When you look at handheld gaming devices, the Asus ROG Ally really stands out with its top-notch performance, pulling ahead of competitors like the Steam Deck. The new ROG Ally X version that rolled out in 2024 takes things to another level. It features better specs, a revamped screen, and a design that feels great in your hands. Plus, every model in the ROG Ally lineup comes with a UHS-II microSD card slot. This means you can use faster cards for both reading and writing compared to the UHS-I slots found in devices like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. So, if you’ve got the right card, you can look forward to significantly quicker download times.
UHS-II is a big leap forward in terms of speed. According to Lexar, it can triple the top transfer speed of UHS-I, reaching up to 312 MB/s compared to the 104 MB/s of its predecessor. The catch? Despite a sea of microSD cards on the market, UHS-II options are few and far between. Big names in storage like Samsung and SanDisk haven’t jumped on the UHS-II bandwagon yet. What’s more, the few UHS-II cards out there come with a hefty price tag and don’t operate at the full potential speeds that UHS-II can handle.
If you’re okay with a little bit of DIY and willing to crack open your ROG Ally, consider going for an M.2 SSD instead. Not only will this give you more bang for your buck regarding storage, but it’ll also run circles around even the fastest microSD cards in terms of performance. However, if you prefer a simpler upgrade and don’t mind spending extra for some speed boost, we’ve got a couple of models you might find interesting.
On the flip side, if your priority is simply to increase your storage and the ultimate speed isn’t a concern, there’s no shortage of high-capacity microSD cards to choose from. Brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar offer cards with up to 1.5 TB, perfect for giving your handheld gaming experience a little more room to breathe.
