MicroSD Express Card 2 for Nintendo Switch 2 – This is your choice
Blog Andrew Joseph 03 Apr , 2025 0
this Nintendo Switch 2 In terms of raw storage space, a considerable upgrade is available. The 256GB onboard SSD is four times larger than the switch OLED (64GB), while the original switch and switch LITE (32GB) are eight times larger. That said, performance upgrades to Switch 2 will inevitably lead to larger file sizes Upcoming gameswhich may force you to expand the storage capacity of your console. Just like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a microSD card slot. But while the switch is basically used with all microSD cards sold in the store, Switch 2 is only compatible with very specific storage: microSD Express card.
The Express format is the latest advancement in the semiconductor industry and has not been widely adopted by manufacturers. The Nintendo Switch 2 will surely rush to increase adoption among manufacturers and consumers. In this week's Nintendo Direct, we learned that Samsung and Sandisk will release their Mario-themed MicroSD Express card release this year. If you want to be ahead of any potential Switch 2 storage disaster, we've compiled a short list and interpreter detailing the MicroSD Express options available now in Sandisk and Lexar. None of the current cards are themed around the Nintendo franchise, but you may save some cash by grabbing non-branded cash anyway.
For more information on the new console, please check it out Gamespot's Nintendo Switch 2 booking guidewhich includes all first-party hardware and games in Nintendo Direct. Booked the Switch 2, its accessories and a bunch of releases will be available on April 9, and we released it from the June 5 launch for us for only two months.
128GB and 256GB models available
Sandisk currently produces 128GB and 256GB models of its MicroSD Express cards. This 128GB model costs $45 ($50) on Amazon, while the 256GB version is $60 ($65).
While the five dollar may not sound like a big discount, if the memory condition of the original switch reflects its successor, the upcoming licensed version of the same card comes with a super Mario-Red color scheme for a significantly higher price tag for sale.
Currently, Sandisk appears to be releasing Nintendo-themed versions of its two microSD Express products. Whether Sandisk cards with more (or less) storage space will get Nintendo processing remains to be seen.
The Sandisk MicroSD Express card is much faster than its Ultra and Extreme Cards, a popular choice for expanding the original switch storage space.
With Express Technology, Sandisk's cards offer read speeds up to 880MB/s, write speeds of 650MB/s, and a continuous writing speed of 210MB/s. For comparison, the Sandisk Ultra is rated at 150MB/s read speed and is extremely likely to reach 190MB/s.
Quick Card is a solid state drive that can be installed on your fingertips. In fact, the card is actually faster than the regular SATA SSD.
Available in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB models
If you want to take the Switch 2 storage space into the future, Lexar is the only major manufacturer with over 256GB of MicroSD Express cards.
Lexar's Express Play Pro Cards was launched in March with three different capabilities: 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. The 256GB retails for $50, 512GB is $100, and 1TB will get you back $200, which is half the price of the Switch 2 Console.
Like the Sandisk Express debut last year, Lexar's Cards also offer the speed of bubbling. Lexar says its MicroSD Express Play Pro can reach 900MB/s read speeds and 600MB/s write speeds.
The manufacturer has updated its Amazon listing to mention the Nintendo Switch 2, which may help with extensive delivery estimates. Amazon said orders placed for the 256GB and 1TB models today (April 2) will arrive within one to two months. The 512GB version will be shipped within two to three weeks.
Pricing TBD
Samsung announced its own MicroSD Express card earlier this year. Samsung's upcoming high-speed card offers sequential read speeds up to 800MB/s. Samsung has not disclosed the price or confirmed storage capacity except for 256GB.
As mentioned earlier, Samsung will also have a Nintendo-branded version of its new card. The release date for the non-branded and branded version of the Samsung 256GB microSD Express card has not been announced yet.
While grabbing these MicroSD Express cards that are already available is a sensible way to release for Switch 2, if you'd rather wait for a formally licensed Sandisk or Samsung card, these look like this: Here's what these look like:
