The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, and with its arrival, gamers should be aware that it comes equipped with only 256GB of internal storage. If you're planning to dive into a vast library of games without the hassle of constantly managing your storage space, you'll need to consider expanding it. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 takes a different approach from its predecessor by requiring a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion. These cards are faster but come with a higher price tag compared to traditional UHS-based SD cards.
MicroSD Express cards have been around for a while, but they haven't caught on widely among creative professionals yet. However, with the imminent release of the Switch 2, we can expect a surge in available options to meet the demand. Keep in mind, since the system hasn't been released yet, I haven't been able to test any of these cards. Nevertheless, they come from reputable manufacturers known for their quality storage solutions.
The Nintendo Switch 2 mandates the use of MicroSD Express cards for storage expansion, a decision Nintendo hasn't fully explained. However, it's clear they want to ensure games run smoothly, whether stored internally or on an expansion card. The Switch 2 uses UFS flash storage, similar to what's found in smartphones, which is significantly faster than the eMMC drive in the original Switch. This means developers can rely on consistent high-speed performance. Regular MicroSD cards can only be used for transferring screenshots and videos from your first-gen Switch, so if you're looking to expand storage for games, you'll need a MicroSD Express card.
The Lexar Play Pro stands out as the fastest and most capacious MicroSD Express card currently available, offering read speeds up to 900MB/s and storage options up to 1TB. However, due to high demand surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2, it's currently out of stock. Keep an eye out for restocks, particularly the 1TB version, which can be pre-ordered through Adorama with an expected availability in July.
SanDisk, a well-known name in the SD card market, offers a MicroSD Express card that's readily available. While it maxes out at 256GB, effectively doubling the Switch 2's internal storage, it's a solid choice if you're looking for a quick and reliable option. With read speeds up to 880MB/s, it's slightly slower than the Lexar Play Pro but still more than adequate for gaming. If you're eager to expand your storage without waiting, this is the card to grab.
Samsung's MicroSD Express card, sold directly by Nintendo, is an intriguing option, though details about its performance and available storage sizes are scarce. While it's reassuring to have Nintendo's endorsement, we'll have to wait for more information on its specs. I've reached out to Samsung for more details and will update this article as soon as I have them.
MicroSD Express cards are significantly faster than traditional SD cards, thanks to their use of PCI Express 3.1 technology, similar to what's used in SSDs for PCs. While full-sized SD Express cards can reach read speeds up to 3,940MB/s, MicroSD Express cards top out at 985MB/s, which is still much faster than the older MicroSD cards used by the original Nintendo Switch.
Like any SD card, MicroSD Express cards have a limited lifespan, typically lasting 5-10 years depending on usage and environmental conditions. It's wise to regularly back up important data to ensure it's not lost if the card fails.
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