In a recent, extensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the upcoming Switch 2. Priced at $449.99, the console is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and will feature a host of new games. A significant piece of news is that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion, meaning you won't be able to use your existing microSD cards with this new console.
To prepare for the Switch 2's storage needs, you can look into microSD Express cards currently listed on Amazon by SanDisk. Options include a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99. The Switch 2 itself comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage—a substantial leap from the original Switch's 32GB. This upgrade means you might not need to expand your storage immediately, but considering the potential larger file sizes of Switch 2 games, it's wise to plan ahead.
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)For instance, while the original Switch game, Tears of the Kingdom, occupied 16GB, its Switch 2 counterpart, along with games like Mario Kart World, could demand significantly more space. Although the exact file sizes for Switch 2 games are yet to be disclosed, it's anticipated they'll require substantial storage. Unlike the original Switch, which was compatible with standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express cards.
Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?
Nintendo's shift to microSD Express for the Switch 2's storage expansion is a notable change driven by the technology's advanced capabilities. While traditional microSD cards top out at 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, microSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to reach speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster. This speed boost is why the Switch 2 will not support regular microSD cards, ensuring the system can handle larger, more demanding games without performance issues.
However, there's a significant downside: these cards are pricier. A 128GB microSD card for the original Switch typically costs around $10-15, whereas a 128GB microSD Express card is approximately $45. Additionally, microSD Express cards are less common, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's move to microSD Express aims to enhance speed and future-proof the console, it does mean higher costs for expandable 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, you can click here.
