In the era of burgeoning portable gaming, the Steam Deck has emerged as a frontrunner, offering players the convenience of accessing their extensive Steam library on the go. But just because it is convenient to game on does not mean it is free of major issues. We are saying this because some players are facing an error where games stored on SD cards are not being recognized by the Steam Deck. So, in this article, we’ll try to provide you with some effective solutions to ensure a seamless portable gaming experience on the Steam Deck.
Storing games on an SD card offers players a practical solution to expand the storage capacity of their gaming devices, especially in the case of the Steam Deck, which may have limited internal storage. The use of SD cards allows players to carry a more extensive library of games. However, the issue of games not being recognized on the SD card by the Steam Deck can be incredibly frustrating for players, as it disrupts the convenience and portability that the device promises. Solving this issue becomes crucial for those seeking the flexibility and mobility that storing games on an SD card provides.
Steam deck not recognizing games on SD Card: How to fix it?
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for the Steam Deck not recognizing games on an SD card issue, there are a range of potential workarounds that users can explore. These various approaches offer a chance to troubleshoot and find a resolution to the issue, providing users with options to enhance their portable gaming experience on the Steam Deck. That said, here are the workarounds you can try:
Reinsert the SD Card
Sometimes, the simplest solution proves effective. Try removing and reinserting the SD card into the Steam Deck. This action may establish a secure connection, potentially resolving any recognition issues.
Check File System Compatibility
Ensure that your SD card is formatted using a file system compatible with the Steam Deck, such as ExT4. Incorrect file system formats can lead to recognition problems, so verifying this compatibility is crucial.
Restart
A classic troubleshooting step, restarting the Steam Deck, may refresh the system and prompt proper recognition of games stored on the SD card. It’s a quick and straightforward method worth trying.
Use a Different SD Card
To determine whether the issue lies with the specific SD card, try using an alternative one. If games are recognized on the new card, it indicates potential problems with the original SD card, such as corruption or hardware issues.
Check if SD card is showing up
As suggested by a user on Reddit, this workaround involves checking if SD is being recognized by the Deck for usage. So, to check if the SD card appears as a Steam Folder in Desktop Mode, open Steam, navigate to Settings>Downloads, and click the Steam Library Folders button. If the SD card isn’t listed, click the + button to add it. After adding the SD card, Steam will create a new folder named “Steam Library”. If you initially installed games in Deck mode and have a steamapps folder on the SD card, don’t worry. Copy all files from the old steamapps folder to the new one in the Steam Library folder. Restart Steam, and your games should show up as installed again.
Check for Software Updates
Ensure that your Steam Deck’s operating system is updated to the latest version. Software updates often include optimizations for compatibility issues, potentially resolving game recognition problems on SD cards. Regularly checking for and applying these updates is essential for a seamless gaming experience.
And there you have it. By experimenting with these steps, you can increase the likelihood of resolving the problem and enjoy a smoother gaming experience on this portable platform. Anyway, we hope this guide was helpful. For more gaming reads like this, follow DigiStatement. Read more: Hunt Showdown players are getting banned for using Huntstats tracking website: Is there any fix yet?
