IRDM PRO NANO: the definition of speed and reliability for handheld consoles

In the fast-paced world of mobile gaming, speed and reliability determine the success of any console. The IRDM PRO NANO 1 TB SSD, using the PCIe NVMe gen 4 x4 interface, sets new standards for users of handheld consoles, including Steam Deck™ and others. With unparalleled read and write speeds of 7,300 MB/s and 6,000 MB/s respectively, the drive delivers revolutionary performance that translates into significantly faster load times and stable operation even during heavy use of the console or other mobile devices, including mini PCs or 2230-compatible laptops.

A revolution in the world of SSDs for demanding gamers

The PRO NANO 1 TB is more than just an SSD – it is an all-in-one solution for anyone who values smooth and dynamic gaming. Its form factor 2230 fits perfectly into the compact designs of today’s devices, such as the Steam Deck™, without compromising on performance or capacity (also available in a 2 TB variant). The controller used provide excellent stability and reliability, minimising the risk of errors and increasing the drive’s longevity.

Performance to revolutionise mobile gaming

In the world of gaming, where every second of loading can determine the outcome of a game, the need for a fast and reliable SSD is more important than ever. That’s why it is the IRDM PRO NANO 1 TB SSD that is the subject of our in-depth testing in the handheld console.

Purpose and methodology of tests

The tests conducted on the PRO NANO 1 TB drive are designed to verify its performance in the context of real-world usage scenarios in a portable Steam Deck™ console. We analysed key aspects that directly affect the gaming experience, such as times for downloading, installing and launching games, loading levels, battery life, console power-up, and the overall stability of the drive during intensive use.

When comparing the PRO NANO with the 512 GB SSD from the factory, we focused on the differences in speed, efficiency and reliability to assess whether an upgrade to the PRO NANO could actually improve the overall Steam Deck™ experience. Each of these aspects was carefully measured and evaluated, taking as a baseline the daily usage scenarios that best reflect the expectations and needs of end users.

Test platform

The test platform we have chosen is the 512 GB Steam Deck™ OLED. It is one of the most popular and technologically advanced portable consoles on the market, capable of running a wide range of games. The Steam Deck™, with its openness to modifications and hardware upgrades, provides an ideal environment for testing the performance and potential of SSDs such as the PRO NANO.

We supplemented our test platform with the following titles:

ARK: Survival Evolved
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order
Factorio
Doom

1. Download and installation times for games

The time it takes to download and install games is a key factor in the user experience of any console. Long waits to download a game can be frustrating, especially when gamers are excited about a new title and want to start playing as soon as possible. Using standard SSDs, the wait time to download and install games can become longer, which is particularly troublesome with large titles. In addition, slower drives can slow down other processes during installation, making multitasking difficult.

After installing the PRO NANO drive in the Steam Deck™ console and running the test with the game „ARK: Survival Evolved“, the installation time was reduced from 20 minutes (on the stock drive) to 12.5 minutes, a 37.5% improvement. For the game „Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice“, the time was reduced from 4.5 minutes to 4 minutes. This means that users can start playing faster and the system runs smoother even during intensive tasks.

2. Switch on time

Game start-up times have a direct impact on the first impression and user experience of the console. Faster game start-ups allow almost instant access to gameplay. Lower read speeds on standard SSDs can lead to longer waits to launch games, which can be annoying. Additionally, a drop in smoothness when switching between applications can cause frustration.

PRO NANO significantly reduces the start-up time of games. For example, „The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt“ now launches in 28 seconds instead of 34 seconds, representing a 17% faster access to the game. In turn, faster start-up times translate into a better user experience.

3. Speed of loading subsequent game levels

A short loading time for successive levels is important for the fluidity of the game. Long loading screens can throw the player out of rhythm, reduce engagement and cause frustration, especially in dynamic action games.

PRO NANO reduces the loading time of successive game levels. In „The Witcher 3“, level loading times have been reduced from 30 seconds to 26 seconds, which means 13% less time spent on loading screens. As a result, players can enjoy smooth and uninterrupted gameplay.

4 Battery life

Battery life is crucial for handheld consoles, especially during long sessions away from a power source. The PRO NANO is ideal for gamers who value the independence and convenience of a portable console. With increased battery life, gamers can enjoy longer gaming sessions without the need for frequent recharging.

For „Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice“, battery life has increased from 142 minutes to 145 minutes, an improvement of 2.11%. For gamers, this means being able to enjoy longer gaming sessions without charging interruptions, enhancing the user experience on the go. Similarly, in „The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt“, battery life increased from 132 minutes to 135 minutes, a 2.27% increase in gameplay time. A significant increase in battery life was seen in „Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice“, where it increased from 150 minutes to 160 minutes, an increase of 6.67%. This significant increase in game time is particularly beneficial for gamers who appreciate long sessions without having to plug the console in to charge. The largest increase in battery life was seen in „Doom“, where time increased from 144 minutes to 160 minutes, an impressive 11.11% more time per game.

5. Drive stability during downloads

Drive stability during heavy use is crucial to smooth gameplay and overall system performance. Standard SSDs can experience sudden speed drops during downloads, which can lead to interruptions in gameplay and performance degradation. Drive instability can be particularly frustrating when downloading large files, where each interruption can prolong the process.

Stability tests during downloads showed that the PRO NANO did not experience sudden speed drops, which is a significant improvement over the factory drive, which sometimes struggled to maintain consistent speeds. This means users can download games and updates without worrying about interruptions or performance drops.

6. Switch on time of the console

The speed at which a console turns on affects the overall user experience and the time players have to wait before playing games. Standard SSDs can take longer to boot up the operating system and games, which can be negatively perceived by users.

Tests have shown that the PRO NANO drive reduces the console’s power-up time from 30 to 24 seconds, providing a 20 per cent shorter wait time before starting the next gaming session. This means that gamers can start playing faster, increasing the convenience and enjoyment of the console.

Summary

The IRDM PRO NANO 1 TB SSD is not only a great upgrade for any portable console, but also an invaluable partner for gamers who don’t want to waste time with long loading times or unpredictable delays. With PRO NANO, every aspect of gameplay becomes faster, smoother and more satisfying, and this makes it the perfect choice for modern mobile gamers.

During testing, PRO NANO showed significant performance improvements in all categories tested. Its superiority over a standard factory drive, both in terms of speed and stability, shows that it is a choice that can make a significant difference to gaming comfort and smoothness. Each of these tests not only confirmed the high technical performance of the PRO NANO drive, but also translates into real benefits for users, such as faster access to games, faster loading times, and stable system performance in long-term use. These results prove that the PRO NANO 1 TB is not just a theoretical improvement, but also a practical, valuable addition to any portable gaming console.