PNY has made a bold move in the world of portable storage by unveiling its latest microSD Express memory cards, built on the advanced SD 7.1 specification. These next-generation cards are among the first to utilise the PCIe Gen3 x1 interface in a microSD form factor, enabling breakthrough read and write speeds. Officially released on May 21, the new lineup promises to deliver powerful performance tailored for gamers, content creators, and tech enthusiasts.
The debut models come in 128GB and 256GB storage capacities, with sequential read speeds reaching up to 890 MB/s and write speeds up to 750 MB/s. These figures represent a massive leap over traditional UHS-I cards, thanks to the high-bandwidth PCIe interface that’s typically found in NVMe SSDs.
While performance is a major highlight, PNY has ensured backwards compatibility with existing UHS-I devices, allowing users to benefit from wide-ranging support. More notably, the company positions these cards as ideal companions for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, hinting at potential storage solutions for the next wave of handheld gaming.
The new microSD Express series is certified under several key performance standards, including:
- UHS Speed Class 3 (U3)
- Video Speed Class 30 (V30)
- Application Performance Class 1 (A1)
These certifications make the cards perfectly suited for 4K video recording, app-heavy mobile environments, and data-intensive workflows.
To ensure stable operation during prolonged use, the cards incorporate adaptive thermal control technology, which helps manage internal temperatures and maintain consistent performance under load. This is especially useful for users running large applications or recording high-resolution video on the go.
On the durability front, PNY hasn’t cut any corners. The cards are designed to endure a wide variety of environmental stressors, including:
- Magnetic fields
- Shock and drops
- Water exposure
- Extreme temperatures
- X-ray scans
- Humidity and general wear
This rugged build makes them an excellent choice for travel, outdoor adventures, and professional field work.
PNY microSD Express Card pricing and availability
Pricing is competitively set at $44.99 for the 128GB version and $55.99 for the 256GB model. Both come with a limited lifetime warranty, giving users added peace of mind.
With this strategic launch, PNY joins a small but growing group of manufacturers embracing the microSD Express standard, which is slowly becoming a key player in the evolution of portable high-speed storage. As demand continues to rise across mobile gaming, action cameras, and lightweight computing devices, these blazing-fast cards offer a future-ready solution for users who won’t compromise on speed or reliability.
For more tech news, click right here.