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

In a recent 60-minute Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled a wealth of new details about the upcoming Switch 2, including its price of $449.99, its release date set for June 5, 2025, and an array of new games. A significant change for the Switch 2 is its exclusive compatibility with microSD Express Cards, meaning you won't be able to use your existing storage cards with the new console. To expand your storage, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards, such as those available from SanDisk on Amazon. Options include a 128GB card priced at $44.99 and a 256GB version at $59.99.

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)

The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts an impressive 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, keep in mind that games for the Switch 2 could be significantly larger than those on the original console. For instance, while "Tears of the Kingdom" was 16GB on the original Switch, its Switch 2 version, along with games like "Mario Kart World," could demand much more space. Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games haven't been confirmed, it's safe to assume they'll require a considerable amount of 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 marks a significant shift in storage technology. MicroSD Express cards offer a substantial leap forward, utilizing PCIe and NVMe technology to achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the 104 MB/s maximum of traditional microSD cards using the UHS-I interface. This speed boost is crucial for the Switch 2, ensuring it can handle larger, more demanding games without performance issues. However, this upgrade comes with a downside: microSD Express cards are more expensive. A 128GB microSD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, whereas a similar capacity microSD Express card is priced at about $45. Additionally, these cards are less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's move to microSD Express is aimed at enhancing speed and future-proofing the console, it does mean higher costs for 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 Nintendo showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.