The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is just around the corner, and if you're planning to get your hands on one, you should know it comes with a built-in storage of 256GB. For avid gamers looking to avoid the hassle of constantly uninstalling and reinstalling games, expanding your storage is a must. However, unlike its predecessor, the new console requires a MicroSD Express card, which offers faster performance but at a higher cost compared to traditional UHS-based SD cards.
Although MicroSD Express cards have been around for a while, they haven’t caught on widely among creative professionals, leading to limited options on the market. With the imminent launch of the Switch 2, expect a surge in availability of these cards to meet the demand.
Since the Nintendo Switch 2 isn't out yet, I haven't had the chance to test any of these MicroSD Express cards. However, they are produced by reputable manufacturers known for their high-quality storage solutions.
Why MicroSD Express?
The Nintendo Switch 2 mandates the use of MicroSD Express cards for storage expansion, though Nintendo hasn’t detailed the rationale behind this choice. The reason might be linked to the console's internal flash storage, which uses UFS technology—similar to that in modern smartphones. This is a significant upgrade from the eMMC drive in the original Switch, and it likely ensures that developers can rely on consistent storage speeds, whether the game is stored internally or on an expansion card.
Unlike other consoles like the PS5, which allow slower external drives for last-gen games, the Switch 2 doesn't provide such flexibility. If you want to expand your storage, a MicroSD Express card is your only option. You can only use regular MicroSD cards for transferring screenshots and videos from your first-gen Switch.
1. Lexar Play Pro
The Best MicroSD Express Card
Out of the few MicroSD Express cards available, the Lexar Play Pro stands out as the fastest and most capacious. Boasting read speeds up to 900MB/s and storage options up to 1TB, it's the top choice for Switch 2 users right now. However, its popularity has led to stock shortages, making it hard to find. Keep an eye out for the 1TB version, especially, and consider ordering through Adorama, where it’s available on backorder until July.
2. SanDisk MicroSD Express
The MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now
SanDisk, a well-known name in SD cards, offers a MicroSD Express card that's readily available. Although it maxes out at 256GB, effectively doubling your Switch 2's internal storage, it's a reliable choice. With read speeds of up to 880MB/s, it's slightly slower than the Lexar Play Pro, but the difference won't be noticeable in gameplay. If you're looking for immediate availability, this card is the way to go.
3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2
The Official Option We Know Very Little About
Samsung's MicroSD Express card, sold directly by Nintendo, is shrouded in mystery as it hasn't hit the market yet. While details like storage speeds and available capacities are unknown, the official endorsement by Nintendo adds a layer of assurance. As soon as more information becomes available, this article will be updated.
MicroSD Express FAQ
How fast is MicroSD Express?
MicroSD Express cards are significantly faster than older SD cards, thanks to their use of PCI Express 3.1 technology, similar to that used by SSDs in PCs. While full-sized SD Express cards can reach read speeds of up to 3,940MB/s, MicroSD Express cards top out at 985MB/s—still a substantial leap over the older MicroSD cards used in the original Nintendo Switch.
How long will a MicroSD Express card last?
Like any SD card, MicroSD Express cards are not designed for long-term data storage and have a finite lifespan. Expect them to last between 5-10 years, depending on usage and environmental factors. Always back up important data to ensure you don't lose anything crucial.
