Nintendo's recent 60-minute Nintendo Direct offered an in-depth look at the highly anticipated Switch 2, unveiling critical details such as its price ($449.99), launch date (June 5, 2025), and an exciting array of new games. A significant announcement was the exclusive compatibility of the Switch 2 with microSD Express Cards, marking a departure from the storage solutions used in the original Switch.
This means that when you upgrade to the Switch 2 this summer, you won't be able to use your existing storage cards. To meet your storage needs, you'll have to opt for microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers options on Amazon, including a 128GB card priced at $44.99 and a 256GB card at $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 boasts a substantial internal storage of 256GB, a notable upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This might suffice for initial use, but considering the potential increase in game file sizes, you may eventually need to expand. For instance, "Tears of the Kingdom" on the original Switch was 16GB, and its Switch 2 counterpart, along with other titles like "Mario Kart World," are expected to be much larger.
Although the exact sizes of Switch 2 games remain undisclosed, it's anticipated they will require considerable storage space. Unlike the original, which supported various microSD formats, the Switch 2 will exclusively use microSD Express cards.
Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2? ---------------------------------Nintendo's decision to adopt microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 reflects a significant shift in storage technology. These cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology, achieving read/write speeds of up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the 104 MB/s limit of traditional microSD cards using UHS-I. This speed enhancement is crucial for handling the larger, more demanding games on the Switch 2, ensuring smooth performance without slowdowns.
However, there's a notable downside: microSD Express cards are more expensive. A 128GB SD card suitable for the original Switch typically costs around $10-15, while a similar capacity microSD Express card is about $45. Additionally, these cards are less common, with only a few manufacturers like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's move to microSD Express is aimed at speed and future-proofing, it does increase the cost of expandable storage for users.
If you're planning to purchase a Switch 2, be prepared to allocate additional funds for these faster, albeit pricier, memory cards. For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.
