The Nintendo Switch 2 provides a reasonably large improve relating to uncooked cupboard space. The 256GB onboard SSD is 4 occasions bigger than the Switch OLED (64GB) and eight occasions the dimensions of the unique Switch and Switch Lite (32GB). That stated, the Switch 2’s efficiency upgrades will inevitably result in greater file sizes for upcoming video games, which might compel you to broaden your console’s storage capability. Similar to its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a microSD card slot. However whereas the Switch labored with principally each microSD card bought in shops, the Switch 2 is just suitable with a really particular kind of storage: microSD Express cards.
The Express format is a current development within the semiconductor trade that hasn’t been broadly adopted by producers but. The Nintendo Switch 2 will definitely enhance its adoption price by each producers and shoppers in a rush. Throughout final week’s Nintendo Direct, we discovered that each Samsung and SanDisk are manufacturing Tremendous Mario-themed microSD Express Cards. Listings for Samsung’s 256GB microSD Express Card are reside now at Walmart, Goal, and GameStop.
If you wish to get forward of any potential Switch 2 storage woes, we have put collectively a quick checklist and explainer detailing the microSD Express choices obtainable now from SanDisk and Lexar in addition to upcoming fashions from Samsung and GameStop. Unsurprisingly, a few of the playing cards on this checklist have bought out a number of occasions since Nintendo unveiled the microSD Express prolonged storage limitation for the Switch 2. As such, we would not be stunned if the themed playing cards bought out when preorders finally open.
microSD Express Cards for Switch 2 you should purchase now:
For extra on the brand new console, try GameSpot’s Nintendo Switch 2 preorder information, which incorporates the entire first-social gathering {hardware} and video games featured within the Nintendo Direct. Preorders for the Switch 2, its equipment, and a bunch of launch video games will open quickly, and we’re solely two months out from the console’s June 5 launch.
You can order the playing cards at any time when Switch 2 console preorders open within the US. Nintendo delayed preorders from April 9 to an unspecified date within the US and Canada as a result of ongoing tariff scenario.
Available in 128GB and 256GB models
(*2*)
If you want to future-proof your Switch 2’s storage space, Lexar is the only major manufacturer with microSD Express Cards exceeding 256GB.
Lexar’s Express Play Pro Cards launched in March in three different capacities: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The 256GB retails for $50, the 512GB is $90 (was $100), and the 1TB will set you back $200–close to half the price of the Switch 2 console.
Like the SanDisk Express that debuted last year, Lexar’s cards offer blistering speeds. Lexar says its microSD Express Play Pro can reach 900MB/s read speeds and 600MB/s write speeds.
The manufacturer has already updated its Amazon listing to mention the Nintendo Switch 2, and all three models have sold out at least once and are subject to wide delivery windows that seem to be fluctuating by the day.
$60 | Releases June 5 | Preorders open alongside the console
Samsung announced its own microSD Express Card earlier this year. Samsung’s upcoming high-speed cards offer up to 800MB/s sequential read speeds. While Samsung has not revealed the price of its regular offerings, we now know the Nintendo-licensed version of its 256GB microSD Express Card costs $60–unless the tariff situation causes SanDisk and Nintendo to increase the price.
The $60 price point is honestly a bit of a surprise considering how expensive branded microSD cards for gaming tend to be listed for in comparison to regular editions. Though not officially confirmed, we’d expect the Nintendo-branded card to offer the same performance as the regular model.
It’s still possible that Samsung’s regular 256GB microSD Express Card will retail for less than $60, but this branded option actually has a lower MSRP than the SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card that’s already available.
Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models
Preorders have opened for a spread of GameStop-branded equipment for Nintendo Switch 2, together with microSD Express Cards able to reaching speeds of 800MB/s, in accordance with GameStop.
GameStop’s Switch 2 equipment are not formally licensed by Nintendo, and it is unknown which reminiscence producer constructed these playing cards. However GameStop clearly determined to capitalize on elevated curiosity over the previous week, because the beforehand affordable worth factors for the three playing cards have disappeared.
GameStop’s microSD Express Cards now value greater than a few of the playing cards from main producers. The 256GB model modified from $50 to $70, which is quite inexplicable contemplating you will get a SanDisk card for $60.
The 512GB version began at $85 and has since climbed to $100 (identical worth as Lexar). Lastly, the 1TB mannequin, which was solely $150 final week, is now $190–very near the value Lexar expenses.
In relation to storage and reminiscence, it is typically a good suggestion to go for identified manufacturers with established reputations, so choosing a card of unknown origins could possibly be considered as a big gamble. That is doubly true when factoring within the eyebrow-elevating worth will increase.
GameStop’s microSD Express Cards can be found to preorder alongside carrying circumstances, controller grips, and even a USB-C hub with video out, which is the primary third-social gathering “dock” marketed for Switch 2. Nonetheless, this USB-C dongle solely provides 720p decision, so it’d solely be helpful when taking part in on a transportable show with out 1080p or 4K decision.
GameStop’s Switch 2 equipment launch the identical day because the console on June 5.
Extra GameStop-branded Switch 2 equipment:
Here’s a better have a look at the official Samsung and SanDisk microSD Express Cards releasing on June 5:
