If you are running low on storage for your Steam Deck, an easy way of resolving this is to add an SD card. For those with worries about the process, we provide a handy guide.
The Steam Deck is a brilliant portable gaming device, but the stock SSD can feel a bit limited if you like to have a lot of games installed. This can lead to getting the dreaded warning that you are running out of space, as we all know how much room modern AAA titles can take up.
If you are not confident inreplacing the SSDwith a bigger one, then there is a simpler and easier alternative. TheSteam Deckcomes with a slot for AMicroSD card. It isn’t quite as simple as just plugging in any old card you have lying around, however.
The Steam Deck uses a Linux-based operating system. This means that it will not necessarily recognize a card that has been used for aWindowsorMacdevice. In order to work with Steam Deck, a MicroSD card needs to be formatted.
Luckily, this can be done using Steam Deck’s built-in formatting tool. This guide will help you through the process to ensure you have enough storage for all your favorite games.
Looking for more Steam Deck help? Be sure to check out ourUltimate Starter Guideto become an expert on Valve’s Linux-based handheld.
How to format an SD card on Steam Deck
To format your SD card for the Steam Deck, head into the Settings menu. Now, go to System and scroll down until your see “Format SD Card”.
Press the button and wait a short time to have a fresh new SD card ready for gaming with.
SD cards and all storage should be in theext4format. This way, you can start adding them to your Gaming Mode library. We have a full guide on how to addadditional storage, likeSSDsand hard drives to your Deck’s repertoire.
If you need an SD card for your Deck, we recommend the following:
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Joel Loynds was Dexerto’s Deputy Tech Editor in the UK team. He has been writing about tech & games for over a decade, specializing in PCs, hardware, and handhelds such as the Steam Deck. He also has bylines at Scan, WePC, PCGuide, Eurogamer, Digital Foundry and Metro UK.
