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

Nintendo recently held an extensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct, diving deep into the highly anticipated Switch 2. They unveiled a wealth of new details, including the console's price of $449.99, its launch date set for June 5, 2025, and an exciting lineup of new games. A significant revelation 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 boost your storage, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. SanDisk currently offers these on Amazon, with options like a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99.

Switch 2 Compatible### SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card

The Switch 2 will come equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This might mean you won't need to expand your storage immediately. However, with the potential for larger file sizes in Switch 2 games, you might find yourself needing more space sooner than expected. For instance, while "Tears of the Kingdom" was 16GB on the original Switch, its Switch 2 version, along with other titles like "Mario Kart World," could demand significantly more space.

Although the exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain undisclosed, it's reasonable to anticipate they'll take up more storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 is strictly limited to microSD Express cards.

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express for the Switch 2's storage expansion is a game-changer. MicroSD Express cards leverage advanced PCIe and NVMe technologies, offering read/write speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the 104 MB/s limit 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 catch: these cards come with a higher price tag. A 128GB microSD Express card costs around $45, whereas a standard 128GB SD card for the original Switch might only set you back $10-15. Moreover, microSD Express cards are less common, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's shift to microSD Express aims to enhance speed and future-proof the console, it does mean higher costs for expandable storage.

If you're planning to purchase a Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, albeit more expensive, memory cards. For a comprehensive look at everything revealed during today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.