Mini SSDs Could Revolutionize Gaming Handhelds
▼ Summary
– Nintendo’s Switch 2 console adoption of microSD Express helped popularize the previously obscure 2019 storage standard.
– The Switch 2 required faster storage to support games designed for SSD-equipped systems like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
– Chinese company Biwin developed the “Mini SSD,” a tiny card with speeds up to 3,700MB/s using PCIe 4.0.
– Current microSD Express cards often max out at 900MB/s, far below their theoretical peak speeds.
– Biwin’s Mini SSD, showcased in March, is supported by devices like the GPD Win 5 and OneXPlayer Super X, offering 500GB–2TB capacities.
The gaming handheld market is on the verge of a storage revolution, thanks to emerging technologies that promise SSD-like speeds in compact, removable formats. While Nintendo’s adoption of microSD Express for the Switch 2 brought attention to faster external storage, a new player is pushing boundaries even further with an innovative solution.
Biwin, a Chinese tech firm, has unveiled its “Mini SSD”, a groundbreaking storage card measuring just 15 by 17 mm. Unlike conventional microSD cards, this tiny powerhouse leverages a two-lane PCI Express 4.0 interface, delivering read speeds up to 3,700MB per second. For context, most current microSD Express cards max out around 900MB per second, limited by older PCIe 3.0 standards. The difference in performance could be a game-changer for portable gaming devices, enabling smoother gameplay and faster load times comparable to full-sized SSDs.
The secret behind Biwin’s Mini SSD lies in its LGA packaging, which efficiently integrates NAND flash memory and an SSD controller into its compact design. These cards slot into devices using a metal tray, similar to how SIM cards are installed. Early adopters include handheld gaming systems like the GPD Win 5 and OneXPlayer Super X, both of which are AMD-based devices targeting performance-hungry gamers. Biwin plans to offer storage options ranging from 500GB to 2TB, catering to diverse needs without sacrificing portability.
This advancement couldn’t come at a better time. As handheld gaming PCs grow more powerful, demand for high-speed, removable storage is surging. Traditional microSD cards, while affordable, often bottleneck performance in devices running modern AAA titles. The Mini SSD bridges this gap, offering a viable alternative for manufacturers looking to balance speed, capacity, and convenience.
While widespread adoption depends on industry support, Biwin’s innovation signals a shift toward faster, more versatile storage solutions for portable gaming. If successful, it could redefine expectations for what handheld devices can achieve, blurring the line between console and mobile gaming experiences.
(Source: Ars Technica)
