The Steam Deck changed portable gaming by providing a console-like experience in a handheld device. However, due to its low built-in storage, upgrading capacity using a high-quality SD card is critical.
The appropriate SD card may dramatically improve your gaming performance, allowing you to store more games and experience quicker loading times.
This article streamlines the decision process by showcasing the best SD card for Steam Deck based on certain demands and budgets.
How to Choose the Best SD Card for Steam Deck?
When selecting the best SD card for Steam Deck, numerous things come into play:
- Storage Capacity: Depending on how vast your game collection is, you may want a larger SD card. Options range from 64GB to 1.5TB, so select based on your storage requirements.
- Speed: Get something super fast for reading and writing, it affects speed of game loading and performance. UHS-I cards with V30 or faster speed classes are recommended for the Steam Deck.
- Reliability: A reliable SD card minimizes the risk of data corruption. Samsung, SanDisk, and Lexar are well-known for their long-lasting and trustworthy SD cards.
- SD Card Types: SDHC cards offer up to 32GB storage, while SDXC cards range from 64GB to 2TB. For the Steam Deck, SDXC cards are typically preferred due to their higher capacity.
- Cost vs. Performance: High-end cards offer superior speed and capacity but at a higher cost. Balance your budget with your performance needs to find the ideal card.
Ensure the card you choose is compatible with the Steam Deck, ideally formatted to exFAT for the best performance.
Always remember while buying the new SD card before using it, simply format the SD card completely for better performance.
8 Best SD Cards for Steam Deck
The finest options are included in this list, ranging from premium performance cards to more affordable options.
1. Samsung Pro Plus – Best Overall
The Samsung Pro Plus is the finest overall SD card for the Steam Deck. With read speeds of up to 160MB/s and write rates of 120MB/s, it offers fast game loading and smooth operation.
The card is actually a card, complete with shockproof, temperature-proof and waterproof.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
| High-speed performance | Slightly more expensive than some competitors |
| Durable and reliable | |
| Available in various capacities |
Best for most users seeking a balance between speed and durability.
2. SanDisk Extreme – Fastest Card
Speed is essential in gaming, and the SanDisk Extreme shines with read rates of up to 160MB/s and write speeds of 90MB/s.
This implies quicker game load times and smoother gameplay, particularly for popular games. That A2 grade ensures quick app operation, making it ideal for those who want speed.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
| Exceptional read and write speeds | Premium price point |
| A2-rated for faster app performance | |
| Durable and reliable |
Best SD card for Steam Deck for users who prioritize speed above all else.
3. Lexar Play – Most Affordable
The Lexar Play is a wonderful option for gamers on a tight budget since it strikes a fair mix between price and functionality.
It guarantees respectable gaming performance without breaking the budget with read rates up to 150MB/s.
For people who want to increase storage without requiring the fastest speeds, it’s a great choice for casual gamers.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
| Affordable | Not the fastest option on the market |
| Decent speed for the price | |
| Available in various capacities |
Best for budget-conscious users who still want a reliable option.
4. Samsung EVO Plus – Best Multi-Purpose
The Samsung EVO Plus is noted for its flexibility. Aside from the Steam Deck, it is compatible with a variety of devices and provides balanced speed and capacity options.
With read rates of up to 130MB/s, it delivers smooth performance in gaming, photography, and other applications, making it a superb all-around solution.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
| Versatile and multi-device compatible | Slightly lower speed compared to other premium options |
| Good balance of speed and capacity | |
| Reliable and durable |
Ideal for those who want flexibility and multi-device compatibility.
5. Integral UltimaPro Premium 1.5TB – Largest Storage
If you have a large library of games, then storage capacity is going to be so important. Integral UltimaPro Premium: Ideal if you’ve built up a massive collection of PS5 games, this 1.5TB drive storage beast is well worth the investment!
It may be a mood-up, but not having to swap cards often is very much worth the price.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
| Largest storage capacity | High cost |
| Reliable performance | Slightly slower than some competitors |
| Ideal for extensive game libraries |
Best for users looking to store a massive library without swapping cards.
6. TEAMGROUP Go 1TB U3 A1 Micro SDXC Card – Best Large Capacity on a Budget
The TEAMGROUP Go 1TB strikes an excellent mix between huge capacity and price. To yield tested features for the less asked price range of games which are high on demand.
If you’re a gamer who needs a little more space to breathe in your terabytes without losing too much of the speed, this card is for you.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
| High capacity at an affordable price | Not the fastest on the market |
| Decent performance for gaming | |
| A1-rated for app performance |
Best for those needing a high-capacity card without the high price tag.
7. PNY PRO Elite – Best Performance
The PNY PRO Elite is intended for hardcore gamers and provides exceptional performance, with read rates of up to 100MB/s and write speeds of 90MB/s.
This adds endurance and high performance to the Steam Deck, removing any potential bottlenecks and providing a completely current experience for gaming power users wishing to spread their investment over many devices.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
| Excellent performance | Higher cost compared to some alternatives |
| Reliable and durable | |
| Suitable for multi-device use |
Best for high-end users and multi-device use.
8. SanDisk Ultra – Best Budget
The SanDisk Ultra is the go-to choice for gamers on a tight budget. While it may not have the quickest speeds, it does give respectable performance and dependability at a lesser cost.
It’s a cost-effective alternative for individuals looking to increase their storage capacity.
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
| Affordable | Lower read and write speeds |
| Reliable | |
| Decent performance for casual gaming |
Best for users focused on extra storage without breaking the bank.
Closure
When it comes to picking the best SD card for Steam Deck, it mostly comes down to one specific feature, be it speed, capacity or price.
Whether gamers seek a versatile Samsung Pro Plus or a cost-friendly SanDisk Ultra, everyone is taken care of.
With your gaming patterns and storage requirements in mind, find the best SD card for Steam Deck.
