128GB microSD Express Cards for Switch 2 Start at $45

Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the Switch 2 during a comprehensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct. The console is set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99. Alongside the announcement, Nintendo revealed a lineup of new games and confirmed that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion. This means that if you're upgrading from the original Switch, you won't be able to use your existing storage cards with the new console.

To expand your storage on the Switch 2, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers compatible options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99. The Switch 2 itself comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a significant upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. However, given the potential for larger game sizes on the Switch 2, you might find yourself needing additional storage sooner than expected.

For instance, while the original Switch game "Tears of the Kingdom" was 16GB, its Switch 2 counterpart, along with other titles like "Mario Kart World," could demand much more space. Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain unconfirmed, it's reasonable to anticipate that they will require substantial storage.

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 is a significant shift. These cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology, offering speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than traditional microSD cards, which top out at 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface. This speed boost is crucial for handling the larger, more demanding games expected on the Switch 2, ensuring smooth performance without slowdowns.

However, there's a notable downside: microSD Express cards are more expensive. A 128GB microSD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, whereas a similar capacity microSD Express card is priced at about $45. Additionally, these cards are less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's move to microSD Express is aimed at enhancing speed and future-proofing the console, 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 comprehensive overview of everything showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.