128GB microSD Express Cards for Switch 2: Starting at $45

Nintendo recently provided an in-depth look at the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct, unveiling crucial details such as the console's price ($449.99), its launch date (June 5, 2025), and an array of exciting new games. A significant announcement was that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion.

This means that when you upgrade to the Switch 2 this summer, your existing storage cards won't be compatible. To increase your storage capacity, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. SanDisk currently offers options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99.

Switch 2 Compatible### SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card

1$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 Nintendo Switch 2 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This might mean you won't need to expand your storage immediately. However, it's important to consider that Switch 2 games could be significantly larger than those on the original console.

For instance, one of the largest Switch games, Tears of the Kingdom, required 16GB, but its Switch 2 version, along with titles like Mario Kart World, could demand much more space.

While specific file sizes for Switch 2 games haven't been disclosed, it's reasonable to expect they'll take up considerable storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will only support microSD Express cards.

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 represents a significant shift in storage technology. Why the change? MicroSD Express cards offer a dramatic improvement over traditional microSD cards. While standard microSD cards are limited to 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, microSD Express cards can leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster.

This speed advantage means the Switch 2 will not support regular microSD cards, requiring the use of microSD Express cards to handle the larger, more demanding games without performance issues.

However, there's a notable downside: these cards are more expensive. A 128GB SD Card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, whereas the same storage capacity for an Express card is about $45. Additionally, microSD Express cards are less common, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. This shift to microSD Express indicates Nintendo's focus on speed and future-proofing, but it also means higher costs for users seeking expandable storage.

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.