Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of new details about the Switch 2 during an extensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct. Key announcements included the console's price of $449.99, a release date set for June 5, 2025, and a lineup of exciting new games. A significant reveal was that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion.
This means that when you get your hands on the Switch 2 this summer, you won't be able to use your existing storage cards. To increase your storage capacity, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards, such as those available from SanDisk on Amazon. Currently, they offer a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $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 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial improvement over the original Switch's 32GB. This might mean you won't need to expand your storage immediately. However, with Switch 2 games expected to be larger, you may eventually need more space. For instance, while "Tears of the Kingdom" was 16GB on the original Switch, its Switch 2 counterpart, along with titles like "Mario Kart World," could demand significantly more storage.
Although the exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain undisclosed, it's reasonable to anticipate that they will take up considerable storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will only accept microSD Express cards.
Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2? ---------------------------------Nintendo is making a significant shift with the Switch 2's storage options. The choice of microSD Express cards represents a major advancement in portable storage technology. While traditional microSD cards are limited to 104 MB/s with the UHS-I interface, microSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to reach speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster.
This speed advantage is why the Switch 2 will only support microSD Express cards. It ensures the console can handle the demands of larger, more intensive games without performance issues. However, there's a notable drawback: these cards are more expensive. A 128GB standard SD card for the original Switch costs around $10-15, whereas a microSD Express card of the same capacity is priced at about $45.
MicroSD Express cards are less common than standard microSD cards, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards is geared towards enhancing speed and future-proofing the console, it does mean higher costs for expandable storage for users.
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.
