"Switch 2 microSD Express Cards: 128GB for $45"

In a recent, in-depth 60-minute Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled exciting details about the upcoming Switch 2, including its price of $449.99, a release date set for June 5, 2025, and a lineup of new games. One significant revelation is that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion, meaning users won't be able to use their existing storage cards from the original Switch.

To expand your storage on the Switch 2, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards. SanDisk currently offers compatible options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99. The Switch 2 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB, which might initially meet your needs. However, given that future Switch 2 games could be significantly larger than those on the original console, additional storage might become necessary. For instance, while "Tears of the Kingdom" was 16GB on the original Switch, its Switch 2 version and other new titles like "Mario Kart World" are expected to demand more space.

### SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card

1$64.99 save 8%$59.99 at Amazon

SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card - $59.99 (was $64.99)

SanDisk 128GB microSD Express Card - $44.99 (was $49.99)

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 is a notable shift in storage technology. These cards, utilizing PCIe and NVMe technology, can achieve speeds up to 985 MB/s, nearly ten times faster than traditional microSD cards that top out at 104 MB/s with UHS-I. This significant speed improvement is crucial for handling larger, more demanding games without any slowdowns, but it comes with a higher price tag. While a 128GB standard SD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, a similar capacity microSD Express card is priced at about $45.

MicroSD Express cards are less common and more expensive, with brands like SanDisk and Samsung among the few manufacturers. While this move to microSD Express aims to enhance performance and future-proof the console, it does mean higher costs for expandable storage. If you're planning to get a Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, yet pricier, memory cards.

For a comprehensive look at everything else Nintendo showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.