Nintendo recently hosted an extended 60-minute Nintendo Direct event, offering an in-depth look at the Switch 2. The presentation revealed key details, such as the console's price ($449.99), launch date (June 5, 2025), and a wide array of upcoming games. Additionally, it was confirmed that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express cards.
As a result, you won't be able to use your existing storage cards when purchasing the console this summer. To expand storage, you'll need microSD Express cards, like those currently listed by SanDisk on Amazon. Options include a 128GB model for $44.99 and a 256GB version for $59.99.
Switch 2 Compatible
SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card
Original Price $64.99 | Save 8% | Now $59.99 at Amazon
SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card – $59.99 (was $64.99)
SanDisk 128GB microSD Express Card – $44.99 (was $49.99)
The Nintendo Switch 2 includes 256GB of internal storage, a substantial increase over the original Switch’s 32GB. This means you may not need additional storage immediately. However, it's important to note that Switch 2 games are likely to be much larger than their predecessors.
For example, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, one of the largest games on the original Switch, occupied 16GB. Switch 2 titles—such as the enhanced Tears of the Kingdom and upcoming games like Mario Kart World—are expected to require significantly more space.
Exact file sizes for Switch 2 games have yet to be confirmed, but it’s reasonable to anticipate they will consume a considerable amount of storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 is designed exclusively for microSD Express cards.
Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?
Nintendo is implementing a significant change with the Switch 2's storage expansion. Why the shift? MicroSD Express cards represent a major advancement in portable storage technology. While traditional microSD cards are limited to 104 MB/s via the UHS-I interface, MicroSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technologies to achieve speeds of up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster.
Thanks to these speed advantages, the Switch 2 will not support standard microSD cards, only MicroSD Express. This means your old Switch memory card won't be compatible unless it's an Express version. This ensures the system can handle larger, more demanding games without performance bottlenecks.
However, there is a significant drawback: they are more expensive. For comparison, a standard 128GB microSD card for the original Switch costs around $10 to $15, while a 128GB microSD Express card is priced at approximately $45. MicroSD Express cards are also less widely available than standard microSDs, with brands like SanDisk and Samsung among the few manufacturers. While Nintendo's adoption of MicroSD Express appears focused on speed and future-proofing, it does result in higher costs for expandable storage.
If you plan to purchase a Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, more expensive memory cards. For a comprehensive overview of everything else revealed during today’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, click here.
