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

Nintendo recently provided an in-depth look at the upcoming Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct, unveiling key details such as its price of $449.99, a release date set for June 5, 2025, and a lineup of new games. One significant change announced is that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion, meaning you won't be able to use your existing storage cards with this new console.

To expand your storage on the Switch 2, you'll need to purchase microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers options like a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99, both available on Amazon. This is essential as the Switch 2 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a notable upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. However, with the potential for larger game sizes on the Switch 2, additional storage might become necessary sooner than expected.

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)

Consider that one of the largest games on the original Switch, "Tears of the Kingdom," was 16GB. The Switch 2 versions of games, including titles like "Mario Kart World," are likely to demand even more storage space. While the exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain unconfirmed, it's clear they will require significant storage capacity.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to switch to microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 is a significant shift driven by the advanced technology of these cards. Traditional microSD cards top out at 104 MB/s, whereas microSD Express cards, leveraging PCIe and NVMe technology, can reach speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster. This upgrade ensures the Switch 2 can handle more demanding games without performance issues.

However, there's a notable downside: microSD Express cards are more expensive. A 128GB standard SD card for the original Switch might cost you around $10-15, but the same capacity in a microSD Express card is approximately $45. These cards are also less common, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While this move to microSD Express is about enhancing speed and future-proofing the console, it does mean higher costs for expandable storage.

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