128GB microSD Express Cards for Switch 2 Start at $45

Nintendo's recent 60-minute Nintendo Direct provided an in-depth look at the upcoming Switch 2, revealing crucial details such as its price ($449.99), release date (June 5, 2025), and an exciting lineup of new games. A significant announcement was the Switch 2's exclusive compatibility with microSD Express Cards, meaning users won't be able to use their old storage cards with the new console. To expand storage, you'll need to purchase microSD Express cards, like those available from SanDisk on Amazon, which include a 128GB option for $44.99 and a 256GB version for $59.99.

The Switch 2 boasts 256GB of internal storage, a notable upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. While this may suffice initially, the larger file sizes of Switch 2 games, such as the anticipated larger versions of titles like Tears of the Kingdom and Mario Kart World, may necessitate additional storage. Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games are yet to be disclosed, they are expected to be significantly larger than those on the original console, requiring the faster transfer speeds of microSD Express cards.

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 is driven by the technology's superior performance. Traditional microSD cards are limited to 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface, whereas microSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technology to reach speeds up to 985 MB/s. This shift ensures the Switch 2 can handle more demanding games without performance issues. However, this comes at a higher cost, with a 128GB microSD Express card priced around $45, compared to $10-15 for a standard 128GB SD card. Additionally, microSD Express cards are less common and primarily offered by brands like SanDisk and Samsung.

If you're planning to purchase a Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, albeit more expensive, memory cards. For a comprehensive overview of everything showcased in the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, click here.