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

Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the upcoming Switch 2 during a comprehensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct. The console is set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99. Alongside the announcement, Nintendo revealed a lineup of new games and confirmed 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 expand your storage, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers compatible options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99.

SanDisk microSD Express Cards

• SanDisk 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 significant upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This might mean you won't need to expand your storage immediately. However, considering that Switch 2 games are expected to be larger than those on the original console, you might want to consider additional storage down the line. For instance, while 'Tears of the Kingdom' was 16GB on the original Switch, its Switch 2 version and games like 'Mario Kart World' could demand much more space.

Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games haven't been confirmed, it's safe to assume they'll require substantial storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will only support 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 offer a substantial leap forward, utilizing PCIe and NVMe technology 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 advantage is why the Switch 2 will only support microSD Express cards, ensuring the system can handle larger, more demanding games without performance issues. However, there's a notable downside: these cards are more expensive. A 128GB microSD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, whereas a similar capacity microSD Express card is priced at 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 aimed 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, yet pricier, memory cards. For a comprehensive look at everything else Nintendo showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.