"Switch 2 microSD Express Cards: 128GB for $45"

Nintendo unveiled an in-depth look at the Switch 2 during a recent expansive 60-minute Nintendo Direct, providing a wealth of new details. The console is priced at $449.99 and is set to launch on June 5, 2025. Alongside the reveal of numerous new games, it was confirmed that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion.

This means that you won't be able to use your existing storage cards with the new console this summer. To expand your storage, you'll need to purchase microSD Express cards. SanDisk offers compatible options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99.

Switch 2 Compatible### SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card

1$64.99 save 8%$59.99 at AmazonSanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card - $59.99 (was $64.99)SanDisk 128GB microSD Express Card - $44.99 (was $49.99)

The Nintendo Switch 2 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This increased capacity may mean you won't need to expand your storage immediately. However, consider that Switch 2 games might be significantly larger than those on the original console.

For instance, the largest Switch game, *Tears of the Kingdom*, was 16GB, but its Switch 2 version, along with games like *Mario Kart World*, could demand much more space. While exact file sizes for Switch 2 games haven't been disclosed, it's reasonable to expect they will require considerable storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will only accept microSD Express cards.

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 represents a significant shift in storage technology. MicroSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology, offering speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the 104 MB/s maximum of traditional microSD cards using the UHS-I interface. This speed advantage is why the Switch 2 won't support regular microSD cards, ensuring the system can manage larger and more demanding games without performance issues.

However, there's a notable downside: **they're more expensive**. A 128GB SD card for the original Switch costs around $10-15, whereas the same storage capacity in an Express card is approximately $45. MicroSD Express cards are less common and mainly produced by brands like SanDisk and Samsung. While Nintendo's shift to MicroSD Express focuses on speed and future-proofing, 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 detailed look at everything else Nintendo showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, click here.