In a recent 60-minute Nintendo Direct, Nintendo provided an in-depth look at the upcoming Switch 2, revealing key details such as its price of $449.99 and a release date set for June 5, 2025. Alongside a lineup of new games, it was announced that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion. This means that users won't be able to use their existing storage cards from the original Switch and will need to invest in microSD Express cards. SanDisk, for instance, offers compatible options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99.
Switch 2 Compatible### SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card
1$64.99 save 8%$59.99 at AmazonSanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card - $59.99 (was $64.99)SanDisk 128GB microSD Express Card - $44.99 (was $49.99)
The Switch 2 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial increase from the original Switch's 32GB. This upgrade might delay the immediate need for additional storage, but considering that Switch 2 games could be significantly larger than those on the original console, future expansion might become necessary. For instance, while the game "Tears of the Kingdom" on the original Switch was 16GB, its Switch 2 version and other new titles like "Mario Kart World" may demand more space. Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games are yet to be confirmed, it's likely they'll require more storage than before.
Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2? ---------------------------------Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 represents a significant shift in storage technology. MicroSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology, allowing for transfer speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the 104 MB/s max speed of traditional microSD cards using the UHS-I interface. This speed boost ensures that the Switch 2 can handle larger, more demanding games without experiencing slowdowns. However, this upgrade comes with a cost: microSD Express cards are pricier, with a 128GB card costing around $45 compared to $10-15 for a standard SD card of the same capacity. Additionally, these cards are less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung currently producing them. While Nintendo's shift to microSD Express is aimed at improving performance and future-proofing the console, it does mean higher costs for users seeking to expand their storage.
If you're planning to purchase a Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, yet more expensive, memory cards. For a comprehensive overview of everything showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, click here.
