Nintendo Switch 2 Leak Hints at Huge Storage Improvement

Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Support

Recent leaks point towards the Nintendo Switch 2 supporting microSD Express cards, a significant upgrade from its predecessor's UHS-I standard. This suggests substantial improvements in storage technology for the upcoming console.

The rumor mill has been churning with details about the Switch 2, with reports suggesting mass production commenced in late 2024, possibly as early as September. This aligns with a surge of hardware leaks circulating since Q4 2024.

Adding fuel to the fire, several GameStop SKUs surfaced in early January 2025, purportedly for unannounced Switch 2 accessories. These SKUs, initially shared on Reddit, list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" products in 256GB and 512GB capacities, strongly indicating microSD Express compatibility.

A 900% Speed Boost: microSD Express vs. UHS-I

The current Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, boasting theoretical maximum transfer speeds of roughly 104 MB/s, though real-world speeds rarely exceed 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards leverage the NVMe protocol, achieving speeds around 985 MB/s – a remarkable 900% increase. This parallel data transfer method mirrors the technology in high-speed modern SSDs.

Capacity Comparison: UHS-I vs. microSD Express

The capacity difference is equally impressive. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express cards support up to 128TB – a 6,300% jump. The leaked GameStop pricing suggests a 256GB card at $49.99 and a 512GB card at $84.99.

Further leaks from Opposite-Chemistry96 reveal SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance reinforces the ongoing influx of Switch 2-related leaks.

Nintendo has previously stated it would officially unveil its next console before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025). With only a few months remaining, the anticipation builds.