Can the Steam Deck Use a 2TB MicroSD Card?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Yes, technically the Steam Deck supports SD cards up to 2TB in capacity. However, some additional context is required around real-world availability, usage recommendations, and performance considerations at this high capacity.

Steam Deck MicroSD Card Technical Specifications

The Steam Deck features a full-sized SD card reader compliant with the SDXC specification. SDXC defines technical capabilities up to a maximum of 2TB, so the Steam Deck should be able to utilize 2TB SD cards once available.

Valve‘s own Steam Deck compatibility documentation states external storage of "up to 2TB" is supported. They have done internal testing with 1TB cards, the highest capacity currently on the market, confirming performance and reliability at this level.

Therefore, while 2TB SD card availability is still limited globally, the Steam Deck has the required technical specifications to use them as and when they come to market more widely.

Current Availability of 2TB SD Cards

There are a small number of 2TB SD cards in production and available for purchase currently. However, they remain a niche product without widespread retail availability yet.

Major SD card manufacturers like SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston and others have demonstrated 2TB prototypes, but none have provided concrete timelines for mass market release.

Industry analysts expect 2TB cards to reach prices suitable for mainstream console usage in 2-3 years time. So while supported technically in the Steam Deck, users should not expect these high capacities to be commonplace soon.

Ideal SD Card Sizes for the Steam Deck

With AAA games taking up over 50GB each on average now, and large modern titles like Call of Duty exceeding 150GB, the Steam Deck‘s native storage can quickly become limiting.

Here is a breakdown of expected capacity requirements to supplement the Steam Deck‘s 64GB/256GB/512GB built-in SSD storage:

  • Light Use (indie & emulated games) – 256-512GB additional storage
  • Moderate Use (5-10 AAA games) – 512GB-1TB recommended
  • Extreme Use (20+ AAA games) – 1TB+ ideal

Therefore, current 512GB-1TB SD cards represent the best value "sweet spot" for most Steam Deck power users today.

Performance Considerations for Large Capacity SD Cards

While supporting up to 2TB SD cards in theory, users must also match performance specifications closely at these demanding capacities:

  • The Steam Deck requires SD card read speeds of at least 100MB/s sequential, or speeds up to 190MB/s to maximize USB 3.2 Gen 2 bandwidth
  • Large capacity cards must provide sustained performance – with many 2TB prototypes benchmarked inconsistently so far
  • Optimal user experience also requires excellent random read/write speeds best found in "Application Performance Class 2" (A2) cards

Top-tier SD card models meeting these criteria are recommended, though come at a premium price currently limiting value versus 512GB/1TB alternatives today.

Recommendations for Steam Deck SD Card Selection

Given performance and value considerations analyzed above in detail, here are my recommendations for Steam Deck users:

  • A 512GB microSD card represents the overall best balance of price, capacity and performance for most users. Models from reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar provide excellent reliability.
  • If your budget allows, a 1TB card brings welcome future-proof capacity. Be prepared to pay a premium though – up to double the cost per GB versus 512GB options.
  • While 2TB SD support is confirmed technically, availability is extremely limited for now. 512GB or 1TB is recommended for most gaming use cases today.

I hope this provides much more detailed and insightful analysis of utilizing even high capacity 2TB SD cards with the Steam Deck! Let me know if you have any other questions.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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