Best SD Cards For Steam Deck
Expert recommendations based on Lenovo Legion Go S specifications
Recommended SD Card
microSD UHS-I (U3 / V30 or faster)
Legion Go S uses a UHS-I microSD reader, so peak throughput tops out around 90–100 MB/s even if you insert a UHS-II card.
Official Lenovo Legion Go S SD Card Requirements
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Format: microSD UHS-I
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Minimum Speed: U3 / V30 (30 MB/s write)
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App Performance: A2 (Required for OS/Apps)
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Maximum Capacity: Up to 2TB (theoretical, 1TB commonly used)
Why these requirements? Legion Go S uses a UHS-I microSD reader, so peak throughput tops out around 90–100 MB/s even if you insert a UHS-II card. A U3 / V30 card with an A2 application rating gives enough sequential and random performance to run Windows or SteamOS games directly from the card without painfully long load times. Modern PC titles are very large, so 512GB to 1TB is the practical sweet spot; anything smaller fills very quickly once you start installing AAA games.
Detailed Specifications
Type
microSD UHS-I
Min Speed Class
U3 / V30
Write Speed
30 MB/s
Recommended Size
512GB, 1TB
Max Capacity
2TB (theoretical, 1TB commonly used)
Top SD Card Recommendations
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| SD Card | Speed Class | Write Speed | Pros | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SanDisk Extreme microSD
|
V30 | Up to 130 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus
|
V30 | Up to 90 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Samsung EVO Select (Blue)
|
V30 | Up to 60 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Amazon Basics Micro SDXC
|
U3 | Up to 90 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Featured Products on Amazon
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Kingston Canvas Go Plus 128GB microSD Card | Up to 200MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U3, V30, A2 | SDCG4/128GB
$19.99
View on Amazon
Kingston 128GB microSDXC Canvas Go Plus 170MB/s Read UHS-I, C10, U3, V30, A2/A1 Memory Card + Adapter (SDCG3/128GBCR)
$20.97
View on Amazon
Kingston 128GB Canvas Select Plus microSD Card | Up to 150MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U1, V10, A1 | SDCS3/128GB
$11.95
View on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
What SD Card Do I Need for Lenovo Legion Go S?
The Lenovo Legion Go S requires a microSD UHS-I card with U3 / V30 speed rating for reliable performance. We recommend 1TB capacity as the sweet spot balancing storage capacity with affordability. The device supports up to 2TB (theoretical, 1TB commonly used), though most users find 1TB sufficient for daily use. Always choose from trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, or Kingston to ensure consistent performance and avoid data loss.
Will a UHS-II microSD card make games load faster on Legion Go S?
No, the reader in the Legion Go S is limited to UHS-I speeds. UHS-II cards fall back to UHS-I mode in this slot, so they behave like a fast UHS-I V30 card but offer no extra in‑device bandwidth. If you already own a UHS-II card it will work, but buying UHS-II specifically for this handheld is usually not cost‑effective.
Can I run big open‑world games entirely from the SD card?
Yes, but performance depends heavily on the card you choose. A good A2‑rated V30 card can handle many AAA games respectably, but open‑world titles with heavy streaming (large textures, big maps) will still load notably slower than from the internal SSD. Treat the microSD more as an overflow library than as your primary performance drive.
What SD card capacity makes sense for Legion Go S?
512GB is a good minimum, and 1TB is ideal for most players. A handful of current PC games can exceed 100GB each; with patches and DLC, a 256GB card can feel cramped very quickly. If your budget allows, a 1TB card avoids constant uninstall/reinstall juggling.
Is V30 required for Lenovo Legion Go S?
Yes, V30 is recommended for Lenovo Legion Go S. It guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30 MB/s, which is necessary for stable professional recording without dropped frames or errors.
What storage capacity should I get for Lenovo Legion Go S?
We recommend 512GB or 1TB cards. A 512GB card is good for typical use, with 2TB (theoretical, 1TB commonly used) as the maximum supported capacity. Larger sizes are useful if you shoot frequently and want to minimize card swaps.
Can I use older or slower cards with Lenovo Legion Go S?
Not recommended. Cards slower than U3 / V30 may cause dropped frames, corrupted files, or recording failures. Always use U3 / V30 minimum for reliability.
Do I need a UHS card for Lenovo Legion Go S?
UHS cards are recommended for best performance with Lenovo Legion Go S. Non-UHS cards will work but may have slower transfer speeds. For this device, UHS-II is optimal.
Should I use more than one card with Lenovo Legion Go S?
For professional use or extended shooting sessions, dual cards provide redundancy and backup. Using multiple cards ensures you won't lose footage if one card fails. This is especially important for valuable recordings.
Does the brand matter for Lenovo Legion Go S?
Yes, trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, and Kingston are recommended. Quality brands have better reliability and warranty support. Avoid unknown brands, especially for demanding devices.
What happens if I use the wrong card with Lenovo Legion Go S?
Using cards slower than U3 / V30 can cause: dropped frames during recording, corrupted files, or complete recording failure. Stick to U3 / V30 minimum to avoid data loss.
How long will an SD card last with Lenovo Legion Go S?
Quality SD cards typically last 3-5 years with normal use. Replace your card if you experience read/write errors, corrupted files, or if it's been dropped or exposed to extreme conditions.