Top MicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, and if you're planning to get one, you should know that it comes with a built-in storage of just 256GB. To avoid the hassle of constantly uninstalling and reinstalling games, expanding that storage is essential. However, unlike its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 requires a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion. These cards are faster but also more expensive than the UHS-based SD cards used in the original Switch.

MicroSD Express cards have been around for a while but are not widely used yet, mainly because creative professionals haven't found many applications for them. With the imminent launch of the Switch 2, expect a surge in the availability of these cards to meet the demand.

Keep in mind that since the Nintendo Switch 2 isn't out yet, I haven't had the chance to test these MicroSD Express cards. However, they come from reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality storage solutions.

Why MicroSD Express?

The Nintendo Switch 2 mandates the use of MicroSD Express cards for storage expansion, a decision Nintendo hasn't fully explained. However, it's clear that faster storage is a priority. The console uses UFS flash storage, similar to that in smartphones, which is much faster than the eMMC drive in the original Switch. Nintendo likely wants to ensure that game developers can rely on consistent storage speeds, whether the game is stored internally or on an expansion card.

Unlike other devices, such as the PS5, which allows last-generation games to be stored on slower external drives, the Nintendo Switch 2 does not offer this flexibility. If you want to expand your storage, a MicroSD Express card is your only option. Regular MicroSD cards are only useful for loading screenshots and videos from your first-generation Switch.

1. Lexar Play Pro

The Best MicroSD Express Card

Out of the available MicroSD Express cards, the Lexar Play Pro stands out as the fastest and most capacious option. With read speeds up to 900MB/s and storage up to 1TB, it's the top choice right now. However, due to high demand for Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, it's currently out of stock everywhere. Keep an eye on it, especially the 1TB version, and consider ordering from Adorama, where it's on backorder until July.

2. SanDisk MicroSD Express

The MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now

SanDisk, a well-known name in SD cards, now offers a MicroSD Express card. Although it only comes in a 256GB version, doubling your console's internal storage is still a good deal, especially if you can find it at a lower price. With a read speed of up to 880MB/s, it's slightly slower than the Lexar Play Pro but still more than sufficient for gaming. It's readily available, making it a convenient choice if you want to secure your storage expansion immediately.

3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2

The Official Option We Know Very Little About

Samsung's MicroSD Express card, sold directly by Nintendo, adds an official touch to your storage solution. However, details about its performance and available storage options remain scarce. It's reassuring to have a card with Nintendo's seal of approval, and I'm in contact with Samsung to gather more information, which I will update here once available.

MicroSD Express FAQ

How fast is MicroSD Express?

MicroSD Express cards are significantly faster than older SD cards due to their use of PCI Express 3.1, the same interface used by SSDs in PCs. While full-sized SD Express cards can reach read speeds up to 3,940MB/s, MicroSD Express cards top out at 985MB/s. This is still much faster than the MicroSD cards used in the original Nintendo Switch.

How long will a MicroSD Express card last?

Like all SD cards, MicroSD Express cards are not designed for long-term data storage and have a limited lifespan. Their durability depends on usage and environmental conditions. Generally, you can expect a MicroSD Express card to last between 5-10 years before needing replacement. Always back up important data to ensure it's not lost.