Editing Memory Stick

{{Short description|Sony's removable flash memory card format, launched in July 1998}}
{{About|Sony's proprietary memory format|memory cards in general and other uses|Memory stick (disambiguation){{!}}memory stick}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2012}}
{{Infobox media
| name = Memory Stick
| logo = [[File:MemoryStick logo.svg|class=skin-invert]]
| image = [[Image:MSst duo m2.jpg|250px]]
| caption = From top to bottom: Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick Micro (M2)
| type = Flash memory card
| encoding = 
| capacity = 128 MB (Original)<br />32 GB (PRO series)<br />2 TB (XC series)
| read = 
| write = 
| standard = 
| owner = [[Sony]]
| use =
| dimensions = 
| weight = 
| extended from = 
| extended to = [[#Memory Stick PRO|Memory Stick PRO]], [[#Memory Stick Duo|Memory Stick Duo]], [[#Memory Stick PRO Duo|Memory Stick PRO Duo]], [[#Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo|Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo]], and [[#Memory Stick Micro (M2)|Memory Stick Micro]]
}}
The '''Memory Stick''' is a removable [[flash memory|flash]] [[memory card]] format, originally launched by [[Sony]] in late 1998.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press_Archive/199807/98-067/ |title=Sony Global – Press Release – Sony Announces 'Memory Stick' Recordable IC Memory Card Products New Format Supports Recording and Playback of Audio/Video Content |website=Sony.net |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref> In addition to the original Memory Stick, this family includes the '''Memory Stick PRO''', a revision that allows greater maximum storage capacity and faster file transfer speeds; '''Memory Stick Duo''', a small-form-factor version of the Memory Stick (including the '''PRO Duo'''); the even smaller '''Memory Stick Micro''' ('''M2'''), and the '''Memory Stick PRO-HG''', a high speed variant of the PRO to be used in [[high-definition video]] and still cameras.

As a proprietary format, Sony exclusively used Memory Stick on its products in the 2000s such as [[Cyber-shot]] digital cameras, [[Handycam]] digital camcorders, [[Sony Ericsson]] mobile phones, [[WEGA]] and [[Bravia (brand)|Bravia]] TV sets, [[VAIO]] PCs, digital audio players, and the [[PlayStation Portable]] game console,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/182183-the-worst-storage-mediums-of-all-time/3|title=The worst storage mediums of all time – Page 3 of 4 – ExtremeTech|date=May 15, 2014|website=extremetech.com}}</ref> with the format being licensed to a few other companies early in its lifetime. With the increasing popularity of [[SD card|Secure Digital]] around 2010, Sony started to include SD in their devices, marking a surrender by Sony of its format war in the memory-card business and the end to further serious development of the format.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.technologizer.com/2010/01/06/the-beginning-of-the-end-of-memory-stick-hope-so/|title=The Beginning of the End of Memory Stick? Hope So!|date=January 6, 2010|website=technologizer.com}}</ref> Despite this, Sony continues to support Memory Stick on certain newer devices through the use of adaptors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MS-A16G - Accessories Compatibility Information |url=https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/accessories/?area=us&lang=en&mdl=MS-A16G |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp}}</ref>

== History ==
The original Memory Stick, which was launched in October 1998, was available in capacities up to 128 MB.{{efn|reference=In this article the unit symbol 'MB' is used to mean 1000^2 bytes (1 [[megabyte]])}}

In October 1999, Sony licensed the technology to [[Fujitsu]], [[Aiwa]], [[Sanyo]], [[Sharp Corporation|Sharp]], [[Pioneer Corporation|Pioneer]] and [[Kenwood Corporation|Kenwood]], in a bid to avoid a repetition of the [[Betamax]] failure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dpreview.com/articles/3633126940/sonylic|title=Sony To License Memory Stick to 6 Firms|website=dpreview.com}}</ref> Other companies were also licensees to the format. Some early examples of Memory Stick usage by third-party companies include Sharp's MP3 players, [[Alpine Electronics|Alpine]]'s in-dash players, and [[Epson]]'s printers.<ref name="simmtester.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.simmtester.com/page/news/showpubnews.asp?num=64 |title=News-Latest publications from CST |website=www.simmtester.com |access-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010717104332/http://www.simmtester.com/page/news/showpubnews.asp?num=64 |archive-date=17 July 2001 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Initially the format had a lukewarm reception, but it soon increased in popularity, especially after the licensing deal. In spring 2001, Memory Stick attained 25% market share (against [[CompactFlash]]'s 40% and [[SmartMedia]]'s 32%), up from 7% a year earlier. By May 2001, total shipment of Memory Stick units surpassed 10 million.<ref name="simmtester.com"/>

However the [[SD card]], jointly developed by [[Toshiba]], [[Panasonic]] and [[SanDisk]], became widely popular among companies and soon became the most popular flash format{{snd}} by November 2003 it held 42% market share in the United States, ahead of CompactFlash's 26% and Memory Stick with 16%.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/02/business/technology-memory-evolution-survival-of-the-smallest.html|title=TECHNOLOGY; Memory Evolution: Survival of the Smallest|first=Eric A.|last=Taub|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 2, 2004}}</ref> Eventually Sony itself became the only company to support the format. Sony was often criticized for the Memory Stick, as they were deemed to be expensive compared to other formats.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/special-report/2005/03/10/behind-the-smiles-at-sony|title=Behind the smiles at Sony|date=March 10, 2005|access-date=December 29, 2021|newspaper=[[The Economist]]}}</ref>

{{As of|2010|01}}, it appeared that Sony had begun to combine support for [[Secure Digital card|SD]]/[[Secure Digital High-Capacity|SDHC]] and Memory Stick formats in their products. All digital cameras and camcorders announced by Sony at the [[CES 2010|2010 Consumer Electronics Show]] could use [[Secure Digital card|SD]] and [[Secure Digital High-Capacity|SDHC]] cards as well as Memory Sticks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/digital_cameras/cyber-shot/release/55922.html |title=Sony.com |website=News.sel.sony.com |date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717054240/https://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/digital_cameras/cyber-shot/release/55922.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/digital_cameras/cyber-shot/release/56053.html |title=Sony.com |website=News.sel.sony.com |date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415030153/https://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/digital_cameras/cyber-shot/release/56053.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/camcorders/release/56198.html |title=Sony.com |website=News.sel.sony.com |date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-date=January 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110200122/http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/camcorders/release/56198.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/camcorders/high_definition/release/56267.html |title=Sony.com |website=News.sel.sony.com |date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-date=January 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111033705/http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/camcorders/high_definition/release/56267.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/camcorders/release/56305.html |title=Sony.com |website=News.sel.sony.com |date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-date=January 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110200129/http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/camcorders/release/56305.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Furthermore, Sony announced the release of its own line of SD cards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/memory_stick/release/56274.html |title=Sony.com |website=News.sel.sony.com |date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-date=January 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100109181751/http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/memory_stick/release/56274.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Many claimed this development as the end of the [[Format war#1990s|format war]] between Memory Stick and SD card. However, Sony did not abandon the format at this time, and indicated that it would continue development of the format for the foreseeable future. A prime example was the development of WiFi transfers through a special Memory Stick PRO-Duo which was still in development {{asof|2011|lc=true}}.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/sonys-memory-stick-bowing-to-reality/ | work=The New York Times | title=Sony's Memory Stick: Bowing to Reality | first=Eric A. | last=Taub | date=January 7, 2010 | access-date=May 12, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Velocity |url=https://blogs.forbes.com/velocity/2010/01/07/betamaxed-sony-flushes-its-flash-card-down-the-memory-hole/ |title=Forbes.com |work=Forbes |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.ft.com/techblog/2010/01/beginning-of-the-end-for-memory-stick/ |title=FT.com |website=Blogs.ft.com |date=January 7, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/live-from-sonys-ces-2010-press-event/ |title=Endgadget.com |website=Engadget.com |date=January 6, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/ces-2010-sony-finally-backs-down-on-memory-stick-technology |title=IEEE.org |website=[[IEEE]] |date=January 7, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McCracken |first=Harry |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/186178/is_it_the_end_of_the_road_for_memory_stick_hope_so.html/ |title=PCworld.com |website=PCworld.com |date=January 7, 2010 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-date=January 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114024300/http://www.pcworld.com/article/186178/is_it_the_end_of_the_road_for_memory_stick_hope_so.html/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://apcmag.com/sony-admits-defeat-on-memory-stick.htm |title=APCMAG.com |website=APCMAG.com |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref> 

Sony's first significant migration away from Memory Stick did not come until 2019, when it introduced the [[Sony α7R IV|α7R IV]] [[full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera]] without Memory Stick support, opting instead for dual [[SD card#SDXC|SDXC]] slots.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dpreview.com/news/7747501993/sony-introduces-a7r-iv |title= Sony introduces the a7R IV with 61 Megapixel full-frame sensor |publisher=Digital Photography Review |date=July 16, 2019 |access-date=July 16, 2019}}</ref>

== Applications ==
[[File:Adaptateur Memory Stick.JPG|thumb|Memory Stick floppy disk adapter]]
[[File:Sony PEGA-MSC1 connected to the Sony Clié PEG-SJ20.jpg|thumb|Sony PEGA-MSC1 [[digital camera]] connected to the [[Clié]] PEG-SJ20 via its Memory Stick slot]]
Typically, Memory Sticks are used as storage media for a portable device, in a form that can easily be removed for access by a personal computer. For example, Sony [[Digital camera|digital compact cameras]] use Memory Stick for storing image files. With a Memory Stick-capable [[memory card reader]] a user can copy the pictures taken with the Sony digital camera to a computer. Sony typically included Memory Stick reader hardware in its first-party consumer electronics, such as digital cameras, [[digital audio player|digital music players]], [[Personal digital assistant|PDAs]], [[mobile phone|cellular phones]], the [[VAIO]] line of laptop computers, TV sets under the WEGA and Bravia names, and Sony's handheld gaming device, the [[PlayStation Portable]].

A special Memory Stick can be inserted in the hindquarters<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1999/08/19/48hours/main59024.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323024504/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1999/08/19/48hours/main59024.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 23, 2009 |title=CBS News, 48 Hours – AIBO, The Digital Wonder Dog: Sony Spends Millions On Robotic Canine |website=Cbsnews.com |date=February 11, 2009 |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref> of Sony's [[AIBO]] robot pet, to enable the use of Aiboware—software intended for use on AIBOs. The Sticks include a copy protection mechanism used by the robot, allowing users to write programs. These are referred to as ''programmable'' or ''programming''. Only 8&nbsp;MB and 16&nbsp;MB versions are available.

An adapter was made<ref>{{Cite web |orig-date=2000 |title=Floppy Disk Adaptor for Memory Stick – MSAC-FD2M |url=https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/3061/30616101M.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123154127/https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/3061/30616101M.pdf |archive-date=November 23, 2020 |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=Sony }}</ref> for the original Memory Stick that allowed them to be used in later [[Sony Mavica]] models. This adapter, which took CR2016 cells for power, served a dual purpose of expanding storage capacity of the Mavica and giving those who did not have an existing Memory Stick drive a means of computer interfacing. With the Mavica FD92 and FD97 dedicated Memory Stick slots were added.

== Formats and form factors ==
Memory Sticks include a wide range of actual formats, including three different form factors.

=== Memory Stick ===
[[File:Memory Stick Front and Back.jpg|thumb|The original Memory Stick]]
[[File:MSG-128A.jpg|thumb|Sony Memory Stick with MagicGate]]
Introduced in July 1998. The original Memory Stick is approximately the size and thickness of a stick of chewing gum. It was available in capacities from 4&nbsp;MB to 128&nbsp;MB (1 MB = one million bytes). It was available both with and without [[MagicGate]] support. The MagicGate-capable memory sticks were white-colored, while the standard version was purple. The original Memory Stick is no longer manufactured.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}

=== Memory Stick Select ===
[[File:Memory Stick Select.jpg|thumbnail|right|[[Lexar]] 256&nbsp;MB Memory Stick Select with memory switch]]
In response to the storage limitations of the original Memory Stick, Sony introduced the '''Memory Stick Select''' at [[Consumer Electronics Show|CES]] 2003 on January 9.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dpreview.com/articles/8431534296/mspro|title=Sony Memory Stick Pro and Select|website=dpreview.com}}</ref> The Memory Stick Select contained two separate 128&nbsp;MB partitions which the user could switch between using a physical switch on the card. This solution was fairly unpopular, but it did give users of older Memory Stick devices more capacity. Its physical size remained the same as the original Memory Stick.

=== Memory Stick PRO ===
The '''Memory Stick PRO''', introduced on January 9, 2003, as a joint effort between Sony and [[SanDisk]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press_Archive/200306/03-0617E// |title=Sony.net |website=Sony.net |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref> would be the longer-lasting solution to the space problem. Most devices that use the original Memory Sticks support both the original and PRO sticks since both formats have identical form factors. Some readers that were not compatible could be upgraded to Memory Stick PRO support via a [[firmware]] update. Memory Stick PROs have a marginally higher transfer speed and a maximum ''theoretical'' capacity of 32 GB,{{efn|reference=In this article the unit symbol 'GB' is used to mean 1000^3 bytes (1 [[gigabyte]])}} although GB-sized capacities of more than 2GB are only available in the PRO Duo form factor.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sony Compatibility Chart – Digital Still Camera|url=https://www.sony-asia.com/support/resources/en_AP/html/Compatibility/MemoryStick/Digital_Still_Camera.htm|access-date=2021-04-05|website=Sony-asia.com}}</ref> ''High Speed'' Memory Stick PROs are available, and newer devices support this high-speed mode, allowing for faster file transfers. All Memory Stick PROs larger than 1 GB support this high-speed mode, and High Speed Memory Stick PROs are backwards-compatible with devices that don't support the high-speed mode. High-capacity Memory Sticks such as the 4 GB versions are expensive compared to other types of flash memory such as SD cards and CompactFlash. {{As of|2020}}, 512 MB<!--note, not GB--> Memory Stick PRO can be bought.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}

=== Memory Stick Duo ===
Introduced in July 2002. The '''Memory Stick Duo''' was developed in response to Sony's need for a smaller flash memory card for pocket-sized digital cameras, cell phones and the [[PlayStation Portable]] (the latter of which supported the Memory Stick PRO Duo variant). It is slightly smaller than the competing [[Secure Digital]] (SD) format and roughly two thirds the length of the standard Memory Stick form factor, but costs more. Memory Stick Duos are available with the same features as the larger standard Memory Stick, available with and without high speed mode, and with and without MagicGate support. The Memory Stick PRO Duo has replaced the Memory Stick Duo due to its 128&nbsp;MB size limitation, but has kept the same form factor as the Duo.

[[File:Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.jpg|thumbnail|right|Memory Stick Duo Adaptor and Memory Stick PRO Duo]]
A simple adapter allows Memory Stick Duo to be used in devices designed to accept the original Memory Stick form factor.

=== Memory Stick PRO Duo ===
[[File:MS-PRO-DUO.JPG|thumb|left|A Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo (2&nbsp;GB)]]
The '''Memory Stick PRO Duo (MSPD)''' quickly replaced the Memory Stick Duo due to the Duo's size limitation of 128&nbsp;MB and slow transfer speed. Memory Stick PRO Duos are available in all the same variants as the larger Memory Stick PRO, with and without High Speed mode, and with and without MagicGate support.

Sony has released different versions of Memory Stick PRO Duo. A Memory Stick PRO Duo with MagicGate was released as a 512&nbsp;MB stick.{{Citation needed|reason=Existing citation link no longer valid|date=February 2020}} Additionally, a 16&nbsp;GB version in March 2008 and another a 32&nbsp;GB version on August 21, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/08/21/sony-bumps-the-memory-stick-pro-duo-capacity-up-to-32gb/ |title=Crunchgear.com |website=Crunchgear.com |date=August 21, 2009 |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref> In 2009, Sony and SanDisk also announced the joint development of an expanded Memory Stick PRO format tentatively named "Memory Stick PRO Format for Extended High Capacity".<ref name="techon">{{cite web|url=http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20090108/163799/|title=SanDisk, Sony to Expand Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Micro Formats|publisher=Nikkei Business Publications|date=January 8, 2009|access-date=January 5, 2010}}</ref> Sony has since finalized the format and released its specification under the new name, ''Memory Stick XC'' (see below).<ref name="sonyinsider">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonyinsider.com/2009/08/05/sony-finalizes-backwards-compatible-memory-stick-xc-with-2tb-maximum-capacity/|title=Sony Finalizes Backwards Compatible Memory Stick XC With 2TB Maximum Capacity|last=MacManus|first=Christopher|date=August 5, 2009|website=Sonyinsider.com|access-date=January 5, 2010}}</ref>

There exist adapters for those who want to use microSD cards, on devices that only support Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, that allows those to use the storage on a microSD for files on the device in question.

=== Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo ===
[[File:SDMSHX3-008G-J31.jpg|180px|thumb|PRO-HG Duo (8&nbsp;GB)]]
On December 11, 2006, Sony, together with [[SanDisk]], announced the '''Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo'''. While only serial and 4-bit parallel interfaces are supported in the Memory Stick PRO format, an 8-bit parallel interface was added to the Memory Stick PRO-HG format. Also, the maximum interface clock frequency was increased from 40&nbsp;MHz to 60&nbsp;MHz. With these enhancements, a theoretical transfer rate of 480&nbsp;Mbit/s (60&nbsp;MB/s) is achieved, which is three times faster than the Memory Stick PRO format.

=== Memory Stick Micro (M2) ===
{{Distinguish|text = [[M.2]], a form factor for [[expansion cards]]}}
[[File:Sony Memory Stick Micro M2 - 1GB-0423.jpg|alt=|thumb|90x90px|Memory Stick Micro]]
In a joint venture with [[SanDisk]], Sony released a new Memory Stick format on February 6, 2006. The '''Memory Stick Micro''' ('''M2''') measures 15 × 12.5 × 1.2&nbsp;mm (roughly one-quarter the size of the Duo) with 64&nbsp;MB, 128&nbsp;MB, 256&nbsp;MB, 512&nbsp;MB, 1&nbsp;GB, 2&nbsp;GB, 4&nbsp;GB, 8&nbsp;GB, and 16&nbsp;GB capacities available. The format has a theoretical limit of 32&nbsp;GB and maximum transfer speed of 160&nbsp;Mbit/s. However, as with the ''PRO Duo'' format, it has been expanded through the ''XC'' series as ''Memory Stick XC Micro'' and ''Memory Stick XC-HG Micro'', both with the ''theoretical'' maximum capacity of 2&nbsp;TB.<ref name="sonyinsider" />{{efn|reference=In this article the unit symbol 'TB' is used to mean 1000^4 bytes (1 [[terabyte]])}}

The M2 comes with an adapter, much like the Duo Sticks, to ensure physical compatibility with Memory Stick PRO devices. However, not all devices with a PRO slot are compatible with the M2/Adapter combination, as the firmware of older devices don't support the higher capacity of some M2 cards. One example is certain [[Sony CLIÉ]] [[Personal digital assistant|PDA]]s which don't support cards larger than 2&nbsp;GB.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sony-asia.com/microsite/memorystick/comp_chart/Clie_Handhelds.html |title=Sony Compatibility Chart – Clie Handhelds |website=Sony-asia.com |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref>

Sony announced on June 1, 2009, that M2 support in [[Sony Ericsson]] phones would be dropped in favor of [[microSD]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/Exclusive--Sony-Ericsson-Dropping-Memory-Stick-Micro |title=Trusted Review – Sony Ericsson Dropping Memory Stick Micro |website=Trustedreviews.com |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref>

The [[Sony RX#RX0 II|Sony DSC-RX0 Mark II]] made a revived usage of M2 slots.

=== Memory Stick XC ===
On January 7, 2009, [[SanDisk]] and Sony announced the Memory Stick XC format (tentatively named "Memory Stick Format Series for Extended High Capacity" at the time).<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.sandisk.com/about-sandisk/press-room/press-releases/2009/2009-01-07-sandisk-and-sony-to-expand-%E2%80%9Cmemory-stick-pro%E2%80%9D-and-%E2%80%9Cmemory-stick-micro%E2%80%9D-formats
|title=Sandisk and Sony to expand "Memory stick pro" and "Memory stick micro" formats
|publisher=SanDisk
|date=January 7, 2009
|access-date=August 12, 2009}}
</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Christopher MacManus |url=http://www.sonyinsider.com/2009/08/05/sony-finalizes-backwards-compatible-memory-stick-xc-with-2tb-maximum-capacity/ |title=Sonyinsider.com |website=Sonyinsider.com |date=August 5, 2009 |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref> The Memory Stick XC has a maximum ''theoretical'' 2&nbsp;TB capacity, 64 times larger than that of the Memory Stick PRO Duo which is limited to 32&nbsp;GB. XC series has the same form factors as PRO series, and supports MagicGate content protection technology as well as Access Control function as PRO series does. In line with the rest of the industry, the XC series uses the newer [[exFAT]] file system due to size and formatting limitations of FAT/FAT16/FAT32 filesystems used in the PRO series.<ref name="Windows FAT32 Formatting">{{cite web|title=Windows FAT32 Formatting|url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Convert-a-hard-disk-or-partition-to-FAT32-format|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=June 28, 2012}}</ref><ref name="SanDisk exFAT KB">{{cite web|title=SanDisk exFAT KB|url=http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3389/~/operating-systems-that-support-the-exfat-file-system|website=Kb.sandisk.com|access-date=June 28, 2012}}</ref> A maximum transfer speed of 480&nbsp;Mbit/s (60&nbsp;Mbyte/s) is achieved through 8-bit parallel data transfer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oss-formats.org/en/memorystick/outline/xc.html |title=Oss-formats.org |website=Oss-formats.org |access-date=November 13, 2011}}</ref> No Memory Stick XC cards were released to the market, likely due to domination of [[Secure Digital|SD]] cards; its equivalent here is named [[SDXC]] and eventually became more successful than any other exFAT-based memory card format.

=== Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX ===
Sony announced the release of the Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX on May 17, 2011, which was considered the fastest card ever made by the manufacturer. It measures 20 × 31 × 1.6&nbsp;mm, with 8&nbsp;GB, 16&nbsp;GB, or 32&nbsp;GB versions available. Also, the format offers a maximum transfer speed of 50&nbsp;MB/s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://presscentre.sony.co.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=6713|title=Sony UK – Press Centre|website=Presscentre.sony.co.uk|access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref>

== Mark 2 certification ==
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[File:Memory Stick Mark 2.jpg|thumb|right|Memory Stick with Mark 2]] -->
As of early 2008, '''Mark 2'''-certified versions of the Memory Stick PRO Duo became available. The Mark 2 designation indicates the Memory Stick is suitable for use with [[AVCHD]] recording products or other faster Memory Stick enabled devices by providing appropriate minimum write performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/memory_stick/release/32621.html |title=Sony's new 16GB Memory Stick Pro Duo media &#91;...&#93; Mark2 Certification. |website=News.sel.sony.com |date=January 6, 2008 |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-date=January 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110163622/http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/digital_imaging/memory_stick/release/32621.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Comparison of memory cards]]
* [[Format war]]
* [[MultiMediaCard]]
* [[SmartMedia Card]]
* [[SxS]]
* [[xD Picture Card]]
* [[USB flash drive]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}
== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commonscat}}
*[https://archive.today/20121209031500/https://www.oss-formats.org/ Sony's official One Stop Site for Formats], with some specifications of the electrical interface.
*[http://www.sony.com.sg/productcategory/it-ms-memory-stick-media Memory Stick products at Sony Singapore].
*[http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200509/05-0930E/ SanDisk and Sony develop “Memory Stick Micro” (M2) format] – SanDisk/Sony press release, September 30, 2005.
*[http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200612/06-1211E/index.html SanDisk and Sony announce "Memory Stick Pro-HG" (HG) format] – December 1, 2006.
*[http://esupport.sony.com/perl/support-info.pl?info_id=12 Complete Memory Stick® Media Compatibility Information for Sony® Digital Cameras] Sony eSupport July 2011.

{{Memory cards}}
{{Sony Corp}}

[[Category:Brands that became generic]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1998]]
[[Category:Solid-state computer storage media]]
[[Category:Sony products]]