Buying Guide
The Best microSD Cards for Steam Deck
From the Canvas Go Plus 256GB to the Play 1TB: five microSD cards ranked on capacity and rated read speed, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The Steam Deck reads standard microSD cards over UHS-I, so an A2-rated UHS-I card is the right target and microSD Express would add cost without adding speed. We ordered cards from 256GB up by listed read speed.
We sorted these picks by capacity, read speed and write speed, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips write speed, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
SanDisk Extreme 512GB microSD
5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings.
Best for: Buyers who want 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings.
Our take Check price for SanDisk Extreme 512GB microSD (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
SanDisk Extreme 1TB microSD
5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings.
Best for: Buyers who want 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings.
Our take Check price for SanDisk Extreme 1TB microSD (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Lexar Play 512GB microSD
Listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch.
Best for: Buyers who want listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch.
Our take Check price for Lexar Play 512GB microSD (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Lexar Play 1TB microSD
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch.
Best for: Buyers who want listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch and can spend more than the Extreme 1TB costs.
Our take Check price for Lexar Play 1TB microSD (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Kingston Canvas Go Plus 256GB microSD
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting A2 rating aimed at portable game consoles for the least money.
Our take Check price for Kingston Canvas Go Plus 256GB microSD (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings. | Buyers who want 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings. | Check price for SanDisk Extreme 512GB microSD (opens in a new tab) |
| 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings. | Buyers who want 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings. | Check price for SanDisk Extreme 1TB microSD (opens in a new tab) |
| Listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch. | Buyers who want listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch. | Check price for Lexar Play 512GB microSD (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch. | Buyers who want listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch and can spend more than the Extreme 1TB costs. | Check price for Lexar Play 1TB microSD (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Getting A2 rating aimed at portable game consoles for the least money. | Check price for Kingston Canvas Go Plus 256GB microSD (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
SanDisk Extreme 512GB microSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Extreme 512GB stands out for 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings, and it adds a build SanDisk rates temperature, water, shock and X-ray proof.
Best for
- Buyers who want 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no SD adapter, unlike the Canvas Go Plus 256GB is a problem.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 512GB and offers a 245MB/s rated read speed. On capacity it ties with the Play 512GB at 512GB. On rated read speed it ties with the Extreme 1TB at 245MB/s.
It matches the Extreme 1TB on rated write speed (170MB/s). You also get the SanDisk Memory Zone app for backups. Check your handheld's maximum supported card size; a 1TB card only helps if the device formats it.
A UHS-I card such as this one works in any standard microSD slot. The usable capacity after formatting is a little below the printed figure. When we checked, only the Play 512GB and cheaper picks cost less, and the Extreme 1TB cost more. What it gives up: no SD adapter, unlike the Canvas Go Plus 256GB; by contrast, the Canvas Go Plus 256GB has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- Capacity: 512GB
- Read speed: 245MB/s
- Write speed: 170MB/s
- Video class: U3, V30
- SD adapter: Not listed
Pros
- rated reads up to 245MB/s
- 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings
- Build SanDisk rates temperature, water, shock and X-ray proof
- The SanDisk Memory Zone app for backups
Cons
- No SD adapter, unlike the Canvas Go Plus 256GB
- Costs more than the Canvas Go Plus 256GB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
SanDisk Extreme 1TB microSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Extreme 1TB brings to the table is 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings, plus a build SanDisk rates temperature, water, shock and X-ray proof.
Best for
- Buyers who want 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no SD adapter, unlike the Canvas Go Plus 256GB rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 1TB and offers a 245MB/s rated read speed. On capacity it ties with the Play 1TB at 1TB. On rated read speed it ties with the Extreme 512GB at 245MB/s.
It matches the Extreme 512GB on rated write speed (170MB/s). It also offers the SanDisk Memory Zone app for backups. Check your handheld's maximum supported card size; a 1TB card only helps if the device formats it.
A UHS-I card such as this one works in any standard microSD slot. The usable capacity after formatting is a little below the printed figure. It was priced above the Extreme 512GB and below the Play 1TB at the time of writing. What it gives up: no SD adapter, unlike the Canvas Go Plus 256GB; by contrast, the Canvas Go Plus 256GB has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- Capacity: 1TB
- Read speed: 245MB/s
- Write speed: 170MB/s
- Video class: U3, V30
- SD adapter: Not listed
Pros
- rated reads up to 245MB/s
- 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings
- Build SanDisk rates temperature, water, shock and X-ray proof
- The SanDisk Memory Zone app for backups
Cons
- No SD adapter, unlike the Canvas Go Plus 256GB
- Costs more than the Canvas Go Plus 256GB at the time of writing
Worth a Look3 of 5
Lexar Play 512GB microSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Play 512GB stands out for listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch, and it adds 4K and Full HD video capture and playback.
Best for
- Buyers who want listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: listed as not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 512GB and offers a 205MB/s rated read speed. It matches the Extreme 512GB on capacity (512GB). It matches the Play 1TB on rated read speed (205MB/s).
On rated write speed it ties with the Play 1TB at 140MB/s. It also offers a five-year limited warranty. Check your handheld's maximum supported card size; a 1TB card only helps if the device formats it.
A UHS-I card such as this one works in any standard microSD slot. The usable capacity after formatting is a little below the printed figure. The listing says it is not for the Nintendo Switch 2, which needs a microSD Express card. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Canvas Go Plus 256GB and the pricier Extreme 512GB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Capacity: 512GB
- Read speed: 205MB/s
- Write speed: 140MB/s
- App class: A2
- Video class: V30
- Warranty: 5-year
- Switch 2: Not compatible
Pros
- rated reads up to 205MB/s
- an A2 app-performance rating
- a 5-year warranty
- Listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch
Cons
- Listed as not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2
- Costs more than the Canvas Go Plus 256GB at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
Lexar Play 1TB microSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Play 1TB is built around listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch, with 4K and Full HD video capture and playback on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch and can spend more than the Extreme 1TB costs.
Skip if
- Pass on it if listed as not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it is rated for 1TB and offers a 205MB/s rated read speed. On capacity it ties with the Extreme 1TB at 1TB. On rated read speed it ties with the Play 512GB at 205MB/s.
It matches the Play 512GB on rated write speed (140MB/s). It also offers a five-year limited warranty. Check your handheld's maximum supported card size; a 1TB card only helps if the device formats it.
A UHS-I card such as this one works in any standard microSD slot. The usable capacity after formatting is a little below the printed figure. The listing says it is not for the Nintendo Switch 2, which needs a microSD Express card. Only the Extreme 1TB came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on rated write speed, where the Extreme 512GB offers 170MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Capacity: 1TB
- Read speed: 205MB/s
- Write speed: 140MB/s
- App class: A2
- Video class: V30
- Warranty: 5-year
- Switch 2: Not compatible
Pros
- rated reads up to 205MB/s
- an A2 app-performance rating
- a 5-year warranty
- Listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch
Cons
- Listed as not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2
- Rated write speed trails the Extreme 512GB (170MB/s)
- Costs more than the Canvas Go Plus 256GB at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Kingston Canvas Go Plus 256GB microSD on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Canvas Go Plus 256GB is built around an A2 rating aimed at portable game consoles, with U3 and V30 ratings for 4K recording on top.
Best for
- Getting A2 rating aimed at portable game consoles for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the Extreme 1TB offers 1TB.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it is rated for 256GB and offers a 200MB/s rated read speed. On capacity it trails the group at 256GB, while the Extreme 1TB is rated for 1TB. On rated read speed it trails the group at 200MB/s, while the Extreme 512GB offers 245MB/s.
It also offers an optional SD adapter in the box. Check your handheld's maximum supported card size; a 1TB card only helps if the device formats it. A UHS-I card such as this one works in any standard microSD slot. The usable capacity after formatting is a little below the printed figure. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Play 512GB the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Capacity: 256GB
- Read speed: 200MB/s
- App class: A2
- Video class: U3, V30
- SD adapter: Included
Pros
- rated reads up to 200MB/s
- an A2 app-performance rating
- an SD adapter in the box
- A2 rating aimed at portable game consoles
Cons
- Capacity trails the Extreme 1TB (1TB)
- Rated read speed trails the Extreme 512GB (245MB/s)
- No published rated write speed
How We Chose These microSD Cards for Steam Deck
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five microSD cards on capacity, rated read speed, rated write speed and app class as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 8 fields compared are stated for every pick, while rated write speed and app class have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Extreme 512GB to the Canvas Go Plus 256GB, state capacity, rated read speed and video class.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Canvas Go Plus 256GB gives no rated write speed; the Extreme 512GB and the Extreme 1TB give no app class.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Canvas Go Plus 256GB ($50 to $100) to the Play 1TB ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a microSD Card for Steam Deck
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much capacity you need
The Extreme 1TB tops capacity at 1TB and the Canvas Go Plus 256GB sits lowest at 256GB; 2 picks share the top figure. The Extreme 1TB is the pick for capacity.
Rated read speed across these picks
Across these 5 picks rated read speed spans 200MB/s (the Canvas Go Plus 256GB) to 245MB/s (the Extreme 512GB). If rated read speed is your first filter, the Extreme 512GB sets the ceiling at 245MB/s.
Rated write speed across these picks
Here rated write speed runs from 140MB/s on the Play 1TB to 170MB/s on the Extreme 512GB, a 21% spread. If rated write speed is your first filter, the Extreme 512GB sets the ceiling at 170MB/s. The Canvas Go Plus 256GB gives no rated write speed figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Features beyond the spec table
The Extreme 512GB: a build SanDisk rates temperature, water, shock and X-ray proof. The Play 512GB: 4K and Full HD video capture and playback. The Canvas Go Plus 256GB: U3 and V30 ratings for 4K recording.
How much to spend
$50 to $100 buys the Canvas Go Plus 256GB; $100 to $150 buys the Play 512GB and the Extreme 512GB; $250 to $500 buys the Extreme 1TB and the Play 1TB at our last check.
How to Choose a microSD Card for Steam Deck
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings | Extreme 512GB | 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings |
| Buyers who want 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings | Extreme 1TB | 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings |
| Buyers who want listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch | Play 512GB | Listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch |
| Buyers who want listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch and can spend more than the Extreme 1TB costs | Play 1TB | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch |
| Getting A2 rating aimed at portable game consoles for the least money | Canvas Go Plus 256GB | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Extreme 1TB leads on capacity at 1TB, ahead of the Play 1TB at 1TB. "Not listed" marks rated write speed where the Canvas Go Plus 256GB leaves the figure out.
| microSD Card | Capacity | Read speed | Write speed | App class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme 512GB | 512GB | 245MB/s | 170MB/s | Not listed |
| Extreme 1TB | 1TB | 245MB/s | 170MB/s | Not listed |
| Play 512GB | 512GB | 205MB/s | 140MB/s | A2 |
| Play 1TB | 1TB | 205MB/s | 140MB/s | A2 |
| Canvas Go Plus 256GB | 256GB | 200MB/s | Not listed | A2 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Canvas Go Plus 256GB, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Play 1TB at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | microSD Cards |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Canvas Go Plus 256GB |
| About $100 to $150 | Play 512GB, Extreme 512GB |
| About $250 to $500 | Extreme 1TB, Play 1TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Play 1TB worth paying more than the Canvas Go Plus 256GB?
What it brings is capacity (1TB against 256GB) and rated read speed (205MB/s against 200MB/s). The Canvas Go Plus 256GB sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the Play 1TB in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if capacity and rated read speed decide your purchase.
What makes the Play 1TB the Premium Pick?
It earns the label for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch. The Canvas Go Plus 256GB, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who wants listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch and can spend more than the Extreme 1TB costs.
Which of these microSD cards have SD adapter?
The Canvas Go Plus 256GB has it; the Extreme 512GB and the Extreme 1TB do not. The makers of the Play 512GB and the Play 1TB don't state SD adapter, so 3 of 5 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Extreme 512GB and the Extreme 1TB apart?
The Extreme 512GB: 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings. The Extreme 1TB: 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings. The Play 512GB: listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch.
Who should choose the Canvas Go Plus 256GB?
The Canvas Go Plus 256GB carries our Lowest Price Here label for the lowest price of the group at our last check. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $50 to $100 tier at our last price check; it suits getting A2 rating aimed at portable game consoles for the least money.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Extreme 512GB, chosen for 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings. Look at the Extreme 1TB for 5K-video-ready U3 and V30 ratings, the Play 512GB for listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch and the Play 1TB for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with listed use in portable gaming devices and the original Nintendo Switch if those matter more to you.
Format the card from the Deck's own settings, and keep your most-played games on the internal drive, which is faster than any microSD card.