Avoid using external microSD cards with these specific models only
Today's the day, Switch 2 enthusiasts! Nintendo's latest console has hit the shelves with a hefty dose of power under the hood. But there's a catch - traditional microSD cards won't cut it this time around.
Courtesy of Nintendo By our Gaming Gurus Tech aficionados / Game devs give you the lowdownPublished on June 5, 2025
The mighty Switch 2 is in the game - and it's packing a punch with enhanced graphics and performance! However, this powerhouse comes with a storage predicament. As games get bigger and more demanding, that 256GB of internal memory might not last long. So, you'll need to invest in a dedicated microSD card. But be warned, it's not just any card.
RIP, Classic microSD Cards! Long Live microSD Express!
Your old faithful microSD card is no match for the Switch 2. The console now requires a new, high-performance format: microSD Express. Why? To sustain its new graphical and technical prowess, the Switch 2 needs super-fast storage.
Contemporary releases, like Mario Kart: Extreme Universe, are considerably larger - nearly three times the size of their predecessors. You might soon run out of space.
The cure? Enter microSD Express cards. Launched by the SD Association in 2019, they utilize a PCIe Gen 3 x1 interface and an NVMe protocol, similar to modern SSDs. They offer theoretical read speeds up to 985 MB/s, compared to just 95 MB/s for classic microSD cards. A mammoth difference, critical for smoothly loading the hefty textures and data of new Switch 2 games.
The High Cost of LeapFrog Technology
On the downside, this upgrade translates into a price hike. Nintendo's official microSD Express card, adorned with the iconic "M" of Mario, will set you back 60 € for the 256 GB variant. Traditional microSD cards of the same capacity can be found for about 20 €. A steep price difference, especially for hardcore gamers aiming for high-capacity cards (512 GB, 1 TB, or even 2 TB).
And the scarcity of these new cards could fuel frustration in the coming weeks. Stock levels are dwindling rapidly, and selection is currently limited across retailers. Keep your eyes peeled when shopping to steer clear of confusion. Confused cards, like SanDisk's "Extreme" cards, aren't compatible at all.
Old microSD cards may seem obsolete, but don't discard them yet. They can still transfer screenshots or videos from your previous console. But for the newfangled games, you'll need to part ways with some cash for a microSD Express card.
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Enrichment Data:
MicroSD Express cards for the Nintendo Switch 2 are now available across various brands and capacities. Here's a quick rundown of current offerings, capacity, and pricing:
- Samsung offers a licensed 256GB microSD Express card for $59.99, available along with the Switch 2 console on June 5, 2025[1].
- SanDisk provides 128GB and 256GB capacities. Starting at $49.99 for the 128GB card and $59.99 for the 256GB variant, these cards boast read speeds of up to 880MB/s and write speeds of up to 480MB/s[1][2].
- PNY offers 128GB and 256GB options at $44.99 and $55.99, respectively, available directly from PNY[3][4].
- Lexar provides a 256GB Play Pro microSD Express card for approximately $48 and a 512GB version for $90, currently at a 10% discount[5].
- To ensure a smooth gaming experience on the new Switch 2 console, gamers must invest in a microSD Express card, a high-performance format required for its enhanced graphics and demanding games, offering read speeds up to 985 MB/s.
- The transition to microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 comes with a financial commitment, as the prices for these new cards are significantly higher compared to traditional microSD cards, with Nintendo's official 256 GB microSD Express card costing 60 €.
