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

Nintendo provided an extensive look at the upcoming Switch 2 during a recent 60-minute Nintendo Direct, unveiling crucial details such as the console's price of $449.99 and its release date set for June 5, 2025. Alongside these announcements, a lineup of new games was showcased. Notably, the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion, meaning that existing storage cards from the original Switch won't be compatible. If you're planning to upgrade your storage, consider the microSD Express cards currently available from SanDisk on Amazon, including a 128GB model for $44.99 and a 256GB model 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 Nintendo Switch 2 boasts an impressive 256GB of internal storage, a significant leap 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, such as the anticipated larger file sizes for games like the Switch 2 version of Tears of the Kingdom and Mario Kart World, you might find yourself needing more space sooner than expected.

While specific file sizes for Switch 2 games remain undisclosed, it's reasonable to expect them to be more substantial than their predecessors. The Switch 2's exclusive support for microSD Express cards, as opposed to the original Switch's compatibility with standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, is a notable shift.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2's storage expansion is a significant move. MicroSD Express cards offer a substantial advancement in portable storage technology. Traditional microSD cards are limited to 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, whereas microSD Express cards can leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster. This speed advantage is why the Switch 2 will only support microSD Express cards, ensuring it 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 a similar capacity microSD Express card is priced at about $45. Additionally, these cards are less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's shift 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 overview of everything showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.