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

Nintendo recently unveiled an extensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct, diving deep into the upcoming Switch 2. This presentation not only showcased a range of exciting new games but also provided crucial details about the console itself. Priced at $449.99, the Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025. A significant change for the new console is its exclusive compatibility with microSD Express Cards, meaning that traditional storage cards from the original Switch won't be supported.

If you're planning to upgrade 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. While these cards are pricier than their standard counterparts, they provide essential high-speed performance for the new console.

Switch 2 Compatible SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card

• $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 Switch 2 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a notable upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This increase might mean you won't immediately need to expand your storage. However, given that Switch 2 games are expected to be larger in size, planning for additional storage could be beneficial. For instance, while the original Switch game 'Tears of the Kingdom' required 16GB, its Switch 2 counterpart, along with other anticipated titles like 'Mario Kart World', might demand significantly more space.

Although the exact file sizes for Switch 2 games haven't been disclosed, it's anticipated they'll be more substantial. The decision to use microSD Express cards over traditional microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards is driven by the need for faster data transfer rates. MicroSD Express cards can achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s, nearly ten times faster than the 104 MB/s of standard microSD cards, thanks to PCIe and NVMe technology.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's shift to microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 is a strategic move to leverage cutting-edge storage technology. These cards' superior speed ensures that the console can handle larger, more demanding games without performance issues. However, this comes at a cost. While a 128GB standard SD card might cost around $10-15, a microSD Express card of the same capacity can set you back about $45.

Additionally, microSD Express cards are less common, with only a few manufacturers like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. This scarcity, combined with higher prices, means that while the move to microSD Express is aimed at enhancing performance and future-proofing the console, it also increases the cost of expandable storage for users.

If you're considering purchasing a Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, yet more expensive, memory cards. For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.