"Switch 2 microSD Express Cards: 128GB for $45"

Nintendo recently unveiled an in-depth look at the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct, providing fans with exciting new details. The console is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and will retail for $449.99. Alongside the announcement, Nintendo revealed a lineup of new games and confirmed that the Switch 2 will exclusively use microSD Express Cards for storage expansion.

This means that if you're planning to upgrade to the Switch 2 this summer, you won't be able to use your existing storage cards. To increase your storage, you'll need to purchase microSD Express cards. SanDisk currently offers these cards on Amazon, with options including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99.

SanDisk microSD Express Cards for Switch 2

• SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card - $59.99 (originally $64.99)
• SanDisk 128GB microSD Express Card - $44.99 (originally $49.99)

The Switch 2 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This might be sufficient initially, but keep in mind that games for the Switch 2 could be significantly larger than those on the original console. For instance, while the game "Tears of the Kingdom" on the original Switch was 16GB, its Switch 2 version and other titles like "Mario Kart World" may require more storage space.

Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games haven't been disclosed, it's reasonable to anticipate that they will use more storage than their predecessors. Unlike the original Switch, which was compatible with standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will only support microSD Express cards.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2's storage expansion is a significant shift. MicroSD Express cards offer a substantial advancement in portable storage technology. Traditional microSD cards top out at 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, while microSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly 10 times faster.

Due to these speed advantages, the Switch 2 will not support regular microSD cards, requiring the use of microSD Express cards. This change ensures the system can handle larger, more demanding games without experiencing slowdowns. However, there's a significant drawback: these cards are more expensive. A 128GB SD card for the original Switch costs around $10-15, whereas a microSD Express card of the same capacity is priced at about $45.

MicroSD Express cards are less common than standard microSD cards, with brands like SanDisk and Samsung being among the few manufacturers. While Nintendo's switch to microSD Express is aimed at enhancing speed and future-proofing the console, it does mean higher costs for users looking 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 today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.