Samsung's New MicroSD Card: A Game Changer for Handheld Devices

Samsung announces a groundbreaking SD Express microSD card with impressive speed, but its compatibility with current handheld gaming devices remains a challenge.
Samsung's New MicroSD Card: A Game Changer for Handheld Devices
Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash

By Crystal Breezewood

Samsung’s Breakthrough in Storage Technology

Samsung has recently unveiled a game-changing innovation in the world of storage technology - an SD Express microSD card boasting a sequential read speed of 800MB/s. This remarkable advancement positions the microSD card as faster than a traditional SATA SSD, promising a significant leap in performance for storage solutions.

A cutting-edge microSD card Illustration of a high-speed storage device

The Catch for Handheld Gamers

While the speed capabilities of Samsung’s new microSD card are undeniably impressive, there’s a significant caveat that may dampen the excitement for handheld gaming enthusiasts. The compatibility of this high-speed storage solution with current handheld gaming devices, such as the popular Steam Deck, poses a challenge.

“The problem is that this new Samsung microSD card uses the SD Express interface, and this requires your host device to also support SD Express in order to get those faster speeds.”

Limitations of Current Handheld Devices

Most handheld gaming devices in the market today, including the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion, do not currently support the SD Express interface. Instead, these devices utilize the older UHS-II interface, which offers significantly lower speeds, capping out at 312MB/s. This means that while the new Samsung microSD card can be used with these devices, it will not deliver the enhanced performance it promises due to compatibility constraints.

The Growing Need for High-Speed Storage

The evolving landscape of handheld gaming emphasizes the increasing demand for high-speed storage solutions that can seamlessly integrate with gaming devices. The convenience of expanding storage capacity without intricate hardware modifications is a key factor driving this need, especially in the realm of gaming consoles where storage performance directly impacts gameplay experience.

Future Prospects and Availability

Samsung’s groundbreaking SD Express microSD card, with a capacity of 256GB, is slated for release later this year. While the price point and exact launch date remain undisclosed, the anticipation surrounding this innovative storage solution is palpable within the gaming community. As the handheld gaming market continues to evolve, the demand for high-speed storage options like Samsung’s microSD card is expected to grow exponentially.

In a world where speed and performance are paramount, Samsung’s new microSD card represents a significant leap forward in storage technology. While its compatibility with current handheld gaming devices may present challenges, the promise of enhanced storage capabilities opens up a realm of possibilities for gamers seeking to elevate their gaming experience to new heights.