Nintendo Switch 2 is causing microSD Express cards to sell out – one can be obtained here
Blog Andrew Joseph 10 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. Last week Nintendo Directwe learned that both Samsung and Sandisk are making Super Mario-themed MicroSD Express cards. The list of Samsung 256GB microSD Express cards is now live Walmart,,,,, Targetand GameStop.
If you want to be ahead of any potential Switch 2 storage disaster, we've put together a short list and interpreter detailing the MicroSD Express options that are now available from sandpaper and Lexar and upcoming models from Samsung and GameStop. Not surprisingly, some cards on this list have been sold out since Nintendo announced the Switch 2's MicroSD Express extended storage limit. So we wouldn't be surprised if the theme card ends up opening.
Switch 2's microSD Express card you can buy now:
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. For the Switch 2, its accessories and a bunch of releases will be available soon, and we've released the launch from June 5th for only two months.
You can order a card whenever you open 2 consoles to book in the US. Nintendo postponed reservations Unspecified dates from April 9 to the United States and Canada due to ongoing tariffs.
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).
The Nintendo-branded version of Sandisk's MicroSD Express cards is not listed online yet, so it's unclear whether they retail for the same price. When we initially posted this story, we thought the brand card would cost more. Sandisk's Nintendo theme card with the original switches is priced higher than the non-branded version. But that may change with the Switch 2 changes, as the price for the Samsung Super Mario Theme 256GB card is shown.
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 up to 880MB/s read speeds, 650MB/s write speeds 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.
256GB, 512GB and 1TB models available
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 $90 ($100), and 1TB will get you back $200, reducing the price of the Switch 2 Console to halfway.
Like the Sandisk Express debuted 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 list to mention the Nintendo Switch 2, and all three models sold out at least once and will be subject to a wide delivery window that seems to fluctuate during the day.
$60 | Posted on June 5 | Booking next to the console
Samsung announced its own MicroSD Express card earlier this year. Samsung's upcoming high-speed card offers sequential read speeds up to 800MB/s. Although Samsung hasn't disclosed the price of its regular product yet, we now know that the Nintendo licensed version of its 256GB MicroSD Express card is priced at $60 unless the tariff situation causes Sandisk and Nintendo to raise prices.
Honestly, there are some surprises at the $60 price point compared to the regular version. Although not officially confirmed, we expect Nintendo branded cards to offer the same performance as regular models.
Samsung's regular 256GB MicroSD Express card is still possible to retail for under $60, but the brand option actually has a lower MSRP than the already available Sandisk 256GB MicroSD Express card.
256GB, 512GB and 1TB models available
Booking is open GameStop Brand Accessories 2 for Nintendo Switch 2According to GameStop, it includes MicroSD Express cards that can reach 800MB/s.
GameStop's Switch 2 accessories are no Officially licensed by Nintendo, it is unknown which memory manufacturers build these cards. But GameStop apparently decided to take advantage of the increased interest over the past week, as the previously reasonable prices for the three cards have disappeared.
GameStop’s MicroSD Express cards are now more expensive than some of the major manufacturers’ cards, so it’s wise to avoid them unless you’re the only option. The 256GB version changes from $50 to $70, which is inexplicable considering that you can get a Sandisk card for $60.
The 512GB version starts at $85 and has since risen to $100 (same as Lexar). Finally, the 1TB model, which last week was only $150, is now $190 – very close to the price of Lexar.
When it comes to storage and memory, it is best to choose a known brand with a given reputation, so choosing a card of unknown origin can be considered a gambling. This is double when considering the price of eyebrows increases.
GameStop's MicroSD Express card is available for pre-order with a carry case, controller grip and even a USB-C HUB with video, the first third-party “Dock” sold on the Switch 2. However, this USB-C Dongle only offers 720p resolution, so it is only useful when playing on a portable monitor without 1080P or 4K resolution.
GameStop's Switch 2 accessories were launched on June 5th on the same day as the console.
More GameStop brand switch 2 accessories:
Here is a closer look at the official Samsung and Sandisk MicroSD Express cards released on June 5:
