Nintendo's recent 60-minute Nintendo Direct provided an in-depth look at the much-anticipated Switch 2. Key details included the console's price of $449.99 and its release date set for June 5, 2025, alongside a lineup of exciting new games. A significant revelation was that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion, meaning you won't be able to use your old storage cards with the new console. If you're looking to expand your storage, consider the microSD Express cards available from SanDisk on Amazon, such as the 128GB version priced at $44.99 and the 256GB version at $59.99.
SanDisk microSD Express Card Options
- SanDisk 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, with the potential for larger game sizes on the Switch 2, such as the anticipated larger file sizes for games like the Switch 2 version of Tears of the Kingdom and Mario Kart World, you might find yourself needing more space sooner than expected.
While exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain unconfirmed, it's reasonable to expect them to be significantly larger than those on the original console. The Switch 2's exclusive support for microSD Express cards, as opposed to the original Switch's compatibility with standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, is a notable shift.
Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?
Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2's storage expansion is a significant move. MicroSD Express cards offer a substantial advancement in portable storage technology. Traditional microSD cards are limited to 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, whereas microSD Express cards can leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster.
This speed advantage is why the Switch 2 will only support microSD Express cards, ensuring the system can handle larger, more demanding games without performance issues. However, there's a notable downside: these cards are more expensive. For instance, a 128GB SD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, while a similar capacity microSD Express card is priced at about $45. Additionally, microSD Express cards are less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them.
While Nintendo's shift to microSD Express cards 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 showcased in today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.
