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. This revelation hints at significant storage technology upgrades compared to its predecessor.

The Switch 2's mass production is widely believed to have commenced in late 2024, possibly as early as September, fueled by a surge of online leaks detailing its hardware specifications. This latest leak, surfacing in early January 2025, features GameStop SKUs for three "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" products, with storage capacities of 256GB and 512GB. These listings strongly suggest support for the microSD Express standard.

A Quantum Leap in Transfer Speeds

The current Nintendo Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, boasting theoretical maximum transfer speeds around 104 MB/s, though real-world performance usually peaks at approximately 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards offer speeds approaching 985 MB/s – a substantial 900% increase. This dramatic improvement is attributed to the technology's use of the NVMe protocol, enabling highly parallel data transfer, similar to the fastest modern SSDs.

UHS-I vs. microSD Express: A Comparison

The capacity advantage of microSD Express is equally impressive. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB – a staggering 6,300% increase. The leaked GameStop pricing suggests a 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express card will retail at $49.99, and a 512GB card at $84.99.

The leak also includes SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their presence further supports the mounting evidence surrounding the Switch 2's imminent release. Nintendo has previously stated it will unveil its next console before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just over two months for an official announcement.