How to Choose the Right Storage
Steam Deck: LCD vs. OLED
The Steam Deck supports UHS-I MicroSD cards. While you can insert a faster UHS-II card, the Deck's slot is capped at UHS-I speeds (~100MB/s). For internal upgrades, the Steam Deck requires a specific M.2 2230 SSD.
Do not buy a standard 2280 PC drive for the LCD or OLED Deck; it will not fit.
⚠️ Nintendo Switch 2 Compatibility
The Nintendo Switch 2 uses the MicroSD Express standard. These cards can reach speeds up to 800MB/s.
Standard UHS-I cards are NOT recommended. Even for backward-compatible Switch 1 games, the system architecture relies on the high-speed Express lanes.
PC Handhelds (Legion, ROG, MSI)
Internal SSD sizes vary by device:
- Steam Deck / ROG Ally: Uses M.2 2230 (Small)
- Legion Go / Go S: Uses M.2 2242 (Medium)
- Legion 2 / Ally X: Uses M.2 2280 (Standard PC Size)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MicroSD card should I use for Nintendo Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is optimized for MicroSD Express cards. While older UHS-I cards might fit, they are too slow for next-gen textures. We recommend the Samsung or SanDisk Express line for the best experience.
How can I expand ROG Ally storage?
You have two options: 1. Use the UHS-II MicroSD slot (easiest, but check for heat issues on original Ally units). 2. Upgrade the internal SSD. The original Ally uses a 2230 SSD, while the Ally X uses a standard 2280 SSD.
Does the Steam Deck support UHS-II SD cards?
The Steam Deck slot is physically compatible with UHS-II cards, but it will only run them at UHS-I speeds (approx 100MB/s). Save your money and buy a high-quality A2 UHS-I card instead.
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