Switch 2’s microSD Express Mandate: Speed Upgrade or Costly Gimmick?

Nintendo’s Switch 2 is ditching old microSD cards—and your wallet might feel the sting. During its recent Nintendo Direct, the company confirmed the $449.99 console (launching June 5, 2025) will exclusively support pricier microSD Express cards for storage expansion. With SanDisk’s 128GB model already listed at $44.99 and a 256GB option at $59.99, gamers face a new reality: faster speeds come at a premium. But is this a necessary leap forward or a cash grab? Let’s dive in.

🚀 Why Nintendo Is Forcing the microSD Express Shift

• Speed Revolution: MicroSD Express cards hit 985 MB/s via PCIe/NVMe tech—nearly 10x faster than standard microSD cards (104 MB/s).
• Bigger Games, Bigger Demands: The Switch 2’s 256GB internal storage (up from 32GB) may seem ample, but titles like Mario Kart World or the upgraded Tears of the Kingdom could demand 50GB+ per game.
• Future-Proofing: Nintendo claims the move ensures smoother performance for next-gen titles, avoiding slowdowns during gameplay or loading.
• Cost Shock: A 128GB standard microSD card costs ~$15 vs. $45 for the Express version—a 300% markup.

✅ The Upside: What microSD Express Brings to the Table

• ✅ Blazing Load Times: Say goodbye to endless loading screens—Express cards optimize large open-world games.
• ✅ Storage Scalability: Options like Lexar’s 1TB Play PRO card ($199.99) let heavy gamers store dozens of AAA titles.
• ✅ Early Adoption Wins: SanDisk and Lexar are already selling compatible cards, ensuring day-one availability for the Switch 2.

🚧 The Hurdles: Why Gamers Are Grumbling

• ⚠️ Price Pain: Upgrading to 1TB could cost nearly half the console’s price ($199.99).
• ⚠️ No Backward Compatibility: Your existing Switch microSD cards? They’re useless on the Switch 2.
• ⚠️ Limited Brands: Only SanDisk and Lexar offer microSD Express cards so far, reducing competition-driven price drops.

💡 Final Verdict: Necessary Evil or Overkill?

Nintendo’s bet on microSD Express makes technical sense—faster storage is critical for next-gen games. However, the upfront cost feels steep, especially for casual players. Success hinges on two factors:

• 📉 Game File Sizes: If Switch 2 titles average 30GB+, buying a 1TB card becomes unavoidable for enthusiasts.
• 🚀 Price Drops: Widespread adoption across cameras, drones, and other devices could lower prices by 2026.

For now, early adopters should budget an extra $60-$200 for storage. But here’s the real question: Is the speed boost worth ditching your old cards?

Let us know on X (Former Twitter)

Sources: Robert Anderson. Switch 2 Compatible microSD Express Cards Start From $45 for 128GB, Apr 3, 2025. https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-microsd-express-cards-where-to-buy