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

Nintendo's recent 60-minute Nintendo Direct provided an in-depth look at the upcoming Switch 2, revealing crucial details such as the console's price ($449.99), release date (June 5, 2025), and a lineup of exciting new games. A significant announcement was 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 the new console.

To expand your storage on the Switch 2, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers compatible options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99. The Switch 2 itself comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This might suffice initially, but given the anticipated larger file sizes of Switch 2 games, additional storage could become necessary sooner rather than later.

For context, games like "Tears of the Kingdom" on the original Switch were around 16GB. However, the Switch 2 versions of games, including titles like "Mario Kart World," are expected to be much larger. While specific file sizes for Switch 2 games remain undisclosed, it's wise to anticipate they will require significant storage space.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to adopt microSD Express for the Switch 2 marks a significant shift in storage technology. MicroSD Express cards offer superior performance, utilizing PCIe and NVMe technology to achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than traditional microSD cards, which top out at 104 MB/s with the UHS-I interface. This move ensures the Switch 2 can handle larger, 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 costs around $10-15, whereas the same capacity in an Express card is about $45. Additionally, microSD Express cards are less common, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's shift to microSD Express is aimed at enhancing speed 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 showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.