Best MicroSD Cards for Steam Deck in 2023

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Looking for the best memory cards for Steam Deck? This guide will help you get the top recommended microSD cards for Steam Deck Gaming Handheld.

Unlike the ASUS ROG Ally, the Steam Deck handheld gaming PC has a single microSD card slot that supports UHS-I microSD cards up to 1TB. The Steam Deck’s built-in storage options are somewhat limited, especially in the entry-level model. With just 64GB at your disposal, you might find it challenging to store more than a few indie titles. Thankfully, Valve understands your gaming needs and allows you to bolster your library with microSD cards, enabling you to swiftly enhance the handheld’s storage capacity.

So, whether you’re considering a lower storage option to save money or just looking to enjoy the Steam Deck to the fullest, expanding your storage is a must. And the best way for most users to achieve this is by opting for a microSD card, a smaller and more hassle-free solution compared to replacing the SSD. In this guide, we’ll show you the top recommendations on the best microSD cards for Steam Deck to supercharge your Steam Deck gaming adventures.

Steam Deck microSD Card Recommendations

Want to get straight to the point? Here are our top recommended UHS-I microSD cards for Steam Deck Gaming Handheld:

UHS-I MicroSD CardsMax. Read SpeedMax. Write Speed
SanDisk Extreme UHS-I microSD Card (Best Overall)190 MB/s130 MB/s
Samsung PRO Plus UHS-I microSD Card (Runner up)180 MB/s130 MB/s
SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I microSD Card (A little pricy)200 MB/s140 MB/s
Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I microSD Card160 MB/s120 MB/s
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I microSD Card170 MB/s90 MB/s
Samsung EVO Select UHS-I microSD Card130 MB/s90 MB/s

Best microSD Cards for Steam Deck

1. SanDisk Extreme UHS-I microSD Card

Best Overall, super fast UHS-I microSD card, great value

SanDisk Extreme UHS-I microSD Card Key Features:

  • A2 / UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 190 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 130 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 30 MB/s
  • Capacities: 128GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • Water / Shock / X-Ray Proof
  • Can Withstand Extreme Temperatures
  • Built-In Write-Protect Switch on Adapter
  • Downloadable RescuePRO Recovery Software
  • Includes microSD to SD Adapter
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

The SanDisk Extreme UHS-I microSD Card emerges as an exceptional choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a blend of performance and reliability. Elevating your Asus ROG Ally experience without breaking the bank, this card boasts impressive read speeds of up to 190 MB/s and write speeds of up to 130 MB/s.

Engineered for devices like smartphones, drones, and action cameras, the SanDisk Extreme UHS-I microSD Card remains a top performer in the market, consistently reliable and a favorite among users. Its compatibility with the UHS-I bus, alongside a V30 speed class rating guaranteeing minimum write speeds of 30 MB/s, empowers it for capturing Full HD, 4K videos, raw photography, and bursts. With resilience against shock, X-rays, water, and a temperature range of -13 to 185°F, it confidently ventures into extreme environments. The inclusion of RescuePRO Deluxe software and SanDisk’s Memory Zone app ensures data security and streamlined organization. A microSD to SD adapter further expands its usability.

So, the SanDisk Extreme UHS-I microSD Card stands as a testament to high performance, affordability, and unwavering reliability, proving itself as an invaluable addition to your Steam Deck and various other portable devices. Perfect for those seeking an affordable upgrade that doesn’t compromise on dependability, the SanDisk Extreme UHS-I microSD Card finds its versatility in an array of portable devices, spanning cameras, smartphones, and handheld gaming consoles. It’s a highly recommended option for Steam Deck, providing swift data transfer without sacrificing reliability.

Buy SanDisk Extreme UHS-I microSD Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

2. Samsung PRO Plus UHS-I microSD Card

Another fast and popular UHS-I microSD card, great value

Samsung PRO Plus UHS-I microSD Card Key Features:

  • UHS-I / V30 / U3 / A2 / Class 10
  • Max. Read Speed: 180 MB/s
  • Max. Write Speed: 130 MB/s
  • Min. Write Speed: 30 MB/s
  • Capacities: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
  • X-Ray, Magnet, Drop, and Waterproof
  • Withstands Extreme Temperatures
  • Withstands 10,000 Insertion Cycles
  • Includes microSD to SD Adapter
  • Limited 10-Year Manufacturer Warranty

The Samsung PRO Plus UHS-I microSD Card presents itself as yet another exceptional, fast UHS-I microSD card, offering compelling value for your investment without compromising on reliability. On par with the SanDisk Extreme UHS-I microSD Card, the Samsung PRO Plus UHS-I microSD Card combines speed and affordability, reinforcing its standing as a trusted choice. Ideal for a spectrum of portable devices including cameras, smartphones, tablets, and handheld gaming consoles, it stands out as an attractive budget-friendly memory card for the Steam Deck, delivering read speeds of up to 180 MB/s and write speeds of 130 MB/s.

Boasting impressive UHS-I, V30, and U3 class ratings, this card achieves read speeds of 180 MB/s and write speeds of 130 MB/s, maintaining write speeds no lower than 30 MB/s. Notably robust, the Samsung PRO Plus card endures for up to 72 hours in seawater, survives temperature fluctuations from -13 to 185°F, braves airport x-ray machines up to 100mGy, and withstands drops from heights of up to 16.4′. With a wear out rating of up to 10,000 swipes and the ability to withstand magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss (equivalent to high-field MRI environments), its durability is unmatched. An included microSD to SD adapter extends its applicability to SD-compatible devices.

Buy Samsung PRO Plus UHS-I microSD Card at Amazon, B&H.

3. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I microSD Card

The fastest UHS-I microSD card but a little pricy

SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I microSD Card Key Features:

  • A2 / UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 200 MB/s (256GB-1TB)
  • Max Write Speed: 140 MB/s (256GB-1TB)
  • Min Write Speed: 30 MB/s
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • Load apps faster with A2
  • Durable design for use in extreme environments
  • Built-In Write-Protect Switch on Adapter
  • Downloadable RescuePRO Recovery Software
  • Includes microSD to SD Adapter

The SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I microSD Card is a powerhouse choice for the Steam Deck, offering blazing-fast read and write speeds that go beyond what the device can handle. With transfer rates of up to 200MB/s, this microSD card ensures you’ll never experience slow load times or performance hiccups while gaming on Valve’s handheld.

SanDisk’s reputation for reliability holds true with the Extreme Pro, and its durability is a significant asset for those on the go. It can withstand water, X-rays, high temperatures, and accidental drops, making it an ideal travel companion for your Steam Deck adventures.

While it’s true that the Extreme Pro may be on the pricier side, its exceptional performance, robust construction, and available capacity options (including a generous 1TB version) justify the investment. For gamers who demand the absolute best in microSD storage, the SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I microSD Card is the go-to choice, even if it might be a bit of overkill for the Steam Deck’s capabilities.

Buy SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I microSD Card: 1TB, 512GB, 256GB, 128GB, 64GB.

4. Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I microSD Card (SILVER Series)

Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I microSD Card Key Features:

  • UHS-I / A2 / V30 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 160 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 120 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 30 MB/s
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
  • Records Full HD, 3D, and 4K Video
  • Water / Shock / Vibration / X-Ray Proof
  • Can Withstand Temperature Extremes
  • Includes UHS-I microSD to SD Adapter

The Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I microSD Card is a fantastic choice for gamers looking to enhance their Steam Deck gaming experience without breaking the bank. Tailored for budget-conscious gamers, this microSDXC card delivers exceptional performance, transforming your gaming sessions on the Steam Deck Gaming Handheld.

Designed for action cameras, drones, and Android smartphones, this card offers impressive read speeds of up to 160 MB/s and write speeds of up to 120 MB/s. Plus, it’s built to withstand water, shock, vibration, x-rays, and extreme temperatures, ensuring durability during intense gaming adventures. With blazing-fast read speeds, the Lexar Professional 1066x ensures seamless gameplay and rapid app loading, providing the ideal environment for high-resolution video playback and recording. Capture and share your gaming triumphs in stunning detail, all with the assurance that your data is safe. Included with the card is a microSD to SD adapter, making it compatible with SD-equipped devices.

All in all, the Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I microSD Card strikes an excellent balance between performance, affordability, and versatility, making it an ideal companion for your Steam Deck gaming endeavors.

Buy Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I microSD Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

5. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I microSD Card

Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I microSD Card Key Features:

  • UHS-I / A2 / V30 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 170 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 90 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 30 MB/s
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
  • Records Full HD and 4K Video
  • Water / Shock / Vibration / X-Ray Proof
  • Temperature Proof
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

The Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I microSD Card stands as an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking top-tier performance for their Steam Deck. Elevate your gaming with seamless high-res video playback, rapid app loading, and capturing epic moments in remarkable detail. With lightning-fast read speeds, this card is expertly crafted for intensive gaming and high-res video recording, ensuring an uninterrupted gaming experience.

Ideal for on-the-go users, including action camera enthusiasts, drone operators, and Android device users, the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I microSD Card harnesses the UHS-I bus to achieve read speeds up to 170 MB/s and write speeds up to 90 MB/s. Resiliently built and rigorously tested, it endures challenging environments, guarding against water, shock, vibration, x-rays, and extreme temperatures. The inclusion of a microSD to SD adapter, complete with a write protect switch, amplifies its versatility for SD-compatible devices.

Buy Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I microSD Card at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

6. Samsung EVO Select UHS-I microSD Card

Samsung EVO Select UHS-I microSD Card Key Features:

  • UHS-I / A2 / V30 / U3 / Class 10
  • Max Read Speed: 130 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 30 MB/s
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
  • Magnet, X-Ray, Drop, and Waterproof
  • Withstands Extreme Temperatures
  • Withstands 10,000 Insertion Cycles
  • Includes microSD to SD Adapter

The Samsung EVO Select UHS-I microSD card emerges as a top contender for Steam Deck Gaming Handheld users seeking a balance of performance, reliability, and affordability. With an ample storage capacity and an impressive read speed of 130 MB/s, it’s well-equipped to enhance your gaming experience on the Steam Deck.

While it may not match the write speeds of premium options, like the Samsung PRO Plus or SanDisk Extreme, the EVO Select microSD Card delivers dependable performance without straining your wallet. It excels in storing media files, though it may not be the top choice for running resource-intensive apps or recording 4K video on high-end smartphones. Notably, the EVO Select offers exceptional durability, surviving challenging conditions from seawater to extreme temperatures and more. Plus, Samsung backs it with a 10-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind.

In summary, the Samsung EVO Select UHS-I microSD Card strikes a superb balance between reliability and affordability. Its speedy performance and rugged durability, along with the included microSD to SD adapter, make it a valuable addition to your Steam Deck gaming setup.

Buy Samsung EVO Select UHS-I microSD Card at Amazon, B&H.

InIn conclusion, we’ve presented a diverse range of memory cards, each with varying storage capacities, carefully selected to provide you with the ultimate choices for your Steam Deck.

The choice is now in your hands, allowing you to confidently pick from our curated selection of cards, designed to meet your extra storage needs. Rest assured, every card featured here offers optimal performance and hassle-free compatibility.

With this information, you can make an informed decision that aligns perfectly with your requirements. Bid farewell to storage limitations and embrace a new era of boundless possibilities with your Steam Deck.

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