Switch 2 Compatible microSD Express Cards Start From $45 for 128GB

In a recent 60-minute Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled exciting details about the upcoming Switch 2. The console is set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99. Alongside the release date and price, Nintendo confirmed a significant shift in storage compatibility—the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards. This means that when you upgrade to the Switch 2 this summer, you won't be able to use your existing storage cards. Instead, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards, such as those offered by SanDisk on Amazon, which include a 128GB option for $44.99 and a 256GB version for $59.99.

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)

The Switch 2 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial increase from the original Switch's 32GB. This upgrade might mean you won't need to expand your storage immediately. However, with the potential for larger game sizes on the Switch 2, you may eventually need more space. For instance, while the original Switch game "Tears of the Kingdom" was 16GB, its Switch 2 counterpart and other new titles like "Mario Kart World" might demand significantly more storage.

Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games are yet to be revealed, it's reasonable to expect them to be larger and more demanding. Unlike the original Switch, which supported a range of microSD cards, the Switch 2 will only accept microSD Express cards.

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 is a significant move. MicroSD Express cards leverage advanced PCIe and NVMe technology, achieving speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the 104 MB/s maximum of traditional microSD cards using the UHS-I interface. This speed increase is why the Switch 2 won't support older microSD cards; it's designed to handle the larger, more demanding games without performance issues.

However, there's a notable downside to this upgrade: microSD Express cards are pricier. A 128GB standard SD card for the original Switch might cost you around $10-15, while a similar capacity microSD Express card is priced at about $45. These cards are less common, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. Nintendo's shift to microSD Express is aimed at enhancing speed and future-proofing the console, but it does come with higher costs for users seeking expandable storage.

If you're planning to purchase a Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, albeit more expensive, memory cards. For a comprehensive overview of everything showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.