Nintendo Switch 2 Leak Hints at Huge Storage Improvement

Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards

Recent leaks of GameStop SKUs point towards the Nintendo Switch 2's compatibility with microSD Express cards, a significant upgrade from the UHS-I standard used in the original Switch. This suggests substantial improvements in storage technology for the upcoming console.

The Switch 2's mass production is rumored to have begun in late 2024, possibly as early as September, fueled by a surge of online hardware leaks since Q4 2024. Adding to this wave of leaks, early January 2025 saw the surfacing of GameStop SKUs for what appear to be unreleased Switch 2 accessories. Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96 shared images revealing "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" listings in capacities of 256GB and 512GB, strongly indicating microSD Express support.

A Significant Speed and Capacity Boost

The current Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, offering practical transfer speeds around 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards, leveraging the NVMe protocol (similar to high-speed SSDs), boast transfer speeds approaching 985 MB/s – a nearly 900% increase.

Beyond speed, microSD Express cards offer a dramatic capacity increase. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB – a 6,300% improvement. The leaked GameStop pricing suggests a 256GB card will retail for $49.99, and a 512GB card for $84.99.

The leak also includes SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two deluxe versions ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance aligns with the ongoing stream of Switch 2 leaks. Nintendo has previously stated its intention to officially unveil the new console before the end of its current fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just over two months for an official announcement.