Top MicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is just around the corner, and if you’re planning on snagging one, you should know it comes with a built-in 256GB of storage. If you're like me and want to load up on games without the hassle of constantly uninstalling and reinstalling, you'll need to expand that storage. However, unlike the original Nintendo Switch, the new console requires a MicroSD Express card – these are faster but pricier than the typical UHS-based SD cards you might be used to.

MicroSD Express cards have been around for a bit, but they're still pretty rare since creative professionals haven't found many uses for them yet. However, with the Switch 2 launching soon, expect to see a flood of these Express cards hitting the market to meet the demand.

Just a heads up: since the system isn't out yet, I haven't been able to test any of these Nintendo Switch 2 SD cards. But don't worry, most of them come from well-known manufacturers with a solid history of producing top-notch storage solutions.

Why MicroSD Express?

The Nintendo Switch 2 mandates the use of a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion, and while Nintendo hasn't fully explained their reasoning, it's clear they want faster storage capabilities. The console's built-in storage uses UFS flash, similar to what powers most smartphones, which is significantly faster than the eMMC drive found in the original Switch. This likely means Nintendo wants developers to rely on this high-speed storage, whether the game is stored internally or on an expansion card.

You can only use a regular MicroSD card for loading screenshots and videos from your first-gen Switch. Unlike the PS5, which lets you store last-gen games on slower external drives, Nintendo isn't giving any leeway here. If you want to expand your Nintendo Switch 2 storage, you'll need a MicroSD Express card.

1. Lexar Play Pro

The Best MicroSD Express Card

Out of the two MicroSD Express cards currently available, the Lexar Play Pro stands out as the fastest and most capacious. With read speeds up to 900MB/s and storage options up to 1TB, it's the top choice right now. Unfortunately, due to high demand from the Switch 2 launch, it's hard to find in stock. Keep an eye out, though, as stock should stabilize, and the 1TB version is worth grabbing if you can. For now, your best bet is to order it through Adorama, where it's on backorder until July.

2. SanDisk MicroSD Express

The MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now

SanDisk is a name you've probably seen before, and their new MicroSD Express card is no exception. While it doesn't have a fancy name like the Lexar version, and it's limited to 256GB, it's still a solid option. With read speeds up to 880MB/s, it's just a bit slower than the Lexar Play Pro, but you won't notice the difference when loading games. Plus, it's readily available, making it a great choice if you want to expand your storage without waiting.

3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2

The Official Option We Know Very Little About

Samsung's MicroSD Express card isn't out yet, but it's being sold directly by Nintendo, which adds a bit of official clout. The downside is we don't know much about its specs or whether the 256GB model will be the only option. Still, having Nintendo's seal of approval can offer some peace of mind. I've reached out to Samsung for more info and will update this article once I have more details.

MicroSD Express FAQ

How fast is MicroSD Express?

MicroSD Express is significantly faster than older SD cards, thanks to its use of PCI Express 3.1, similar to what SSDs use in PCs. While full-sized SD Express cards can reach speeds up to 3,940MB/s, MicroSD Express cards max out at 985MB/s. That's still a lot faster than the MicroSD cards used by the original Nintendo Switch.

How long will a MicroSD Express card last?

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 keep important data backed up, as these cards aren't designed for long-term storage.