2230 M.2 SSDs are getting boring, but future drives could bring back the excitement

When the Steam Deck launched in 2022, there were hardly any aftermarket M.2 2230 SSDs worth buying. They had low capacities, meager performance, and unimpressive price tags. But the Deck and all subsequent handheld gaming PCs it has inspired are very popular, and their collective use of the 2230 form factor has naturally led to demand for better options. Sabrent was first with its Rocket 2230, and other great SSDs followed, like Western Digital's super fast SN770M and Teamgroup's high-value MP44S.