128GB Switch 2 microSD Express Cards Now at $45

Nintendo provided an in-depth look at the upcoming Switch 2 during a recent 60-minute Nintendo Direct, unveiling crucial details such as the console's price ($449.99), release date (June 5, 2025), and an array of new games. A significant revelation was that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion, meaning you won't be able to use your old storage cards with this new console.

To expand the storage on your Switch 2, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers options available on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99. These cards are 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 file sizes on the Switch 2, you might find yourself needing to expand your storage sooner rather than later.

Consider the example of "Tears of the Kingdom," which occupied 16GB on the original Switch. Its Switch 2 version, along with other titles like "Mario Kart World," could demand significantly more storage. Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain undisclosed, it's evident that they'll require substantial space. Unlike the original Switch, which was compatible with standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2's requirement for microSD Express cards marks a notable shift.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2's storage expansion is driven by the technology's superior performance. Traditional microSD cards are limited to speeds of 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, whereas microSD Express cards can achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s using PCIe and NVMe technology—nearly ten times faster. This leap in speed ensures that the Switch 2 can handle larger, more demanding games without experiencing slowdowns.

However, there's a downside: microSD Express cards are more expensive. A 128GB SD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, while a similar capacity microSD Express card is priced at about $45. These cards are also less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's move to microSD Express aims to future-proof the console and enhance performance, it does come with increased costs for users looking to expand their storage.

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