Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Support
Recent leaks point towards the Nintendo Switch 2 supporting microSD Express cards, a significant upgrade from its predecessor's UHS-I support. This suggests substantial storage improvements for the upcoming console.
The rumor mill indicates the Switch 2 entered mass production in late 2024, fueled by a surge of hardware leaks since Q4 2024. Adding to this, GameStop SKUs surfaced in early January 2025, revealing "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" listings in 256GB and 512GB capacities. This strongly suggests microSD Express compatibility.
A Quantum Leap in Transfer Speeds
The current Switch uses 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 |
| Maximum Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
The capacity jump is equally impressive. While UHS-I maxes out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB – a 6,300% improvement. GameStop's leaked 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 aligns with the ongoing stream of Switch 2 leaks. Nintendo has committed to an official reveal before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just over two months for the announcement.
