Home Troubleshooting For CPU & PC Components
Guide

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Micro Sd Card For The Steam Deck

Isaac Lee is the lead tech blogger for Vtech Insider. With over 10 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics and emerging technologies, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge to help readers make informed purchasing decisions.

What To Know

  • MicroSD cards with a UHS-II rating will provide even better performance, but may require a compatible reader or adapter to be compatible with the Steam Deck.
  • MicroSD cards with a UHS-III rating will provide even better performance, but may require a compatible reader or adapter to be compatible with the Steam Deck.
  • But the benefits of using a micro SD card with the Steam Deck go beyond just having more space for games.

Steam Deck is a handheld gaming PC made by Valve, the same company that created the Steam game store. It was released in February 2022 and is available to purchase through Valve’s website or through other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. The Steam Deck can play most games on Steam, including AAA titles like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. However, if you want to play these games at their best, you’ll need a microSD card with fast read and write speeds.

What Kind Of Microsd Card For Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck has finally been released and people are excited. The handheld gaming PC from Valve boasts some impressive hardware, including a quad-core AMD processor and 16GB of RAM. However, the thing that’s gotten the most attention is the Steam Deck’s storage. The device comes with 64GB of eMMC storage, which is slow compared to SSDs.

So, what’s the best way to upgrade your Steam Deck’s storage? Well, the most obvious choice would be to add a microSD card. Unfortunately, not all microSD cards are created equal. Some cards are faster than others, and some cards are more reliable than others.

So, what microSD card should you get for your Steam Deck? The answer to that question depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for a card that’s fast, then you’ll want to look for one with a high read and write speed. The faster the card, the faster your games will load.

If you’re looking for a card that’s reliable, then you’ll want to look for one with a high endurance rating. The endurance rating tells you how many terabytes the card can write before it wears out.

If you’re looking for a card that’s affordable, then you’ll want to look for one that’s on sale. You can find great deals on microSD cards if you know where to look.

Overall, the best microSD card for your Steam Deck is the one that meets your needs and your budget. If you’re not sure which one to get, then I recommend checking out our list of the best microSD cards for Steam Deck.

What Are The Different Types Of Microsd Cards Compatible With The Steam Deck?

  • 1. MicroSD cards with a Class 10 or UHS-I rating will provide the best overall performance.
  • 2. MicroSD cards with a UHS-II rating will provide even better performance, but may require a compatible reader or adapter to be compatible with the Steam Deck.
  • 3. MicroSD cards with a UHS-III rating will provide even better performance, but may require a compatible reader or adapter to be compatible with the Steam Deck.
  • 4. MicroSD cards with a V30 or V60 rating will provide good performance for video recording and 4K gaming.
  • 5. MicroSD cards with a A1 or A2 rating will provide good performance for running apps and games from the microSD card.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Microsd Card With The Steam Deck?

Micro SD cards are an important accessory for the Steam Deck.

The Steam Deck is a powerful gaming handheld, but it only has 64 GB of internal storage. That’s enough for a few games, but if you want to have a large library of games, you’ll need more space.

That’s where micro SD cards come in. You can add up to 2 TB of storage to your Steam Deck with a micro SD card. That’s plenty of space for even the most avid gamer.

But the benefits of using a micro SD card with the Steam Deck go beyond just having more space for games. Here are a few other benefits:

1. Faster load times: Games stored on the micro SD card will load faster than games stored on the internal storage. This is because the micro SD card is separate from the internal storage, so it doesn’t compete for resources.

2. Easier to manage: With more games stored on the micro SD card, it’s easier to manage them. You can move games back and forth between the micro SD card and internal storage as needed.

3. More portable: With more games stored on the micro SD card, you can take your Steam Deck with you wherever you go. You don’t need to carry a bunch of game cartridges or worry about running out of space.

4. Better performance: Games stored on the micro SD card will run more smoothly than games stored on the internal storage. This is because the micro SD card is separate from the internal storage, so it doesn’t compete for resources.

So, if you’re planning to buy a Steam Deck, make sure to pick up a micro SD card as well. It’s an essential accessory for any Steam Deck owner.

How Do I Choose The Right Microsd Card For My Steam Deck?

Choosing the right microSD card for your Steam Deck requires considering several factors. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Speed: Steam Deck supports microSD cards with a minimum read speed of 60MB/s. Opt for a card with a higher read speed to ensure smooth gameplay and loading times.

2. Storage Capacity: Determine the amount of storage you need. Steam Deck supports microSD cards up to 2TB. Consider your gaming habits and requirements to determine how much storage you need.

3. Brand: Select a reputable brand known for manufacturing high-quality microSD cards. Some reliable options include SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar.

4. Compatibility: Ensure that the microSD card you choose is compatible with the Steam Deck. Verify that it supports exFAT or FAT32 file formats, as Steam Deck does not support other file formats.

5. Durability: Choose a microSD card that is resistant to water, shock, and extreme temperatures. If you plan to use the card outdoors or in rugged environments, consider a ruggedized option.

6. Warranty: Check the warranty coverage offered by the manufacturer. Opt for a card with a reasonable warranty period, as it offers peace of mind in case of any issues.

How Do I Install Games Onto My Microsd Card For The Steam Deck?

To install games onto your microSD card for the Steam Deck, follow these steps:

1. Insert the microSD card into the microSD card slot on the Steam Deck.

2. Open the Steam client on your Steam Deck and sign in to your account.

3. From the Steam client, go to the Library section.

4. Right-click on the game you want to install and select “Install”.

5. In the installation options, select the microSD card as the installation location.

6. Wait for the game to install.

7. Once the game is installed, you can launch it from the Steam library.

Note: The Steam Deck supports microSD cards up to 2 TB in size. However, only a portion of the card’s capacity will be available for game installations, as the operating system and other system files will take up some space.

What Are Some Tips For Maintaining The Performance Of My Microsd Card On The Steam Deck?

Maintaining the performance of your microSD card on the Steam Deck is crucial to ensure a smooth gaming experience. Here are some tips to help you keep your microSD card performing at its best:

1. Regularly format your microSD card: Over time, files can become fragmented on your microSD card, which can impact its performance. Regularly formatting your microSD card can help to optimize its performance.

2. Avoid storing large files on the card: The Steam Deck’s microSD card slot is primarily intended for installing and storing games. If you’re storing large files on the card, such as videos or music, consider moving them to an external storage device or cloud storage to free up space.

3. Use high-quality microSD cards: Investing in a high-quality microSD card can significantly improve the performance of your Steam Deck. Look for cards that are rated for UHS-I or UHS-II speeds and that have a good reputation for reliability.

4. Regularly check your microSD card for errors: The Steam Deck has a built-in tool for checking the health of your microSD card. Regularly running this tool can help you identify any issues that may be impacting the performance of your card.

5. Avoid using the microSD card for installing games: While it is possible to install games on your microSD card, doing so can negatively impact its performance.

Summary

In conclusion, the Steam Deck is a powerful and versatile device that can handle a wide range of microSD memory cards. However, it’s important to choose the right card for your specific needs. Be sure to consider factors such as speed, capacity, and compatibility when making your decision. With the right microSD card, you can expand your Steam Deck’s storage and enjoy a seamless gaming experience.

Was this page helpful?

Isaac Lee

Isaac Lee is the lead tech blogger for Vtech Insider. With over 10 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics and emerging technologies, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge to help readers make informed purchasing decisions.

Popular Posts:

Back to top button