The Mini SSD storage format could redefine how small devices handle high-speed data. Designed in China, it combines the compact size of a MicroSD card with the speed of larger SSDs. The first units, created by Biwin, measure just 15mm by 17mm and only 1.4mm thick. That makes them smaller than a U.S. penny but still capable of handling serious workloads.
Despite the size, performance is impressive. Biwin claims read speeds of 3,700MB/s and write speeds of 3,400MB/s using PCIe 4.0 x2. Storage options include 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities. Normally, that much speed and space would require a bulky M.2 drive. By contrast, the Mini SSD promises similar performance in a format closer to a smartphone SIM card.
Compared with today’s standards, the difference is clear. MicroSD Express cards used in the Nintendo Switch 2 reach around 985MB/s, making Mini SSD more than three times faster. Standard SD Express cards can in theory exceed it at 3,940MB/s, but they are nearly twice the size. M.2 drives remain faster, with some hitting 8,000MB/s or even 14,000MB/s, but they are far larger and limited to PCs.
The Mini SSD uses a tray system like a smartphone SIM. A pin ejects the tray, and users can swap cards easily. This design could make storage upgrades simple for phones, tablets, and handheld consoles, where space is limited. Additionally, the card is IP68 rated, which means it resists water, dust, and can survive drops up to three metres. These features make it ideal for rugged devices, outdoor gear, and action cameras.
Biwin showcased the format at ChinaJoy, where two new gaming systems included Mini SSD slots. GPD’s Win 5 and OneNetbook’s OneXPlayer Super X both demonstrated the design. Each device runs AMD’s Strix Halo chip and aims to deliver full PC gaming in a portable form. Faster storage here means shorter load times and smoother performance, which gamers value highly.
The comparison with Nintendo is striking. While the Switch 2 sticks with microSD Express, Chinese handheld makers are adopting a new, faster option. If it works as promised, the Mini SSD could offer portable gaming a noticeable boost in speed without sacrificing convenience. However, because it is not yet an official JEDEC standard, adoption by other companies remains uncertain.
For now, the future is unclear. Without wider support, the Mini SSD storage format could fade as another niche experiment. Pricing and availability details are also unknown, which may affect how quickly consumers can adopt it. Even so, the concept is exciting: a card as small as a MicroSD that still delivers near-SSD performance. If manufacturers embrace it, Mini SSD could spread beyond gaming into laptops, cameras, and even smartphones, transforming the way expandable storage works.
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