Tiny, Removable Mini SSDs: A Game Changer for Portable Gaming
Nintendo's recent decision to adopt the microSD Express standard for its new Switch 2 console has brought this previously overlooked specification into the spotlight. This standard has existed since 2019, but the widespread availability of cheaper non-Express microSD cards rendered its advanced features largely unnecessary for most users.
In contrast, the new Switch 2 console demands storage performance akin to that of an internal SSD, which it requires to run modern titles comparable to those on the latest PlayStation and Xbox systems. This requirement is pushing companies to innovate in the realm of portable storage solutions.
Enter Biwin's innovative Mini SSD. As reported by The Verge and unveiled in March, this compact storage device, measuring 15 by 17 mm, boasts read speeds up to 3,700MB per second, thanks to a two-lane PCI Express 4.0 interface. Comparatively, existing microSD Express cards can also reach these speeds but often don't exceed 900MB per second due to limitations of a single PCI Express 3.0 lane.
The Mini SSD is packaged with NAND chips and an SSD controller, making it possible to function as a quick storage upgrade by inserting it into devices as one would with a SIM card. Notably, two Chinese handheld gaming devices, the GPD Win 5 and OneXPlayer Super X, have started advertising compatibility with this new technology, offering storage options from 500GB to 2TB.
While the Mini SSD is not (and may never be) a formal standard, it presents a practical solution for expanding storage in portable gaming systems without the need to disassemble the device. This marks a significant step toward achieving fast, removable storage that doesn't compromise performance.
This development becomes crucial when considering the growing size of modern games. A 2023 TechSpot analysis showed that game sizes have increased by an average of 6.3GB per year over the past decade. Factors contributing to this trend include heightened graphical fidelity and comprehensive audio files for narrative and localizations, exemplified by the hefty file size of _The Last of Us Part 1_ and _Cyberpunk 2077's_ Mac version.
As gaming continues to evolve with ever-increasing storage requirements, the need for effective and user-friendly storage solutions rises. Whether with Mini SSDs or improved microSD Express cards, the quest for seamless, high-speed, and easy-to-use storage upgrades remains essential in the gaming industry.
