128GB microSD Express Cards for Switch 2 Start at $45

Nintendo recently provided an in-depth look at the Switch 2 during a comprehensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct, unveiling a wealth of crucial details. Among the highlights were the console's price, set at $449.99, and its eagerly anticipated release date of June 5, 2025. The presentation also showcased an impressive lineup of new games. A significant update for potential buyers is that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion.

This means that owners of the original Switch won't be able to use their existing storage cards with the new console. To boost storage capacity, you'll need to purchase microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers such cards on Amazon, including a 128GB model for $44.99 and a 256GB model for $59.99.

SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card

$64.99 save 8%
$59.99 at Amazon

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

The Switch 2 boasts a generous 256GB of internal storage, a significant upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This enhanced capacity might mean you won't need to expand storage immediately. However, considering the potential for larger game files on the Switch 2, you might want to plan for future needs. For instance, while the original Switch game, Tears of the Kingdom, required 16GB, its Switch 2 version and games like Mario Kart World could demand much more space.

Although specific file sizes for Switch 2 games are yet to be disclosed, it's reasonable to anticipate they'll be substantial. Unlike the original Switch, which supported a variety of microSD cards, the Switch 2 will only accept microSD Express cards.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to adopt microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 represents a significant shift in storage technology. MicroSD Express cards offer vastly superior performance compared to traditional microSD cards, which are limited to 104 MB/s via the UHS-I interface. In contrast, microSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster.

This speed advantage is why the Switch 2 will not support regular microSD cards. Only microSD Express cards will be compatible, ensuring the system can efficiently handle the larger, more demanding games without performance issues. However, there's a notable drawback: these cards are more expensive. For example, a 128GB standard SD card for the Switch might cost around $10-15, while a comparable microSD Express card is priced at about $45.

Additionally, microSD Express cards are less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's shift to microSD Express is aimed at enhancing performance and future-proofing the console, it does increase the cost of expandable storage for users.

If you're planning to purchase a Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, yet pricier, memory cards. For a comprehensive overview of everything revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.