Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Support
Recent leaks suggest the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will support microSD Express cards, a significant upgrade from its predecessor's UHS-I support. This implies substantial improvements in storage technology.
The rumor mill points to the Switch 2 entering mass production in late 2024, possibly as early as September. This aligns with a surge of hardware leaks circulating since Q4 2024.
Adding to the evidence, GameStop SKUs surfaced in early January 2025, revealing "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" listings in 256GB and 512GB capacities. This strongly indicates microSD Express compatibility.
A Quantum Leap in Transfer Speeds
The current Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, achieving practical transfer speeds around 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express, leveraging the NVMe protocol, boasts speeds nearing 985 MB/s – a remarkable 900% increase.
UHS-I vs. microSD Express: A Comparison
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Max Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
microSD Express also offers a massive capacity advantage, supporting cards up to 128TB compared to UHS-I's 2TB limit – a 6,300% improvement. The leaked GameStop pricing suggests a 256GB card at $49.99 and a 512GB card at $84.99.
Further leaks include SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two deluxe versions ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance reinforces the ongoing wave of Switch 2 leaks.
Nintendo has committed to an official reveal before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just a few months for the official announcement.
