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

Nintendo recently delved deep into the details of the highly anticipated Switch 2 during a comprehensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct, unveiling a wealth of new information. Among the highlights were the console's price ($449.99), its release date (June 5, 2025), and a lineup of exciting new games. Additionally, it was confirmed that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards.

This means that your existing storage cards from the original Switch will not be compatible when you upgrade this summer. To expand your storage, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards, such as those available on Amazon from brands like SanDisk. Options include a 128GB card priced at $44.99 (down from $49.99) and a 256GB card priced at $59.99 (down from $64.99).

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 ships with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. While this might suffice initially, keep in mind that Switch 2 games are likely to require more space. For instance, a popular game like Tears of the Kingdom on the original Switch was 16GB, but its sequel—or games like Mario Kart World—may demand significantly more.

Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain unconfirmed, it's reasonable to expect they'll consume a considerable amount of storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express cards.

Nintendo is taking a bold step with the Switch 2’s storage solution. MicroSD Express cards represent a significant advancement in portable storage technology. While traditional microSD cards top out at 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, MicroSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to achieve speeds of up to 985 MB/s—almost 10 times faster.

These speed improvements ensure the Switch 2 can handle larger, more demanding games smoothly. However, there's a trade-off: MicroSD Express cards are considerably more expensive. For comparison, a 128GB standard microSD card for the original Switch costs around $10-$15, whereas the same capacity in an Express card is nearly five times the price. Additionally, since these cards are less common than standard microSDs, brands like SanDisk and Samsung are among the few manufacturers producing them.

Despite the higher cost, Nintendo’s decision to adopt microSD Express cards aligns with the goal of future-proofing the console. However, users should be prepared for increased expenses when expanding their storage. For more insights into what else was revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, click here.