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

Nintendo recently unveiled a comprehensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct, providing a deep dive into the highly anticipated Switch 2. The presentation revealed crucial details such as the console's price of $449.99 and its release date set for June 5, 2025. Alongside these announcements, a lineup of new games was showcased, sparking excitement among fans. A significant change highlighted during the event is that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion, meaning you won't be able to use your existing microSD cards with the new console.

To prepare for this summer's launch, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers compatible options on Amazon, including a 128GB card priced at $44.99 and a 256GB version at $59.99. These cards are essential for expanding your storage on the Switch 2, which comes equipped with a substantial 256GB of internal storage—a notable upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. While this increase might initially seem sufficient, keep in mind that games on the Switch 2 are expected to be larger and more demanding than their predecessors.

SanDisk microSD Express Card Options

• SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card - $59.99 (was $64.99)
• SanDisk 128GB microSD Express Card - $44.99 (was $49.99)

For instance, the sizable "Tears of the Kingdom" on the original Switch was 16GB, but its Switch 2 counterpart, along with titles like "Mario Kart World," may require significantly more space. While specific file sizes for Switch 2 games remain unconfirmed, it's safe to anticipate they will be larger and more demanding. This shift to microSD Express cards, which offer speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the traditional microSD cards' 104 MB/s—ensures the Switch 2 can handle these larger files efficiently.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 marks a significant advancement in portable storage technology. These cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology, enabling faster data transfer rates that are essential for handling the larger and more demanding games of the future. However, this upgrade comes with a notable downside: higher costs. A 128GB microSD Express card is priced around $45, compared to the $10-15 for a similar-capacity standard microSD card.

MicroSD Express cards are also less widely available, with brands like SanDisk and Samsung leading the market. While this move to microSD Express is about enhancing performance and future-proofing 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, albeit more expensive, memory cards.

For a detailed look at everything else Nintendo revealed during the Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.