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The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a fairly massive upgrade when it comes to raw storage space. The 256GB onboard SSD is four times larger than the Switch OLED (64GB) and eight times the size of the original Switch and Switch Lite (32GB). That said, the Switch 2’s performance upgrades will inevitably lead to bigger file sizes for upcoming games, which could compel you to expand your console’s storage capacity. Just like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a microSD card slot. But while the Switch worked with basically every microSD card sold in stores, the Switch 2 is only compatible with a very specific type of storage: microSD Express cards.
The Express format is a recent advancement in the semiconductor industry that hasn’t been widely adopted by manufacturers yet. The Nintendo Switch 2 will certainly increase its adoption rate by both manufacturers and consumers in a hurry. During this week’s Nintendo Direct, we learned that both Samsung and SanDisk will be releasing Super Mario-themed microSD Express Cards this year. If you want to get ahead of any potential Switch 2 storage woes, we’ve put together a brief list and explainer detailing the microSD Express options available now from SanDisk and Lexar. None of the current cards are themed around Nintendo franchises, but you’ll probably save some cash by grabbing a non-branded one anyway.
For more on the new console, check out GameSpot’s Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide, which includes all of the first-party hardware and games featured in the Nintendo Direct. Preorders for the Switch 2, its accessories, and a bunch of launch games will open on April 9, and we’re only two months out from the console’s June 5 launch.
Available in 128GB and 256GB models
SanDisk currently manufactures 128GB and 256GB models of its microSD Express Cards. The 128GB model is on sale for $45 (was $50) at Amazon, while the 256GB version is $60 (was $65).
Though five bucks may not sound like a big discount, if the original Switch’s memory situation mirrors its successor, the upcoming licensed versions of the same card with a Super Mario-red color scheme could be sold for markedly higher prices.
At the moment, it appears SanDisk will release Nintendo-themed versions of its two microSD Express offerings. It remains to be seen if SanDisk cards with more (or less) storage space will get the Nintendo treatment.
SanDisk microSD Express Cards are substantially faster than its Ultra and Extreme Cards, which are popular picks for expanding storage on the original Switch.
With Express technology, SanDisk’s cards offer read speeds of up to 880MB/s, write speeds of 650MB/s, and sustained write speeds of 210MB/s. For comparison, the SanDisk Ultra is rated for 150MB/s read speeds, and the Extreme can hit 190MB/s.
Express cards are essentially solid-state drives that can fit on your fingertip. In fact, this card is actually faster than the average SATA SSD.
Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models
If you want to future-proof your Switch 2’s storage space, Lexar is the only major manufacturer with microSD Express Cards exceeding 256GB.
Lexar’s Express Play Pro Cards launched in March in three different capacities: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The 256GB retails for $50, the 512GB is $100, and the 1TB will set you back $200–close to half the price of the Switch 2 console.
Like the SanDisk Express that debuted last year, Lexar’s cards offer blistering speeds. Lexar says its microSD Express Play Pro can reach 900MB/s read speeds and 600MB/s write speeds.
The manufacturer has already updated its Amazon listing to mention the Nintendo Switch 2, which may be contributing to the wide delivery estimates. Amazon says orders placed today (April 2) for the 256GB and 1TB model will arrive in one to two months. The 512GB edition ships in two to three weeks.
Pricing TBD
Samsung announced its own microSD Express Card earlier this year. Samsung’s upcoming high-speed cards offer up to 800MB/s sequential read speeds. Samsung has not revealed a price or confirmed storage capacities besides 256GB.
As mentioned, Samsung will also have a Nintendo-branded edition of its new card. Release dates for the non-branded and branded versions of Samsung’s 256GB microSD Express Cards have not been announced.
While grabbing one of these microSD Express Cards that are already available is a smart way to prep for the Switch 2 launch, If you’d rather wait for the officially licensed SanDisk or Samsung cards, here’s what those look like:
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Kurt Indovina
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