Best SD Cards For Nintendo Switch
Expert recommendations based on Steam Deck specifications
Recommended SD Card
microSD UHS-I (not UHS-II) (V30 or faster)
Steam Deck uses UHS-I interface and runs SteamOS from the card, so A1 app performance is important for OS responsiveness.
Official Steam Deck SD Card Requirements
-
Format: microSD UHS-I (not UHS-II)
-
Minimum Speed: V30 (30 MB/s write)
-
App Performance: A1 (Required for OS/Apps)
-
Maximum Capacity: Up to 2TB (theoretical)
Why these requirements? Steam Deck uses UHS-I interface and runs SteamOS from the card, so A1 app performance is important for OS responsiveness. While V30 works for gaming, A1 random IOPS are essential. Select from reputable brands offering V30 rated and A1-classified cards. Note: While theoretically supporting up to 2TB, the largest tested and verified working capacity is 1TB.
Detailed Specifications
Type
microSD UHS-I (not UHS-II)
Min Speed Class
V30
Write Speed
30 MB/s
Recommended Size
256GB, 512GB
Max Capacity
2TB (theoretical) (1TB tested)
Top SD Card Recommendations
This website contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you.
| SD Card | Speed Class | Write Speed | Pros | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus (Mapped)
|
V30 | Up to 90 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
ADATA Premier Pro microSD
|
V30 | Up to 80 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
SanDisk Ultra microSD
|
C10 | Up to 20 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Featured Products on Amazon
This website contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you.
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 Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck requires a microSD UHS-I (not UHS-II) card with V30 speed rating for reliable performance. We recommend 512GB capacity as the sweet spot balancing storage capacity with affordability. The device supports up to 2TB (theoretical), though most users find 512GB sufficient for daily use. Always choose from trusted brands like SanDisk, Lexar, or Kingston to ensure consistent performance and avoid data loss.
Can I use fast V60 cards?
Yes, V60 and faster microSD cards work perfectly with Steam Deck. However, the device's UHS-I interface limits the speed benefit, so faster cards provide no practical advantage over V30 cards for Steam Deck gaming.
Is V30 required for Steam Deck?
Yes, V30 is recommended for Steam Deck. It guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30 MB/s, which is necessary for stable recording without dropped frames or errors.
What storage capacity should I get for Steam Deck?
We recommend 256GB or 512GB cards. A 256GB card is good for typical use, with 2TB (theoretical) as the maximum supported capacity (1TB tested and verified working). Larger sizes are useful if you shoot frequently and want to minimize card swaps.
Can I use older or slower cards with Steam Deck?
Not recommended. Cards slower than V30 may cause dropped frames, corrupted files, or recording failures. Always use V30 minimum for reliability.
Do I need a UHS card for Steam Deck?
UHS cards are recommended for best performance with Steam Deck. Non-UHS cards will work but may have slower transfer speeds. For this device, UHS-II is optimal.
Does the brand matter for Steam Deck?
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 Steam Deck?
Using cards slower than V30 can cause: dropped frames during recording, corrupted files, or complete recording failure. Stick to V30 minimum to avoid data loss.
How long will an SD card last with Steam Deck?
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.