Switch 2 Compatible microSD Express Cards Start From $45 for 128GB
Switch 2 will only support MicroSD Express cards, which are available now and starting at $45 for 128GB.
Nintendo had a deep dive into the Switch 2 in a recent super-sized 60-minute Nintendo Direct, revealing plenty of new key information, including the price of the console ($449.99), its release date (June 5, 2025), and a whole slew of new games. What's more, it was confirmed that the Switch 2 will only be compatible with microSD Express Cards.
This means that you won’t be able to bring your old storage cards over when you pick up the console this summer. To expand your storage, you'll need microSD Express cards, such as the cards SanDisk has listed on Amazon right now. This includes a 128GB ($44.99), and 256GB ($59.99) version. The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage—a significant upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. That means you might not feel the need to expand your storage right away. However, keep in mind that Switch 2 games could be much larger than those on the original console. For example, one of the biggest Switch games, Tears of the Kingdom, was 16GB, but its Switch 2 version—and games like Mario Kart World—could be far more demanding. While exact file sizes for Switch 2 games haven't been confirmed, it's safe to assume they'll consume a hefty chunk of storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will only support microSD Express cards. Nintendo is making a big change with the Switch 2’s storage expansion. But why? MicroSD Express cards are a huge leap forward in portable storage tech. While traditional microSD cards max out at 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, MicroSD Express cards can use PCIe and NVMe technology to hit speeds of up to 985 MB/s—nearly 10 times faster. Because of these speed benefits, Switch 2 won’t support regular microSD cards—only MicroSD Express. That means no using your old Switch’s memory card unless it’s a compatible Express version. This ensures the system can handle larger, more demanding games without slowdowns. But, there's a big downside: They’re pricier. Comparatively, a 128GB SD Card for Switch would cost you around $10-15, where as the same storage for an Express card looks to be about $45. MicroSD Express cards aren’t as widely available as standard microSDs, and brands like SanDisk and Samsung are among the few making them. This means that while Nintendo’s move to MicroSD Express seems to be all about speed and future-proofing, but it does mean higher costs for expandable storage on the user. If you’re planning to pick up a Switch 2, just be ready to budget for one of these faster (and more expensive) memory cards. Check out everything else Nintendo had to show during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?
