The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a fairly massive upgrade when it comes to raw storage space. The 256GB onboard SSD is four times larger than the Switch OLED (64GB) and eight times the size of the original Switch and Switch Lite (32GB). That said, the Switch 2’s performance upgrades will inevitably lead to bigger file sizes for upcoming games, which could compel you to expand your console’s storage capacity. Just like its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a microSD card slot. But while the Switch worked with basically every microSD card sold in stores, the Switch 2 is only compatible with a very specific type of storage: microSD Express cards.
The Express format is a recent advancement in the semiconductor industry that hasn’t been widely adopted by manufacturers yet. The Nintendo Switch 2 will certainly increase its adoption rate by both manufacturers and consumers in a hurry. During last week’s Nintendo Direct, we learned that both Samsung and SanDisk are manufacturing Super Mario-themed microSD Express Cards. Listings for Samsung’s 256GB microSD Express Card are live now at Walmart, Target, and GameStop.
If you want to get ahead of any potential Switch 2 storage woes, we’ve put together a brief list and explainer detailing the microSD Express options available now from SanDisk and Lexar as well as upcoming models from Samsung and GameStop. Unsurprisingly, some of the cards on this list have sold out multiple times since Nintendo unveiled the microSD Express extended storage limitation for the Switch 2. As such, we wouldn’t be surprised if the themed cards sold out when preorders eventually open.
microSD Express Cards for Switch 2 you can buy now:
For more on the new console, check out GameSpot’s Nintendo Switch 2 preorder guide, which includes all of the first-party hardware and games featured in the Nintendo Direct. Preorders for the Switch 2, its accessories, and a bunch of launch games will open soon, and we’re only two months out from the console’s June 5 launch.
You’ll be able to order the cards whenever Switch 2 console preorders open in the US. Nintendo delayed preorders from April 9 to an unspecified date in the US and Canada due to the ongoing tariff situation.
Available in 128GB and 256GB models
SanDisk currently manufactures 128GB and 256GB models of its microSD Express Cards. The 128GB model is on sale for $45 (was $50) at Amazon, while the 256GB version is $60 (was $65).
The Nintendo-branded versions of SanDisk’s microSD Express Cards aren’t listed online yet, so it’s unclear if they retail for the same prices. When we initially published this story, we theorized that the branded cards would cost more. SanDisk’s Nintendo-themed cards for the original Switch carry higher prices than non-branded editions. But this might change with Switch 2, as shown by the price point of Samsung’s Super Mario-themed 256GB card.
At the moment, it appears SanDisk will release Nintendo-themed versions of its two microSD Express offerings. It remains to be seen if SanDisk cards with more (or less) storage space will get the Nintendo treatment.
SanDisk microSD Express Cards are substantially faster than its Ultra and Extreme Cards, which are popular picks for expanding storage on the original Switch.
With Express technology, SanDisk’s cards offer read speeds of up to 880MB/s, write speeds of 650MB/s, and sustained write speeds of 210MB/s. For comparison, the SanDisk Ultra is rated for 150MB/s read speeds, and the Extreme can hit 190MB/s.
Express cards are essentially solid-state drives that can fit on your fingertip. In fact, this card is actually faster than the average SATA SSD.
Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models
If you want to future-proof your Switch 2’s storage space, Lexar is the only major manufacturer with microSD Express Cards exceeding 256GB.
Lexar’s Express Play Pro Cards launched in March in three different capacities: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The 256GB retails for $50, the 512GB is $90 (was $100), and the 1TB will set you back $200–close to half the price of the Switch 2 console.
Like the SanDisk Express that debuted last year, Lexar’s cards offer blistering speeds. Lexar says its microSD Express Play Pro can reach 900MB/s read speeds and 600MB/s write speeds.
The manufacturer has already updated its Amazon listing to mention the Nintendo Switch 2, and all three models have sold out at least once and are subject to wide delivery windows that seem to be fluctuating by the day.
$60 | Releases June 5 | Preorders open alongside the console
Samsung announced its own microSD Express Card earlier this year. Samsung’s upcoming high-speed cards offer up to 800MB/s sequential read speeds. While Samsung has not revealed the price of its regular offerings, we now know the Nintendo-licensed version of its 256GB microSD Express Card costs $60–unless the tariff situation causes SanDisk and Nintendo to increase the price.
The $60 price point is honestly a bit of a surprise considering how expensive branded microSD cards for gaming tend to be listed for in comparison to regular editions. Though not officially confirmed, we’d expect the Nintendo-branded card to offer the same performance as the regular model.
It’s still possible that Samsung’s regular 256GB microSD Express Card will retail for less than $60, but this branded option actually has a lower MSRP than the SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card that’s already available.
Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models
Preorders have opened for a range of GameStop-branded accessories for Nintendo Switch 2, including microSD Express Cards capable of reaching speeds of 800MB/s, according to GameStop.
GameStop’s Switch 2 accessories are not officially licensed by Nintendo, and it’s unknown which memory manufacturer built these cards. But GameStop clearly decided to capitalize on increased interest over the past week, as the previously reasonable price points for the three cards have disappeared.
GameStop’s microSD Express Cards now cost more than some cards from major manufacturers, so it’d be wise to avoid them unless it’s your only option. The 256GB version changed from $50 to $70, which is rather inexplicable considering you can get a SanDisk card for $60.
The 512GB edition started at $85 and has since climbed to $100 (same price as Lexar). Lastly, the 1TB model, which was only $150 last week, is now $190–very close to the price Lexar charges.
When it comes to storage and memory, it’s generally a good idea to opt for known brands with established reputations, so opting for a card of unknown origins could be viewed as a gamble. That’s doubly true when factoring in the eyebrow-raising price increases.
GameStop’s microSD Express Cards are available to preorder alongside carrying cases, controller grips, and even a USB-C hub with video out, which is the first third-party “dock” marketed for Switch 2. However, this USB-C dongle only offers 720p resolution, so it’d only be useful when playing on a portable display without 1080p or 4K resolution.
GameStop’s Switch 2 accessories launch the same day as the console on June 5.
More GameStop-branded Switch 2 accessories:
Here’s a closer look at the official Samsung and SanDisk microSD Express Cards releasing on June 5:
