[2025 Top List]Best External SSD for Steam Deck

Are you into gaming? If yes, head straight towards getting the best external SSD for Steam Deck. One of the most irritating parts about being a gamer is when you have to delete and reinstall the games constantly. Wouldn't it be nice if you could have extra storage for your Steam Deck gaming library? That is precisely why you need an external SSD for gaming.

All the modern games have dozens of gigabytes, so you just cannot go without an external SSD. Steam Deck is one of the most efficient gaming devices, but sadly, it has storage limitations. Now, you can easily avoid these storage limitations by installing SSD Steam Deck. But which Steam Deck compatible SSD should you use? This blog will help you explore the best external SSD for Steam Deck for a smooth gaming experience.

Part 1: Overview of External SSD for Steam Deck

Steam Deck was launched in the market on February 25, 2022. It follows a docked mode after it is connected to the computer. If you're a game freak, you should have Steam Deck, considering the benefits it has for gamers.

Using an external storage Steam Deck compatible SSD can ensure that you have better access to a portable library. You can install newer games without the need for an external drive. Moreover, you can also swap it with the portable external SSD between devices. However, while swapping, you must ensure that none of these are at risk of corruption.

If you use an external SSD for Steam Deck, you can get a comprehensive gaming experience. Irrespective of whether the storage is low or full, your performance will eventually improve. It is extremely important that you choose the best external SSD for Steam Deck.

Part 2: Why Do You Need External SSD for Steam Deck?

You may often wonder, “Can I use an external SSD for gaming," before buying a device. The good news is that you can use the external SSD for gaming.

You need an Steam Deck external SSD so that you can expand the storage capacity of your device. Through this, you will get access to a large game library. Considering the large size of modern-day games, they can take up a lot of space in the internal storage of Steam Deck. Therefore, you will often have to delete or reinstall games, which can be very inconvenient.

Some of the key reasons why you need a Steam Deck external SSD are as follows:

• Extra storage: With the help of an external SSD for gaming on Steam Deck, you will get access to extra storage, more than what your internal storage can hold. This is a great choice for people who have a large Steam library.
• Portability: As you get an external SSD for Steam Deck, you will benefit from portability. Therefore, you can easily switch between devices, ensuring you get access to a wider variety of games.
• Fast load times: If you choose a good-quality SSD Steam Deck, you will get the benefit of fast load time. It can improve the loading time as compared to the low internal storage.
• Flexibility: You will have complete flexibility to use the external SSD for Steam Deck with other devices, too. Therefore, if required, you can use it for other devices like PCs and more.

Part 3: Causes for External SSD Data Loss

Some of the causes for external SSD data loss from Steam Deck are as follows:

• Wear and tear
• Power issues
• Physical damage
• Malware and virus attacks
• Hardware failure

You will have to be mindful of these risks to keep a check on 'whether can you use external SSD for gaming.' This is mostly because if you do not maintain these external SSDs in the right way, they will be prone to damage. As a result, you may end up losing your entire game library and not have the exclusive gaming experience.

Part 4: Top 5 External SSD for Steam Deck

Different brands promise to provide the best external SSD for gaming. However, before using it, you need to ensure that it is the most compatible one. Over the years, since its launch, numerous Steam Deck compatible SSD have been launched in the market.

Here are some of the best external SSD for Steam Deck to consider:

1. Samsung SSD T7

Samsung SSD T7 takes the title for being the best external SSD for Steam Deck, considering its fast speed and reliability. It has a large storage capacity, which helps store different types of games. This SSD is the best for storing games, movies, and documents. Furthermore, it is compatible with most of the devices, ensuring a great read and write speed. With very small packaging, this device is extremely durable.

• Storage Capacity: Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB variants.
• Compatibility: Supports Windows, Mac OS, Android, and gaming consoles.
• Average Price Range: $80-$190
• Speed: Sequential read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s, and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s.

2. VectoTech Rapid

If you are looking for a Steam Deck external SSD with fast data transfer speed, you must use VectoTech Rapid. It doesn't follow the conventional spinning HDDs. Compared to other SSDs, VectoTech Rapid can play an important role in saving time for moving and copying photos, documents, and videos. Apart from gamers, VectoTech Rapid can prove to be convenient for photographers, videographers, DJs, and gamers, especially those who need backup.

• Storage Capacity: Typically available in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options.
• Compatibility: Generally compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux systems.
• Average Price Range: Pricing varies based on capacity and retailer; specific prices are not readily available, usually $90-$350
• Speed: Offers high-speed data transfer rates; exact speeds may vary by model.

3. Crucial X6 Portable SSD

Crucial X6 Portable SSD is an exclusive external SSD for gaming. It leads to performance and design catering to efficient gaming needs. The drive is available in simple packaging and comes with a three-year limited warranty. It is compatible with USB-C to accept the bundle cable. You can connect it to the console and start gaming. Crucial X6 Portable SSD has a basic external drive that fits in everyday use for small backups. However, it comes with an extensive performance option that caters to the needs of active gamers and other users.

• Storage Capacity: Available in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB variants.
• Compatibility: Supports Windows, Mac OS, Android, and gaming consoles.
• Average Price Range: $70-$370, but pricing may vary significantly depending on the size.
• Speed: Sequential read speeds up to 800 MB/s.

4. WD P50 Game Drive SSD

If you don't want to clean your SSD to increase the space frequently, you can always rely on the WD P50 Game Drive SSD. It often proves itself to be the best external SSD for gaming, considering its high storage capacity. It can prove to be compatible with your PC and gaming consoles. Furthermore, it has a shock-resistant portable form factor through which you can access the game library at all times. It has great read speed, which ensures high functionality and transfer speed.

• Storage Capacity: Available in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options.
• Compatibility: Designed for gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, as well as PCs.
• Average Price Range: $120-$600 based on the size
• Speed: Read speeds up to 2,000 MB/s.

5. Buffalo External SSD

The best SSD for Steam Deck has also been brought forward by the brand Buffalo External SSD. Their exclusive package caters to the needs of businesses. The SSD has been designed not only for gaming but also to handle multitasking. Therefore, it can help with backing up storage and rendering videos. Thus, you can use the Buffalo External SSD for a wide range of tasks at once. The Buffalo External SSD comes with a USB Type-C connector and a USB 3.2 Type-A connector.

• Storage Capacity: Typically available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB variants.
• Compatibility: Generally compatible with Windows and Mac OS systems.
• Average Price Range: Pricing varies based on capacity and retailer; specific prices are not readily available: $85-$120.
• Speed: Offers high-speed data transfer rates; exact speeds may vary by model.

Part 5: Factors to Choose External SSD for Steam Deck

While choosing the Steam Deck external SSD, here are a few important things to consider:

• Storage capacity: If you frequently play large-size games, consider storage capacity to store these extensive game libraries.
• Read/Write speed: The write speed will have an important impact on game loading times. It is advisable to go for a SSD Steam Deck with better write speed if you often transfer large files to the external drive.
• Durability: The SSD for Steam Deck should have a rugged design. It must cater to the shock resistance if you're planning to use it frequently.
• Interface compatibility: You need to check the SSD's compatible interface to determine proper transfer speeds. Usually, it is advisable to choose USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt.
• Brand reputation: You must choose SSD Steam Deck from a reliable brand that has a good reputation in the market. It must be a high-quality SSD delivering consistent and optimal performance.

Part 6: Recover Data from External SSD Using Wondershare Recoverit

If you want to recover data from an external SSD for Steam Deck, you need to use easy-to-use software. The software must be beginner-friendly and drive in all the benefits. Usually, it is recommended that you use Wondershare Recoverit. It is safe to use and can play an important role in protecting the lost data.

After downloading and installing the software in your system, you need to follow the steps given below to initiate the data recovery process:

Step 1: Open Wondershare Recoverit in your system and head to Hard Drives and Locations option under File Recover. All the external devices on your computer will be available on the screen. Click on the Start button to initiate the SSD scanning process.

Step 2: Wondershare Recoverit will start scanning the external SSD to detect the lost and deleted files. The scanning process may take a couple of minutes, depending on the size of the data.

Step 3: Apply filters to initiate proper scan results. Therefore, you can filter the results based on different factors like date modified, file size, file tags, and file type. Applying the right filters can make it easier for you to find all the files.

Step 4: After the scanning is completed, all the recoverable files will be presented on the screen. Preview all the files. If you find the files that you want to recover, click on the Recover button. Now, you will have to select the location where you want to save these recovered files. You shouldn't store these recovered files in the same SSD from where you lost them. This will play an important role in preventing the risk of data being overwritten.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best external SSD for Steam Deck, you will have to take into consideration a wide range of factors. Since there are so many brands already available in the market, you should research before making the choice. It is advisable that you check the pros, cons, features, storage space, speed, and more. Now, know that these Steam Deck external SSDs will be prone to a wide range of risks if not maintained properly, especially data loss. Therefore, if you have lost any important data from your device, you can use Wondershare Recoverit to overcome any challenges you may be facing.