How to format Steam Deck SD cards: Easy Guide

Today, in this article we will discuss about how to format Steam Deck SD cards. The formatting of the SD card will be required in order for you to be able to install games on your Steam Deck after you have inserted a new Micro SD card using your Steam Deck. The process of formatting an SD card on your Steam Deck can be explained in this article, which can serve as a guide for those who are unfamiliar with the process. Valve Corporation is responsible for the development of the Steam Deck, which is a portable gaming hardware.

In a manner analogous to that of the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck, which was just recently released, will enable gaming to be played remotely or connected to a monitor. All of the steam games that are available in the Steam library, including those that are designed for Windows PCs, can be played on this device. The Proton compatibility layer, which is based on Linux, is responsible for making this possible. According to the fact that the system is an open platform, users are able to install the appropriate software, such as new games or operating systems. Here are the steps how to format Steam Deck SD cards.

How to format Steam Deck SD cards

Using the Steam Deck

1. Insert the SD card into the slot on the bottom right side of your Steam Deck.
2. Turn on your Steam Deck.
3. Press the Steam button to open the main menu.
4. Scroll down and select “Settings.”
5. Go to “System” and choose “Format SD Card.”
6. A confirmation message will appear. Press “Format” to proceed.
7. Wait for the formatting process to complete. This may take a few minutes, depending on the size of your SD card.
8. Once done, your SD card will be formatted for Steam Deck and ready to use for installing games and apps.

Using your computer

1. Connect your Steam Deck to your computer using a USB-C cable.
2. Turn on your Steam Deck.
3. The SD card should appear as a separate drive on your computer.
4. Right-click on the SD card drive and select “Format.”
5. Choose the “exFAT” file system in the “Format options” window.
6. Check the “Quick Format” box (optional) and click “Start.”
7. Wait for the formatting process to complete. This should be faster than formatting on the Steam Deck itself.
8. Eject the SD card from your computer and safely connect it back to your Steam Deck.

Why Format Your Steam Deck SD Card?

1. File System Compatibility: When you format an SD card, you make sure that it uses a file system that works with the Steam Deck. In this case, it is best to use the “exFAT” file system.
2. Optimisation: Formatting can make the SD card’s storage structure work better, which could lead to better performance and use.
3. Problems Can Be Fixed: If the SD card has any problems or mistakes, formatting can help fix them, giving the storage device a new start.
4. Getting Ready for New Data: When getting the SD card ready for new data or games, formatting is often needed. It gives you a blank slate to store your files and programmes.
5. Quick Format Option: When the “Quick Format” option is chosen, the formatting process goes faster than when a full format is chosen. This helps when you need to get something done quickly.

Compatibility and Capacity Considerations

Ensuring Data Safety during the Formatting Process

1. Back up important data before initiating the formatting process.
2. Connect your Steam Deck to your computer using a USB-C cable.
3. Turn on your Steam Deck.
4. The SD card should appear as a separate drive on your computer.
5. Prioritize the safety of your data by confirming the existence of a backup.
6. Exercise caution when right-clicking on the SD card drive to select “Format.”
7. In the “Format options” window, carefully choose the “exFAT” file system.
8. Consider the “Quick Format” option, but be mindful of its impact on data.
9. Click “Start” and patiently wait for the formatting process, which should be faster than on the Steam Deck.
10. After formatting, double-check the integrity of your data backup.
11. Safely eject the SD card from your computer and reconnect it to your Steam Deck.
12. Verify that your data is intact and accessible on the freshly formatted SD card.

Conclusion

In terms of SD cards, the Steam Deck does not have any particular preferences. Assuming that you have reviewed the common errors that should be avoided when selecting an SD card, you will not make a mistake. SD, SDXC, and SDHC cards are all supported by the Steam Deck, which has the capacity to handle up to 2 terabytes of data. Now is the time to increase the amount of storage space on your Steam Deck. On the other hand, is it as simple as inserting an SD card? Do you need to perform any modifications to the formatting? Please allow me to walk you through the process of installing an SD card on your Steam Deck.

Questions and Answers