In addition to the unique Memory Stick, this household contains the Memory Stick Pro, a revision that allows higher most storage capability and quicker file switch speeds; Memory Stick Duo, a small-form-issue model of the Memory Stick (together with the Pro Duo); the even smaller Memory Stick Micro (M2), and the Memory Stick Pro-HG, a excessive velocity variant of the Professional to be used in high-definition video and nonetheless cameras. With the rising reputation of Secure Digital around 2010, Sony started to incorporate SD of their devices, marking a surrender by Sony of its format conflict in the memory-card enterprise and the end to additional severe improvement of the format. Regardless of this, Sony continues to help Memory Stick on sure newer gadgets through the usage of adaptors. The original Memory Wave Audio Stick, which was launched in October 1998, was out there in capacities up to 128 MB. In October 1999, Sony licensed the technology to Fujitsu, Aiwa, Sanyo, Sharp, Pioneer and Kenwood, in a bid to avoid a repetition of the Betamax failure.

Different companies have been also licensees to the format. Some early examples of Memory Stick usage by third-social gathering companies include Sharp's MP3 gamers, Alpine's in-dash gamers, and Epson's printers. Initially the format had a lukewarm reception, nevertheless it soon increased in popularity, especially after the licensing deal. In spring 2001, Memory Stick attained 25% market share (in opposition to CompactFlash's 40% and SmartMedia's 32%), up from 7% a year earlier. By Might 2001, complete shipment of Memory Stick models surpassed 10 million. Finally Sony itself grew to become the one company to support the format. Sony was usually criticized for the Memory Stick, as they have been deemed to be expensive in comparison with different formats. Sony had begun to mix assist for SD/SDHC and Memory Stick codecs in their products. All digital cameras and camcorders announced by Sony at the 2010 Shopper Electronics Show might use SD and SDHC cards in addition to Memory Sticks. Furthermore, Sony introduced the release of its personal line of SD cards.

Many claimed this improvement as the top of the format warfare between Memory Stick and SD card. Nonetheless, Sony did not abandon the format at the moment, and indicated that it might proceed development of the format for the foreseeable future. Sony's first significant migration away from Memory Stick did not come till 2019, when it introduced the α7R IV full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera with out Memory Stick assist, Memory Wave Audio opting as an alternative for dual SDXC slots. Usually, Memory Wave Memory Sticks are used as storage media for a portable machine, in a form that can easily be eliminated for entry by a personal laptop. For example, Sony digital compact cameras use Memory Stick for storing image information. With a Memory Stick-capable memory card reader a user can copy the pictures taken with the Sony digital digicam to a pc. Sony typically included Memory Stick reader hardware in its first-get together shopper electronics, comparable to digital cameras, digital music players, PDAs, cellular phones, the VAIO line of laptop computer computer systems, Television sets under the WEGA and Bravia names, and Sony's handheld gaming system, the PlayStation Portable.

Sony's AIBO robotic pet, to allow using Aiboware-software meant to be used on AIBOs. The Sticks include a replica safety mechanism used by the robotic, permitting users to put in writing applications. These are referred to as programmable or programming. Solely 8 MB and sixteen MB variations can be found. Memory Stick that allowed them to be used in later Sony Mavica fashions. This adapter, which took CR2016 cells for energy, served a twin purpose of expanding storage capability of the Mavica and giving those that didn't have an existing Memory Stick drive a technique of computer interfacing. With the Mavica FD92 and FD97 dedicated Memory Stick slots have been added. Memory Sticks include a variety of precise codecs, together with three different type factors. Launched in July 1998. The unique Memory Stick is roughly the scale and thickness of a stick of chewing gum. It was available both with and without MagicGate support. The MagicGate-capable memory sticks have been white-colored, while the usual version was purple.