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

Nintendo recently unveiled an in-depth look at the highly anticipated Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct, showcasing crucial details like the console's price ($449.99), its release date (June 5, 2025), and a lineup of exciting new games. A significant revelation was that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion.

This means that when you upgrade to the Switch 2 this summer, you won't be able to use your existing storage cards. To boost your storage, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards, such as those offered by SanDisk on Amazon. Available options include a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99.

SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card

• SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card - Now $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 upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. While this might suffice initially, it's worth noting that games for the Switch 2 could require more space than their predecessors. For instance, while "Tears of the Kingdom" occupied 16GB on the original Switch, its Switch 2 version and games like "Mario Kart World" might demand even more.

Although the exact sizes of Switch 2 games remain unconfirmed, it's reasonable to expect them to be larger. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will only accept microSD Express cards.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 marks a significant shift in storage technology. MicroSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technologies to achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the 104 MB/s max of traditional microSD cards using the UHS-I interface. This speed boost ensures that the Switch 2 can efficiently handle larger and more demanding games without performance hiccups.

However, there's a catch: microSD Express cards are more expensive. A 128GB microSD card for the original Switch typically costs around $10-15, while a microSD Express card of the same capacity can set you back about $45. Moreover, 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 at enhancing speed and future-proofing 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, albeit pricier, memory cards. For a comprehensive overview of all the exciting announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.