Storage Expansion: MicroSD Cards and SSDs
The benefits of a microSD card is obvious: they let you install more games to your Steam Deck. That’s not to say the Steam Deck is lacking in storage space–especially if you’re sticking to older games and indie titles with smaller installation footprints–but considering the size of many AAA PC games these days, it’s worth investing in a microSD card.
MicroSD memory cards come in a range of sizes and storage speeds. Performance differences are negligible between microSD cards, and speed of the microSD card isn’t really of concern for actual gameplay. However, if you transfer lots of games, it will make a difference. As for size, we wouldn’t recommend buying anything under 256GB. Sure, smaller sizes can still be helpful, but if you’re shelling out for a high-end card anyway, it’s better to spring for a larger size once rather than upgrading again down the line.
But regardless of which size or speed you ultimately go for, it’s important to stick with major brands. Not only are cards from companies like Samsung or SanDisk more reliable and last longer, but they’re also safer, as many cheaper or knockoff microSDs are outright fakes.
If need suggestions on which to buy, our overall top pick is the Samsung Pro Plus 512GB microSD. It’s also available in a 256GB version.
If you need a 1TB memory card, we recommend the SanDisk 1TB Ultra microSDXC. If you can afford it, there’s also a 1.5TB model, which is the largest storage size currently available. The smaller 256 and 512GB models are also great options, offering some of the best value of all the microSD cards available.
MicroSD cards offer the best value and will be the right choice for most players, but if you bought the 64GB model or even one of the 256GB versions, you may want to upgrade your internal storage. If you have the 64GB model, your M.2 2230 NVMe SSD slot is empty already, while Steam Decks with internal SSDs already installed will require you to clone the original SSD when upgrading. We’ve included several NVMe SSD options below the microSD cards–though we’d still recommend pairing your new SSD with a microSD card.