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

In a comprehensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct, Nintendo provided an in-depth look at the upcoming Switch 2, unveiling critical details about the console. Priced at $449.99, the Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and will come with a host of exciting new games. A notable change is that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion, marking a departure from the previous model's compatibility with standard microSD cards.

This shift to microSD Express means that existing storage cards from the original Switch won't be compatible with the new console. To expand your storage, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99.

SanDisk microSD Express Card Options

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

The Switch 2 boasts an impressive 256GB of internal storage, a significant upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. While this might mean you won't need to expand your storage immediately, it's worth noting that Switch 2 games are likely to be larger. For instance, while 'Tears of the Kingdom' on the original Switch was 16GB, its Switch 2 counterpart and games like 'Mario Kart World' could demand much more space.

Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games haven't been disclosed, it's anticipated they'll require substantial storage. The decision to use microSD Express cards over standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards reflects Nintendo's commitment to supporting larger, more demanding games.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's adoption of microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 represents a significant advancement in portable storage technology. Traditional microSD cards cap at 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, whereas microSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly 10 times faster. This substantial speed increase ensures the Switch 2 can handle larger, more demanding games without performance issues.

However, there's a notable downside: microSD Express cards are more expensive. A 128GB SD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, while the same capacity in an Express card is about $45. Additionally, microSD Express cards are less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's move to microSD Express is geared towards speed and future-proofing, 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 pricier, memory cards. For a comprehensive look at all the other details Nintendo shared during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.