Most gamers believe that the market for handheld gaming consoles started only recently, but what they don’t know is that the first handheld gaming device was released in 1979. After so many years of development, such gaming consoles have become so good that they can give a similar performance to a PC, PlayStation, or Xbox. One such gaming console is a Steam Deck 256GB variant which has been going around like wildfire. This is because it can seamlessly integrate with Steam (as the name suggests 😅), which has a massive library of PC games that you can play. It can even run major games like Elden Ring and God of War 2018. 

However, as many know that there is also a Steam Deck Handheld Gaming Console 64GB variant which is a great choice that comes at a lower price tag. Many people don’t understand the difference between an NVMe and an eMMC drive, so they get confused when deciding which Steam Deck variant to go for. That’s why in today’s article I’ll be giving you my personal reasons why I like the drive of the Steam Deck Handheld Gaming Console 256GB variant in 2023. Hopefully, it also helps you come to your own conclusion regarding which console to choose.

• Differences between both variants drives
• Should you buy Steam Deck 256GB variant for the NVMe drive

With that said, let’s start by covering some differences between both variants so you can understand why I’m leaning toward the 256GB variant. 

Differences Between Both Variants Drives

First of all, you need to understand that not all of the Steam Deck variants come with the NVMe drive. The base model comes with an eMMC drive, while the 256GB & 512GB variants come with the NVMe drive. Yup! The Steam Deck also comes with the 512GB variant that comes with an NVMe drive, but we’ll discuss it another time. 

However, what is NVMe, and why am I going on and on about it? Actually, the Non-Volatile Memory Express (aka NVMe) drives are storage devices that use the PCIe interface to connect to your computer, allowing for faster data transfer speeds compared to traditional storage devices like hard disk drives (HDD) and SATA-based solid-state drives (SSD).

Think of it like a high-speed highway for your data: NVMe drives have multiple lanes that can handle more data at once, allowing your computer to access files and programs faster. This is because NVMe drives use flash memory technology, which has no moving parts and can access data faster than traditional spinning hard drives.

In simpler terms, an NVMe drive is a type of storage device that makes your computer run faster by allowing it to access files and data more quickly. If you’re a PC gamer or generally into tech, then you know that the NVMe drive is much better and faster than the eMMC drive. I currently own a Steam Deck Handheld Gaming Console 256GB, but the difference for me wasn’t very prominent because I had nothing to compare it with. However, once my friend got the Steam Deck 64GB variant the difference was evident. 

For those casual gamers who don’t know why I love this variant so much, here are the two main differences between the variant drives that I want to discuss.

1. Storage Space

Now, the very first thing which is even evident by both variant names is that both of them have different storage spaces. The base model comes with 64GB of internal space, while the other comes with 256GB variants. 

If you’re a PC gamer, then you know that all the latest titles, like the God of War 2018, are massive games that, when installed, can easily take up around 100GB of space. You can’t really expect to run such a game on a Steam Deck 64GB variant. Even a game like GTA 5 will take around 70-80GB of space if you don’t install any additional things. 

You can play such games if you have a massive memory card to go along with the 64GB variant, but not everyone likes it. On the other hand, the Steam Deck 256GB variant comes with enough storage space that you won’t have to worry about anything. 

2. Storage Type

Now comes the main topic of discussion, which is the type of storage being used for variants. Normally, an eMMC drive would work just fine for an average gamer looking for a good gaming experience, but long-time gamers want faster loading time and a smoother overall experience, so they go for the 256GB variant.

Valve (the Steam Deck manufacturer) itself claims that the eMMC drive used in a 64GB variant is 12.5% slower compared to an NVMe drive used in the Steam Deck 256GB variant. This is more pronounced when you compare the booting speed of both gaming consoles. According to Valve, eMMC is 25% slower than an NVMe drive.

This can greatly affect the overall gaming experience. If you’re a dedicated gamer like me, then you won’t want to compromise on this particular fact. Additionally, the NVMe drive has much more to offer than the loading speeds. 

• Improved system responsiveness: Because NVMe drives can access data more quickly, your computer can respond faster to your commands, improving the overall user experience.
• Enhanced multitasking capabilities: The faster read and write speeds of an NVMe drive also mean that your computer can handle more simultaneous tasks without slowing down.
• Reduced power consumption: NVMe drives consume less power than traditional storage devices, which can lead to longer battery life for laptops and other mobile devices.

Should You Buy Steam Deck 256GB Variant for the Nvme Drive

Now, the big question that all of the potential Steam Deck buyers would be having right about now is which variant to go for. Even though the Steam Deck Handheld Gaming Console 64GB isn’t a bad choice by any means, I still prefer the 256GB variant. Budget-conscious gamers who want to enjoy PC gaming on the go, the 64GB variant is a perfectly acceptable option. However, you would need to use a memory card with it.

For those gamers who want fast loading speeds and an overall amazing experience speed-wise, then the Steam Deck Handheld Gaming Console 256GB is the option that I prefer. Just based on the storage type, I would definitely jump at the opportunity to buy one of the best handheld for Steam games.

If you want to buy any of these amazing Steam Deck variants at an amazing price point then Wise Market Pakistan is the only site you need to approach. We sell all types of smart devices, which include smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds, lifestyle products, and (recently) gaming consoles. Our main objective with this site is to make sure that people get amazing smart devices at a reasonably low price point and help the environment. “How?” you ask. In addition to selling new smartphones, our main goal is to sell as many used mobile phones as possible. 

There is a misconception regarding such devices, but if you know where and what to look for, you can get a bang for your buck. A week earlier, my friend bought a used Apple iPhone XS Max from Wise Market. The condition and price of such an old smartphone were so good that he immediately bought it. I also own a used iPhone 12 Pro, and it hasn’t failed me so far. So, if you’re interested in buying a reasonably low-priced smart device, then there is no better than Wise Market Pakistan.