Nintendo recently provided a comprehensive look at the upcoming Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct. This deep dive revealed crucial details such as the console's price ($449.99), its release date (June 5, 2025), and an exciting lineup of new games. A significant announcement was that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion.
This change means that you won't be able to use your existing storage cards with the new console. If you're planning to upgrade your storage, you'll need to purchase microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers compatible options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99.
SanDisk microSD Express Cards
- SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card - $59.99 (was $64.99)
- SanDisk 128GB microSD Express Card - $44.99 (was $49.99)
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes 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, it's worth noting that games for the Switch 2 are expected to be significantly larger than those on the original console. For instance, while Tears of the Kingdom was 16GB on the original Switch, its Switch 2 version and games like Mario Kart World could demand much more space.
Although the exact file sizes for Switch 2 games are yet to be confirmed, it's likely they will require a considerable amount of storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will only work with microSD Express cards.
Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?
Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 represents a significant shift in storage technology. MicroSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology, allowing them to achieve transfer speeds of up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the 104 MB/s max of traditional microSD cards using UHS-I. This increased speed is crucial for handling the larger and more demanding games expected on the Switch 2.
However, there's a notable downside: microSD Express cards are more expensive. A 128GB standard SD card for the original Switch typically costs 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 cards aims to enhance performance and future-proof 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 today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.
