"Switch 2 microSD Express Cards: 128GB for $45"

Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the Switch 2 during a comprehensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct. The console is set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99. Alongside the announcement, Nintendo revealed a lineup of new games and confirmed that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion. This means that if you're upgrading from the original Switch, you won't be able to use your existing storage cards with the new console.

To expand your storage on the Switch 2, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers compatible options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99. The Switch 2 itself comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a significant upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. While this might be sufficient initially, the larger file sizes of Switch 2 games could necessitate additional storage sooner than you might expect.

For instance, the expansive game "Tears of the Kingdom" on the original Switch was 16GB, but its Switch 2 counterpart, along with other titles like "Mario Kart World," are expected to be much larger. Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain undisclosed, it's clear they will demand more storage space. Unlike the original Switch, which supported a range of microSD cards, the Switch 2 will only accept microSD Express cards.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 marks a significant shift in storage technology. MicroSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology, offering speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the 104 MB/s maximum of traditional microSD cards using the UHS-I interface. This speed boost is crucial for handling the larger, more demanding games expected on the Switch 2, ensuring smooth performance without slowdowns.

However, there's a notable downside: microSD Express cards are more expensive. A 128GB microSD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, whereas a similar capacity microSD Express card is priced at about $45. Additionally, these cards are less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's move to microSD Express is aimed at enhancing speed and future-proofing the console, it does mean higher costs for users looking to expand their 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 showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.