The Asus ROG Ally steps up the game with its top-notch performance, standing out against the Steam Deck and other handheld devices. The upgraded ROG Ally X, launched in 2024, takes things even further with enhanced performance, a refined display, and better ergonomics. On top of that, the entire ROG Ally lineup is equipped with a UHS-II microSD card slot. This feature offers faster read and write speeds compared to UHS-I, which is the standard in devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. Simply put, if you choose the right card, you’ll likely experience quicker download times.
Lexar has stated that UHS-II boosts the maximum transfer speed to 312 MB/s, a significant jump from the 104 MB/s offered by UHS-I. Yet, despite the wide availability of microSD cards, UHS-II versions are pretty limited. Big players in storage, such as Samsung and SanDisk, haven’t entered the UHS-II microSD card market. The few UHS-II cards on the market come with a hefty price tag compared to typical microSD cards. Adding to the concern, these cards don’t yet reach the full speed potential that the UHS-II interface can handle.
For those who feel confident opening up their ROG Ally (don’t worry, it won’t nullify your warranty), it might be worth investing in an M.2 SSD and installing it. This option offers better storage value and faster performance than the microSD. However, if you prefer a hassle-free solution and don’t mind paying a bit extra for potentially increased speed, we’ve highlighted a few easily accessible models for you.
If your main priority is simply expanding your storage capacity and you’re not too concerned about cutting-edge speed, there are a myriad of microSD card options available from brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar. These cards can offer up to 1.5 TB of additional space, more than enough for your handheld gaming needs.
