing library of Steam Deck games, more space is almost always better. Consider that even a 512GB card can quickly fill up with just a few modern AAA titles. Upgrading your storage with an affordable microSD card is one of the smartest enhancements you can make for any gaming handheld, whether you own the Steam Deck OLED, the original LCD model, or a Windows-based device like the Asus ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, or Xbox Ally X.
It provides an instant storage boost, saving you the initial expense of purchasing the highest-capacity Steam Deck model or the hassle of swapping out your internal SSD. Plus, it allows you to expand even the largest built-in storage options.
All the recommended cards in our guide are microSDXC cards with a UHS-I interface, ensuring full compatibility with both Steam Deck models. While capacities typically range from 128GB up to 2TB, we strongly suggest aiming for at least 512GB to ensure you have ample room for future game downloads and avoid constantly managing your storage.
One crucial tip: don’t be overly swayed by cards boasting extreme speeds unless you have other devices that can fully utilize them. The Steam Deck’s UHS-I microSD interface is limited to approximately 104MB/s for both read and write operations. This means that while some cards can achieve much higher theoretical speeds, you won’t experience those benefits directly on your Steam Deck.
Steam Deck MicroSD Card FAQs
Which microSD cards are compatible with Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck LCD and Steam Deck OLED models have straightforward microSD compatibility. Both handhelds feature a UHS-I interface, supporting microSD, SDXC, and SDHC card types.
When you’re looking at microSD cards, you’ll often see classifications like A1 or A2, and U1 or U3. For optimal performance, we recommend choosing cards with an A2 and U3 speed class, which is why all the options in our guide meet these specifications.
Can the Steam Deck use a 2TB MicroSD card?
Yes, absolutely! The Steam Deck fully supports 2TB microSD cards. However, it’s worth noting that 2TB cards can still be quite pricey—often costing significantly more than two separate 1TB cards. Depending on your budget and needs, purchasing two 1TB cards might be a more cost-effective way to achieve substantial storage expansion.
With your Steam Deck’s storage now expertly handled, why not explore other ways to enhance your gaming experience? Consider adding some of the best Steam Deck accessories, such as a robust Steam Deck case for protection or a versatile Steam Deck dock to easily connect your device to external displays and peripherals.