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

In a recent, extensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled a wealth of details about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, including its pricing at $449.99, a release date set for June 5, 2025, and an exciting lineup of new games. One significant revelation was the console's exclusive compatibility with microSD Express Cards for storage expansion. This means that when you get your hands on the Switch 2 this summer, you won't be able to use your existing storage cards.

To boost your Switch 2's storage, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk has some options available on Amazon, such as a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99. The Switch 2 itself comes with a robust 256GB of internal storage, a significant jump from the original Switch's 32GB. This might mean you won't need to expand your storage immediately, but considering the larger file sizes of upcoming Switch 2 games, it's something to keep in mind.

For instance, while the original Switch game "Tears of the Kingdom" was 16GB, the Switch 2 version along with titles like "Mario Kart World" could demand much more space. Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain undisclosed, it's reasonable to anticipate they'll take up substantial storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 is limited to microSD Express cards.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express for the Switch 2 marks a major shift in storage technology. The reason? MicroSD Express cards offer a significant advancement in speed. Traditional microSD cards top out at 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, whereas microSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to reach speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster.

This speed advantage is why the Switch 2 will only support microSD Express cards, ensuring the system can manage larger, more demanding games without performance lags. However, there's a downside: these cards are pricier. A 128GB SD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, while a similar capacity microSD Express card is around $45. Additionally, microSD Express cards are less common, with brands like SanDisk and Samsung being among the few producers. This shift to microSD Express by Nintendo aims at speed and future-proofing but at a higher cost 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 today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.