In a recent expansive 60-minute Nintendo Direct, Nintendo provided an in-depth look at the highly anticipated Switch 2. They announced the console's price at $449.99 and its release date set for June 5, 2025. Alongside these details, they unveiled a host of new games and confirmed that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion.

This means that when you upgrade to the Switch 2 this summer, you won't be able to use your existing storage cards. To expand your storage, you'll need to purchase microSD Express cards. Currently, SanDisk offers compatible options on Amazon, including a 128GB card for $44.99 and a 256GB card for $59.99.

SanDisk microSD Express Cards

• SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card - $59.99 (was $64.99)
• SanDisk 128GB microSD Express Card - $44.99 (was $49.99)

The Nintendo Switch 2 comes equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a substantial upgrade from the original Switch's 32GB. This might mean you won't need to expand your storage immediately. However, considering that Switch 2 games are expected to be larger than those on the original console, you might want to plan ahead. For instance, while 'Tears of the Kingdom' was 16GB on the original Switch, its Switch 2 version and games like 'Mario Kart World' could demand significantly more space.

Although exact file sizes for Switch 2 games haven't been confirmed, it's reasonable to expect them to take up considerable storage. Unlike the original Switch, which supported standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, the Switch 2 will only support microSD Express cards.

Why MicroSD Express for Switch 2?

Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 marks a significant shift in storage technology. MicroSD Express cards offer a substantial improvement over traditional microSD cards, which are limited to 104 MB/s using the UHS-I interface. In contrast, microSD Express cards utilize PCIe and NVMe technology, achieving speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster.

This speed advantage is why the Switch 2 will not support regular microSD cards, ensuring the system can handle larger, more demanding games without performance issues. However, there's a notable downside: microSD Express cards are more expensive. For example, a 128GB SD card for the original Switch might cost around $10-15, while a similar capacity microSD Express card is priced at about $45.

Additionally, microSD Express cards are less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's move to microSD Express is aimed at enhancing speed and future-proofing the console, it does mean higher costs for expandable storage for users.

If you're planning to purchase a Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, yet pricier, memory cards. For a comprehensive overview of everything showcased in today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can click here.