On top of that, video games these days are nearing 100GB in size, especially from AAA studios.

If that describes you, then the best microSD card for the Steam Deck is the Kingston Canvas Go!

For starters, the Kingston Canvas Go!

a steam deck distributed by valve

With the Kingston Canvas Go!

Though the Kingston Canvas Go!

Plus reaches read speeds of 170MB/s; the Steam Deck is limited to only 104MB/s.

Lexar PLAY 1TB microSDXC UHS-I Card 01

Still, it comes with an SD card adapter, so if you replace the Kingston Canvas Go!

They tend to be less resource-intensive and far fewer gigabytes in size.

And if you own the 64GB Steam Deck model, you’d finally have proper storage.

a side view of the kingston canvas go plus

The SanDisk Ultra can reach read speeds of 120MB/s and write speeds consistent with the U1 speed class.

This microSD comes with water, temperature, x-ray, magnet, drop, and wear-and-tear protection.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro provides three storage options: 64GB, 256GB, and 400GB.

close up view of the sandisk ultra microsd card

Considering the PNY XLR8 512GB works from a UHS-I interface; it’ll always work at peak performance.

FAQ

Q: Whats the Best MicroSD Card for Me?

First, you gotta ask yourself one simple question: which Steam Deck model did you purchase?

Samsung Pro Plus microSD card 512

If you haven’t yet, there are three: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB.

From there, it’s just a matter of considering your situation.

Is the Steam Deck just another equipment for use on the go?

sandisk extreme pro microsd side by side an sd adapter

Perhaps microSD cards with massive storage capacities won’t be for you.

Are you planning to glue the Steam Deck to your hands (also, don’t do that)?

In that case, a microSD card with plenty of storage is a must.

lexar play being inserted into a nintendo switch

Otherwise, you might fall somewhere in the middle.

Q: How Fast Should a MicroSD Card Read Data?

In the case of the Steam Deck, no less than 100MB/s.

lexar play against a yellow background with a series of images

The Steam Deck utilizes a UHS-I interface, which puts a limitation on read speeds.

Even if a microSD card can reach read speeds of 150MB/s, the Steam Deck can only handle 100MB/s.

Q: What if I Just Use a MicroSD Card From Another gadget?

kingston canvas go plus microsd card alongside sd adapter

So no, you might’t store games from two different systems.

kingston canvas go plus microsd card lying next to an sd adapter

sandisk ultra next to microsd card adapter and external usb hub

sandisk ultra being inserted into a phone

samsung pro plus inserted into a samsung sd adapter

samsung pro plus microsd card tilted to the side

sandisk extreme pro lying next to an sd adapter on a desk

a close up of the pny xlr8 microsd card

the pny xlr8 microsd card tilted to one side

pny xlr8 featuring v30 video speed

lexar 64gb microsd card featuring red and white coloring

lexar 64gb microsd card alongside an sd card adapter

lexar 64gb microsd card with a laptop and images in the background

Steam