Best microSD Card Readers for Steam Deck in 2026
Compare three microSD card readers for Steam Deck, from a tiny USB-C travel adapter to a dual-slot UHS-II reader and a charging hub for your gaming desk.
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Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change.
The UGREEN USB-C UHS-II Card Reader is our best microSD card reader for Steam Deck because it handles both microSD and full-size SD cards at once. Its short cable and faster UHS-II support make it useful beyond the handheld, while the compact UGREEN adapter and Anker hub suit different travel and desk setups.
Best microSD card readers for Steam Deck compared
The Deck already has an internal microSD slot. An external reader is therefore most useful for copying files from another card, preparing storage on a computer, or accessing camera media without repeatedly swapping the installed card. These are research-based comparisons of the listed specifications, not hands-on tests. Transfer speeds depend on the card, host and filesystem, so a reader's advertised maximum is not a promise of game loading speed.
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| UGREEN USB-C UHS-II Card Reader | Best overall | View |
| UGREEN USB-C microSD Reader | Best compact reader | View |
| Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub | Best for a desk | View |
UGREEN USB-C UHS-II Card Reader: best overall
UGREEN USB-C UHS-II Card Reader
UGREEN's cabled reader earns the overall pick because its separate SD and microSD slots can be accessed simultaneously, making a direct card-to-card copy possible without swapping media. Both slots support UHS-II, with a stated maximum of 312 MB/s when the card and host can keep up; older UHS-I cards are supported too. The braided lead gives the reader some flexibility around the Deck's USB-C port, and an aluminium housing protects the slot assembly. It suits a player who also moves footage from a camera or keeps multiple cards in rotation. The limitation is that the reader has no charging input, so it occupies the Deck's single USB-C port while connected. Faster UHS-II hardware also brings little benefit if the card itself is slower.
Pros
- Separate SD and microSD slots support simultaneous access
- UHS-II support can help with compatible high-speed camera cards
- Braided lead gives the card slots room away from the port
Cons
- No power input to charge the Deck while the reader is connected
- UHS-II speed depends on a compatible card and host
UGREEN USB-C microSD Reader: best compact reader
UGREEN USB-C microSD Reader
This UGREEN adapter is the travel choice for someone who only needs microSD access. Its direct USB-C plug avoids a dangling cable, while the zinc-alloy body and included keychain make it easy to attach to a bag or keys. UGREEN specifies UHS-I transfers up to 104 MB/s, subject to the card and host, and describes a driver-free connection for supported USB-C devices. It is a straightforward way to carry screenshots or other files between the Deck and a compatible computer. Its single microSD slot is also its constraint: full-size SD cards need another reader, and the adapter cannot copy directly between two cards. Because it uses the USB-C port, charging at the same time requires a separate compatible hub.
Pros
- Keychain and small zinc-alloy body are easy to carry
- Direct USB-C plug needs no separate lead
- UHS-I support matches common microSD card interfaces
Cons
- Single slot cannot hold two cards for direct copying
- No full-size SD slot or charging input
Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: best for a desk
Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub
Anker's hub earns the desk badge by combining SD and microSD slots with HDMI, two USB-A data ports and a USB-C data port. A separate USB-C power input supports up to 85 W of pass-through charging when a suitable charger is connected, so the Deck can stay powered while the reader is in use. HDMI is specified up to 4K at 30 Hz, and the data ports up to 5 Gbps. This is the most useful option if a keyboard, display and card reader all need a place in one setup. It is also bulkier than a dedicated adapter, and its charger is not included. Check the display mode and the hub's available power against your actual accessories before relying on the whole setup.
Pros
- Separate power input enables charging while card slots are in use
- HDMI and multiple USB data ports accommodate a desk setup
- Accepts both full-size SD and microSD cards
Cons
- Larger hub and attached cable take more room in a travel bag
- 4K HDMI output is limited to 30 Hz and the charger is separate
How to choose the right reader
Start with the cards you actually own. A single-slot microSD adapter is enough for occasional file transfer, whereas two slots are useful if one card holds camera footage and the other is destined for the Deck. A reader does not increase card capacity, and a fast interface cannot make a slow card run beyond its own limits. The hub trades pocket size for power and connectivity; a separate charger and compatible display are still needed.
Keep a second copy of important saves and media before formatting or moving data. SteamOS and another computer may use different filesystems, so verify that both can read the card before deleting the source. Safely eject the card and wait for transfers to finish before removing the reader.
Valve states that the Deck's built-in card slot supports UHS-I rather than the higher transfer modes of UHS-II cards. The external UGREEN reader can still be useful with faster camera cards on a compatible host, but its rating should not be confused with the built-in slot's speed. Valve also explains that Deck-formatted microSD cards use ext4 with casefolding. Before exchanging files with another computer, check whether it can read that format; do not assume a reader changes the filesystem.
Frequently asked questions
Does Steam Deck need an external microSD reader?
No. Steam Deck has a built-in microSD slot for a compatible card. An external USB-C reader is useful when you want to access another card without removing the installed one, transfer files from camera media or prepare a card on a computer. It adds convenience, not storage capacity by itself.
Will a UHS-II reader make every card faster?
No. UHS-II is useful only when the card and host support the relevant transfer mode. A UHS-I card remains limited by its own interface and performance, and copying many small files can be slower than the advertised sequential maximum. Choose the faster reader for compatible media or multi-device use, not a guaranteed game-speed boost.
Can the Deck charge while a reader is connected?
A simple reader occupies the USB-C port and has no charging input. The Anker hub provides a separate power input, so a compatible USB-C charger can supply power while the card slots and other ports are used. The charger is sold separately; actual power available to the Deck depends on the power supply and connected devices.
Prices and availability are accurate as of publication and may change.