MicroSD Express vs. MicroSD Cards: Understanding the Differences

Let’s dive into what makes a microSD Express card noteworthy. While it may look just like your traditional microSD, this card takes speed and performance up several notches. Ideal for gamers and anyone dealing with hefty file transfers, microSD Express leverages PCIe and NVMe interfaces to deliver these faster speeds, although they do come with a higher price tag.

Introduced in 2019, microSD Express cards haven’t quite eclipsed their traditional counterparts yet. However, with more technology requiring their capabilities, that might soon change. If you’re someone who needs to move data quickly—be it for gaming or video editing—this could very well be the card for you.

Particularly, if you’re gaming on handhelds with UHS-I or UHS-II compatibility like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll find these speed demons to be more than up to the task.

Now, the market for these cards isn’t overflowing yet, but with the Nintendo Switch 2’s requirement for microSD Express, that’s likely to evolve. For now, we’ve identified some top picks among the available options.

When it comes to deciding between microSD Express and traditional microSD, the difference boils down to speed. If performance is your priority—think gaming or handling large media files—a microSD Express is a strong contender. But for less intense needs, a standard microSD might just do the trick.

For those wondering if a microSD Express card is necessary for their handheld, it varies. The Nintendo Switch 2 requires it, but older devices like the original Switch or a Steam Deck can still work with traditional microSDs.

And while these cards have been around since 2019, new tech always needs a bit of time to catch on. MicroSD Express is no exception, gradually growing its presence in the tech landscape.