Nintendo recently unveiled a wealth of exciting details about the Switch 2 during a comprehensive 60-minute Nintendo Direct. The spotlight was on the console's price, set at $449.99, its eagerly awaited release date on June 5, 2025, and a lineup of new games. A significant revelation was the exclusive compatibility of the Switch 2 with microSD Express Cards, marking a departure from the storage options available for the original Switch.
This shift to microSD Express Cards means that you won't be able to use your existing storage cards with the new console. To expand your storage, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99. These cards are essential for those looking to increase their storage capacity beyond the Switch 2's impressive 256GB of internal storage—a substantial upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB.
While the Switch 2's internal storage is a significant leap forward, the potential for larger game file sizes means that additional storage may become necessary. For instance, games like 'Tears of the Kingdom,' which was 16GB on the original Switch, could demand much more space on the Switch 2. Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games remain unconfirmed, it's prudent to anticipate larger storage needs.
The decision to use microSD Express cards stems from their advanced technology. These cards can achieve transfer speeds of up to 985 MB/s, a dramatic improvement over the 104 MB/s offered by traditional microSD cards. This speed is made possible by the use of PCIe and NVMe technology, which is crucial for handling the more demanding games expected on the Switch 2. However, this technological advancement comes with a higher price tag; a 128GB microSD Express card costs around $45, compared to $10-15 for a similar capacity standard microSD card.
Moreover, microSD Express cards are less common and currently produced by a limited number of brands like SanDisk and Samsung. This exclusivity means that while Nintendo's choice of microSD Express aims to enhance performance and future-proof the console, it also translates to 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 overview of all the announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.
