Western Digital Releases WD_Black SN770M: M.2-2230 SSD for Consoles

Western Digital has unveiled a compact model of its WD_Black SN770 SSD, tailor-made primarily for handheld gaming consoles such because the Asus ROG Ally and Valve Steam Deck. The WD_Black SN770M delivers the efficiency typical of a midrange PCIe 4.0 SSD, with assist for options like Microsoft’s DirectStorage.

As implied by its title, the WD_Black SN770M is constructed on the identical platform as its bigger counterpart, the WD_Black SN770. It provides comparable efficiency metrics: sequential learn speeds of as much as 5150 MB/s, sequential write speeds of as much as 4900 MB/s, and random learn/write IOPS of as much as 740K/800K. Whereas the SN770M’s figures may not rival the most recent PCIe Gen5 drives, remember that these are compact SSDs designed for moveable, warmth and power-constrained consoles.

Western Digital doesn’t disclose what particular controller is or NAND is utilized in most of their drives today. Notably, the corporate already provides an PCIe Gen 4 M.2-2230 drive for OEMs, the SN740, which lists the identical efficiency specs. So the SN770M could be a retail redress of the SN740. Which, given how standard the SN740 has been as an aftermarket improve for the Steam Deck, it is extra shocking that WD wasn’t already promoting a model of that drive within the retail market.

When it comes to storage capability, the WD_Black SN770M is offered in 500 GB, 1 TB, and a pair of TB variants, mirroring what its bigger sibling offers. Provided that each the Asus ROG Ally and Valve’s Steam Deck ship with not more than 512 GB of storage, the 1 TB and a pair of TB choices current a considerable improve.

The 1TB mannequin, priced at $109.99, is offered solely by means of Western Digital’s on-line retailer and Greatest Purchase. In distinction, the 2TB model is bought solely at Greatest Purchase for $219.99. Presently, the five hundred GB mannequin is offered for $74.99 from Western Digital’s on-line retailer, in addition to different e-tailers, retailers, and resellers. All these drives include Western Digital’s five-year restricted guarantee.

The M.2-2230 type issue was primarily developed for SSDs powering ultra-thin laptops, which usually do not demand top-tier efficiency. Whereas there are certainly high-performance SSDs with the M.2-2230 type issue, most aren’t designed for gaming techniques. This makes it difficult for house owners of moveable consoles just like the ROG Ally or Steam Deck to improve to a extra superior SSD. With the introduction of the WD_Black SN770M, Western Digital provides a retail resolution tailor-made for avid gamers, mixing strong efficiency with gaming-centric options, a mix uncommon in M.2-2230 drives.