Tiny, removable "mini SSD" could eventually be a big deal for gaming handhelds
8 days ago
- #Storage
- #Nintendo
- #Gaming
- Nintendo popularized microSD Express by requiring it for the Switch 2 console.
- MicroSD Express, created in 2019, was previously obscure due to lack of hardware support and sufficient speed from non-Express cards.
- Switch 2 needs SSD-like performance to run games designed for PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC.
- Biwin developed the 'Mini SSD,' a tiny card with read speeds up to 3,700MB/s using PCIe 4.0.
- Current microSD Express cards typically max out at 900MB/s (PCIe 3.0 speeds).
- Mini SSD uses LGA packaging for NAND chips and an SSD controller, inserted like a SIM card.
- GPD Win 5 and OneXPlayer Super X gaming portables support Biwin's Mini SSD (500GB–2TB).