Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks suggest the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will boast a significant storage upgrade, supporting microSD Express cards. This revelation comes from several GameStop stock keeping units (SKUs) seemingly related to unreleased Switch 2 accessories. The SKUs, initially posted by Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96, list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" options in 256GB and 512GB capacities, strongly indicating compatibility with the microSD Express standard.
This represents a substantial leap forward from the Nintendo Switch's UHS-I microSD card support. The speed difference is dramatic: microSD Express cards offer transfer speeds around 985 MB/s, compared to the approximately 95 MB/s maximum of UHS-I cards—a nearly 900% increase. This improvement is attributed to microSD Express's use of the NVMe protocol, the same technology powering high-speed SSDs.
Capacity also sees a massive boost. While UHS-I cards top out at 2TB, microSD Express cards can reach up to 128TB – a 6,300% increase. GameStop's leaked pricing suggests a 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express card will retail for $49.99, and a 512GB card for $84.99.
Further leaks from Opposite-Chemistry96 include SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance aligns with the ongoing influx of Switch 2 leaks. Nintendo has previously stated it will unveil the console before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving a few months for an official announcement.
UHS-I vs. microSD Express:
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Max Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
The leaked information strongly suggests the Switch 2 will offer significantly faster data transfer speeds and dramatically increased storage capacity compared to its predecessor.
