New 128GB microSD Express Cards for Switch 2 Start at $45

Nintendo recently provided an in-depth look at the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct, unveiling crucial details including the console's price at $449.99, a release date set for 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, meaning you won't be able to use your existing storage cards with the new console. To expand your storage, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards, such as those available from SanDisk on Amazon, which include a 128GB option for $44.99 and a 256GB option for $59.99.

SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card

• $64.99 save 8% - $59.99 at Amazon
• 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 a substantial internal storage capacity of 256GB, a significant upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This could mean you won't need to rush into buying additional storage immediately. However, considering that Switch 2 games might have larger file sizes, such as the 16GB "Tears of the Kingdom" potentially requiring more space in its Switch 2 version, along with titles like "Mario Kart World," it's wise to be prepared.

Although the exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain unconfirmed, it's reasonable to expect they will demand more storage space. The Switch 2's exclusive support for microSD Express cards marks a departure from the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2's storage expansion is a bold move. MicroSD Express cards represent a significant advancement in portable storage technology. Traditional microSD cards are limited to 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, but microSD Express cards 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 not support regular microSD cards; only microSD Express cards will be compatible. This ensures the system can manage larger, more demanding games without performance issues. However, there's a notable downside: microSD Express cards are more expensive. For instance, a 128GB SD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, while a similar capacity microSD Express card is around $45.

Additionally, microSD Express cards are not as widely available as standard microSD cards, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. Nintendo's shift to microSD Express is geared towards speed and future-proofing, but it does mean higher costs for users seeking 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 Nintendo showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.