Top MicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

With the Nintendo Switch 2 just around the corner, early adopters should be mindful of its limited internal storage capacity—only 256GB. If you're planning to keep a sizable game library without constantly uninstalling and reinstalling titles, expanding your storage becomes essential. But here's the catch: unlike the original Switch, the new console requires a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion. These cards are faster than traditional UHS-based SD cards but also more expensive and currently harder to find.

While the system hasn’t officially launched yet, we expect a surge in available MicroSD Express options once it does. For now, only a few models are on the market, though they come from trusted brands known for reliable performance. Keep in mind that none of these have been tested firsthand with the Switch 2 at this time—but rest assured, they’re made by manufacturers with strong track records in storage tech.

Why MicroSD Express?

Nintendo has made a clear shift by mandating MicroSD Express cards for storage expansion on the Switch 2. While the company hasn't publicly explained its reasoning, the decision likely ties back to performance consistency. The internal flash storage uses high-speed UFS technology similar to modern smartphones, which is significantly faster than the eMMC storage in the original Switch. By requiring MicroSD Express, Nintendo ensures developers can rely on fast load times whether games are stored internally or on an expansion card.

This also means the days of using standard MicroSD cards for game storage are over. The only use for older cards will be transferring screenshots and videos from the first-gen Switch. Unlike platforms like the PS5—which allow backward-compatible games on slower drives—Nintendo isn’t offering any alternative here. To expand your Switch 2 storage, you’ll need a MicroSD Express card.

1. Lexar Play Pro

The Best MicroSD Express Card

• Available at: B&H Photo and Video
• Pros: Up to 1TB capacity, fastest read speeds (up to 900MB/s)
• Cons: Currently out of stock, premium pricing

Among the two available MicroSD Express options, the Lexar Play Pro stands out as the superior choice. Offering up to 1TB of storage and blazing-fast read speeds, this card delivers top-tier performance. Unfortunately, due to high demand ahead of the Switch 2 launch, it’s nearly impossible to find in stock right now. However, availability is expected to stabilize over time. If you're looking for the best long-term option, especially the 1TB variant, keep an eye out for restocks—Adorama currently lists it on backorder until July.

2. SanDisk MicroSD Express

The MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now

• Available at: Amazon
• Pros: Readily available, comes from a trusted brand
• Cons: Max capacity capped at 256GB, slightly slower than Lexar (880MB/s read speed)

If you prefer to get your hands on a compatible card immediately, the SanDisk MicroSD Express is your best bet. While it doesn’t offer the same storage density or peak speed as the Lexar Play Pro, it still provides solid performance and reliability. With read speeds up to 880MB/s, the difference won’t be noticeable during gameplay, making this a practical and accessible option. Available now at major retailers, it’s ideal if you don’t want to wait for future releases.

3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2

The Official Option We Know Very Little About

• Available at: Best Buy
• Pros: Sold directly by Nintendo, reputable manufacturer
• Cons: No official specs released, currently unavailable

Samsung’s version of the MicroSD Express card is still unreleased but is expected to be the officially licensed storage solution for the Switch 2. While details about speed and capacity remain scarce, purchasing an officially supported product may provide peace of mind. At this point, no release date or confirmed specs have been announced, but updates are expected soon. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

MicroSD Express FAQ

How fast is MicroSD Express?

MicroSD Express leverages the PCIe 3.1 interface—commonly used by SSDs—to deliver significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to older SD formats. While full-sized SD Express cards can reach up to 3,940MB/s, MicroSD Express variants max out at around 985MB/s. That’s still much faster than the MicroSD UHS cards used in the original Switch, making them well-suited for next-gen gaming performance.

How long will a MicroSD Express card last?

Like all flash memory products, MicroSD Express cards aren’t designed for indefinite use. Their lifespan depends largely on usage conditions and frequency of read/write cycles. On average, these cards should last between 5 to 10 years under normal use. As always, important data should be backed up regularly to prevent loss due to hardware degradation.