Nintendo unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the Switch 2 during a recent extended 60-minute Nintendo Direct. The console, set to launch on June 5, 2025, will be priced at $449.99. Alongside the release date and price, Nintendo showcased an array of new games and confirmed that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion.
This shift to microSD Express means that you won't be able to use your existing storage cards with the new console. To increase your storage, you'll need to purchase microSD Express cards, such as those offered by SanDisk on Amazon. Options include a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99.
Switch 2 Compatible SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts 256GB of internal storage, a significant leap from the original Switch's 32GB. This upgrade might delay the need for additional storage, but it's worth noting that games for the Switch 2 are expected to be larger. For instance, while the original Switch game "Tears of the Kingdom" was 16GB, its Switch 2 counterpart, along with games like "Mario Kart World," may demand more space.
Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain undisclosed, it's likely they'll require substantial storage. Unlike its predecessor, which supported various types of microSD cards, the Switch 2 will only accept microSD Express cards.
Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?
Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 represents a significant advancement in portable storage technology. Traditional microSD cards, with a maximum speed of 104 MB/s via the UHS-I interface, are outpaced by microSD Express cards, which leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to reach speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster.
The Switch 2's exclusive support for microSD Express ensures it can handle larger and more demanding games without performance issues. However, there's a notable downside: these cards are more expensive. For instance, a 128GB standard SD card for the original Switch costs around $10-15, while a 128GB microSD Express card is priced at about $45. Additionally, microSD Express cards are less common, with brands like SanDisk and Samsung being among the few manufacturers.
While Nintendo's adoption of microSD Express aims to enhance speed and future-proof the console, it does mean higher costs for users needing expandable storage. If you're planning to purchase a Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, yet pricier, memory cards. For more insights into everything revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.
