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

Nintendo unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the Switch 2 during a recent expansive 60-minute Nintendo Direct. Key highlights included the console's price, set at $449.99, its eagerly awaited release date on June 5, 2025, and an array of new games set to launch. A significant announcement was that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion, marking a shift from the storage options available for the original Switch.

This means that if you're planning to upgrade to the Switch 2 this summer, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards, as your existing storage solutions won't be compatible. Currently, SanDisk offers microSD Express cards on Amazon, with options including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99. The Switch 2 itself boasts an impressive 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB, which may initially meet your needs. However, considering that Switch 2 games are expected to have larger file sizes than their predecessors, such as the 16GB Tears of the Kingdom, you might soon find yourself in need of additional storage.

### SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card

1$64.99 save 8%$59.99 at Amazon
SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card - $59.99 (was $64.99)
SanDisk 128GB microSD Express Card - $44.99 (was $49.99)

While the exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain unconfirmed, it's safe to anticipate that they will demand more storage than games on the original console. This shift in storage technology from the Switch's support for standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards to the Switch 2's exclusive use of microSD Express cards underscores Nintendo's commitment to enhanced performance.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to adopt microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 is driven by the significant advancements in portable storage technology. Traditional microSD cards top out at 104 MB/s with the UHS-I interface, whereas microSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster. This leap in speed ensures that the Switch 2 can handle larger, more demanding games without experiencing slowdowns.

However, this upgrade comes with a notable downside: microSD Express cards are more expensive. For instance, a 128GB SD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, while 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 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 Nintendo showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.