In a recent 60-minute Nintendo Direct, Nintendo provided an extensive look at the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. They unveiled crucial details such as the console's price of $449.99, its release date on June 5, 2025, and a lineup of new games. A significant announcement was that the Switch 2 will exclusively support microSD Express Cards for storage expansion, meaning your existing microSD cards from the original Switch won't be compatible. To enhance your storage, you'll need to invest in microSD Express cards, like those from SanDisk available on Amazon. Options include a 128GB card at $44.99 and a 256GB version at $59.99.
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts an impressive 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, be prepared for larger game files on the Switch 2. For instance, while Tears of the Kingdom on the original Switch was 16GB, its Switch 2 version, along with titles like Mario Kart World, could demand significantly more space. Although specific file sizes for Switch 2 games remain undisclosed, it's evident they will require ample storage.
Nintendo's decision to use microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 marks a significant shift in storage technology. Why the change? MicroSD Express cards leverage PCIe and NVMe technologies, offering speeds up to 985 MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the 104 MB/s limit of traditional microSD cards using the UHS-I interface. This speed boost ensures the Switch 2 can handle larger, more demanding games without performance hiccups.
However, there's a notable drawback: microSD Express cards are more expensive. A 128GB microSD card for the original Switch costs around $10-15, whereas the same capacity in an Express card is priced at approximately $45. Additionally, these cards are less widely available, with only a few brands like SanDisk and Samsung producing them. While Nintendo's move to microSD Express cards is aimed at enhancing speed and future-proofing the console, it does mean higher costs for users looking to expand their storage.
If you're planning to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2, be prepared to budget for these faster, albeit pricier, memory cards. For more insights into everything showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, click here.
