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

Nintendo recently provided an extensive look at the Switch 2 during a 60-minute Nintendo Direct, revealing crucial details such as the console's price of $449.99, its launch date on June 5, 2025, and a lineup of new games. A significant update is that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion, meaning 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. SanDisk currently offers these cards on Amazon, including a 128GB version for $44.99 and a 256GB version for $59.99. Here's a quick look at the deals:

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 Switch 2 boasts 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This might mean you won't need to expand storage immediately. However, considering that Switch 2 games could be significantly larger than those on the original console, you might eventually need more space. For instance, while 'Tears of the Kingdom' was 16GB on the original Switch, its Switch 2 version and games like 'Mario Kart World' could require much more storage.

While the exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain undisclosed, it's likely they'll take up 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 is a strategic move. These cards represent a significant advancement in portable storage technology, offering speeds up to 985 MB/s via PCIe and NVMe technology—nearly ten times faster than traditional microSD cards, which top out at 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface. This choice ensures the Switch 2 can handle larger, more demanding games without performance issues.

However, there's a notable downside: microSD Express cards are pricier. A 128GB SD card for the original Switch might cost you around $10-15, whereas the same capacity in an Express card is about $45. Additionally, these cards are less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's shift to microSD Express aims to enhance speed and future-proof 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 more expensive, memory cards. For a comprehensive review of all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.