Related area
USB Host MSC functionality (Mass Storage Class host mode) support for ESP32-S3 in Arduino-ESP32 core.
Hardware specification
ESP32-S3, ESP32-S2 (native USB OTG capable boards)
Is your feature request related to a problem?
USB Host MSC support was previously discussed, requested and appeared to be scheduled in the Arduino-ESP32 roadmap for January 2025. However, it is now missing from both the public roadmap and recent communications. This removes hopes for a production-ready ability to connect USB flash drives directly to ESP32-S3/S2 boards under Arduino, as requested in Issue #9276 (#9276). Multiple developers have been monitoring the official roadmap and documentation, and despite requests and forum posts, there is no clear update. It appears the feature has been deprioritized or removed altogether, yet its absence was not publicly acknowledged in roadmap changes.
Describe the solution you'd like
USB Host MSC Host support should be restored as a priority to the Arduino-ESP32 roadmap, with transparent communication about timeline, known obstacles, and implementation progress. Documentation needs to clarify roadmap changes. At minimum, official rationale should be published for its removal or delay.
Describe alternatives you've considered
Workarounds via ESP-IDF exist but are not ideal for most Arduino users. The only viable current solution requires direct ESP-IDF development and TinyUSB use, which is beyond the scope for most Arduino users. Community forks and code demos (e.g. https://github.com/nathalislight/esp32s3_USB_Drive/tree/main) exist, but none offer stable feature support from Arduino-ESP32. USB Device MSC mode is supported (ESP32 can appear as storage to a PC), but USB Host MSC mode (reading USB flash drive data) is missing.
Additional context
I have checked existing list of Feature requests and the Contribution Guide
Related area
USB Host MSC functionality (Mass Storage Class host mode) support for ESP32-S3 in Arduino-ESP32 core.
Hardware specification
ESP32-S3, ESP32-S2 (native USB OTG capable boards)
Is your feature request related to a problem?
USB Host MSC support was previously discussed, requested and appeared to be scheduled in the Arduino-ESP32 roadmap for January 2025. However, it is now missing from both the public roadmap and recent communications. This removes hopes for a production-ready ability to connect USB flash drives directly to ESP32-S3/S2 boards under Arduino, as requested in Issue #9276 (#9276). Multiple developers have been monitoring the official roadmap and documentation, and despite requests and forum posts, there is no clear update. It appears the feature has been deprioritized or removed altogether, yet its absence was not publicly acknowledged in roadmap changes.
Describe the solution you'd like
USB Host MSC Host support should be restored as a priority to the Arduino-ESP32 roadmap, with transparent communication about timeline, known obstacles, and implementation progress. Documentation needs to clarify roadmap changes. At minimum, official rationale should be published for its removal or delay.
Describe alternatives you've considered
Workarounds via ESP-IDF exist but are not ideal for most Arduino users. The only viable current solution requires direct ESP-IDF development and TinyUSB use, which is beyond the scope for most Arduino users. Community forks and code demos (e.g. https://github.com/nathalislight/esp32s3_USB_Drive/tree/main) exist, but none offer stable feature support from Arduino-ESP32. USB Device MSC mode is supported (ESP32 can appear as storage to a PC), but USB Host MSC mode (reading USB flash drive data) is missing.
Additional context
https://github.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/wiki/Release-Roadmap-and-Management/_history
I have checked existing list of Feature requests and the Contribution Guide