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

In a recent extended 60-minute Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled a wealth of details about the upcoming Switch 2, including its price of $449.99 and its release date set for June 5, 2025. Alongside a lineup of new games, a significant change was announced regarding storage compatibility: the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards.

This means that when you get your hands on the Switch 2 this summer, you won't be able to use your old storage cards. To expand your storage, you'll need to purchase microSD Express cards. SanDisk has already listed compatible cards on Amazon, such as a 128GB model for $44.99 and a 256GB model for $59.99.

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

1$64.99 save 8%$59.99 at AmazonSanDisk 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 increase means you might not need to expand your storage immediately. However, be aware that Switch 2 games may be larger than those on the original console. For instance, while "Tears of the Kingdom" was 16GB on the original Switch, the Switch 2 version, along with games like "Mario Kart World," could demand much more space.

Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games haven't been confirmed, it's likely they'll take up significant storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will exclusively use microSD Express cards.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to switch to microSD Express for the Switch 2's storage expansion is a significant shift. But why? MicroSD Express cards represent a major advancement in portable storage technology. While traditional microSD cards top out at 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, microSD Express cards utilize PCIe and NVMe technology to achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster.

Due to these speed advantages, the Switch 2 won't support regular microSD cards, only microSD Express. This means you can't use your old Switch's memory card unless it's a compatible Express version. This change ensures the system can handle larger, more demanding games without performance issues.

However, there's a notable downside: **they're pricier**. A 128GB SD card for the original Switch would cost around $10-15, whereas the same storage capacity for an Express card is approximately $45. MicroSD Express cards aren't as widely available as standard microSDs, and only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung are currently producing them. While Nintendo's move to microSD Express aims to enhance speed and future-proof the console, it does increase the cost of expandable storage for users.

If you're planning to purchase a Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, yet more expensive, memory cards. To explore everything else Nintendo revealed during today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.