Summary
Samsung has debuted 1TB variants of its popular Evo Select and PRO Plus microSD cards, marking a significant milestone. This is the first time Samsung offers memory cards in the 1TB capacity range, catching up with competitors like SanDisk who have already established a presence in this market. The new 1TB cards combine Samsung’s renowned reliability and speed, offering a compelling option for anyone looking tomaximize Steam Deck storageand other handhelds like the Nintendo Switch and drones.
Samsung 1TB Evo Select MicroSD Card
The 1TB Evo Select MicroSD Card meets all the requirements for most handheld consoles, including the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. It’s one of the most reliable microSD cards for gaming and features U3 and A2 ratings for faster game downloads and smooth gaming performance. Available with a launch deal price of just $90, the Evo Select offers an excellent value for a 1TB microSD card for the Steam Deck.
Samsung 1TB Pro Plus MicroSD Card
While it costs $30 more than the Evo Select, the 1TB Pro Plus boasts even faster speeds of up to 180 MB/s to keep up with your storage and gaming needs. Combined with A2 and U3 ratings, you’ll see no dropouts or lags when downloading and playing your favorite games. The Pro Plus is now available in capacities ranging from 128GB to 1TB.
The Samsung Evo Select has consistently impressed, earning our Best Overall award for thebest microSD card for Nintendo Switch. Its reliable performance and transfer speeds of up to 160 MB/s make it a top choice for gaming handhelds, including the Steam Deck. The PRO Plus is a bit pricey but makes up for it with even faster transfer speeds, hitting up to 180 MB/s compared to 160 MB/s of the Evo Select.
Based on a smaller and more efficient 28-nanometer (nm) controller, the PRO Plus and Evo Select draw less power under load than other microSD cards, which helpsimprove your Steam Deck’s battery life. They also boast UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) for faster game downloads and A2 App Performance for quick load times and smooth gaming performance. The Steam Deck requires a U3, A2 class UHS-I microSD card for optimal performance, so either of these cards will work perfectly for your gaming handheld.
Both cards have proven their worth for high-performance gaming, and now Samsung is raising the stakes with their new 1TB variants. With most Steam Deck games taking up to 20GB or less, these high-capacity cards can store more than 45 titles, perfect for hardcore gamers and users with massive media libraries.
The Samsung Evo Select and PRO Plus are available onAmazonand directly fromSamsung. The Evo Select is currently on sale for just $90, offering an excellent value for those looking for a high-performance microSD card for the Steam Deck. There are cheaper options such as the$70 Silicon Power 1TB Superiorand$74 Lexar 1TB PLAY, but none of those comes close to Samsung’s reliability and efficiency. The Samsung PRO Plus is priced a bit higher at $120, but it’s worth the premium for heavy users and content creators.
Best 1TB MicroSD Card Alternatives
Samsung isn’t the only player in the 1TB microSD game. SanDisk offers 1TB and even 1.5TB options in itsExtremeandUltracards, and there are cheaper choices from Silicon Power and Lexar. While Samsung’s cards are top-notch for reliability, if you’re on a budget and just need a big microSD card for your Switch or Steam Deck, the following cards will work fine for your handheld.
Silicon Power 1TB Superior MicroSDXC Card
This 1TB microSD card from Silicon Power is more affordable than both the Samsung Evo Select and Pro Plus. It boasts similar specs with up to 100 MB/s transfer speeds and A2 and U3 ratings, all for just $70. It’s an excellent choice if you want a fast 1TB microSD card for your Steam Deck without breaking the bank.
Lexar 1TB PLAY microSDXC UHS-I Card
The Lexar 1TB PLAY microSDXC UHS-I Card is specifically designed for gamers, featuring A2 and U3 ratings for faster loading times and enhanced gaming performance. It has transfer speeds similar to the Samsung 1TB Evo Select, making it a great alternative if you want something cheaper. While its MSRP is $130, it’s often available for under $80.
SanDisk 1TB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Card
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme offers transfer speeds comparable to the Samsung 1TB Pro Plus but comes at a more affordable price of $93. SanDisk is one of the best brands for microSD cards, and this card can handle all the games on your Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. The Extreme is rated A2 for quick loading times and is available in smaller capacities up to 32GB.
FAQ
Q: Can Steam Deck use 1TB microSD card?
Yes, the Steam Deck supports microSDXC, which is fully compatible with 1TB and up to 2TB microSD cards. There are plenty of 1TB microSD cards, including the new Evo Select and PRO Plus from Samsung, and you may also find high-capacity 1.5TB microSD cards from SanDisk.
Q: Do Samsung SD cards work with Steam Deck?
Yes, Samsung microSD cards are some of the most reliable cards you can use with the Steam Deck, and they are available from 64GB to a whopping 1TB capacity.
