While all microSD cards may appear similar, choosing the correct one for your Nintendo Switch 2 is crucial. Only microSD Express cards will function for game storage and gameplay. Cards used in previous models, like the original Switch or Switch Lite, will be limited to displaying only the screenshots or video clips you have already captured — nothing more.
This limitation is due to Nintendo’s decision to implement a far superior speed specification in their new handheld console, boasting a remarkable 4.4 times faster transfer speeds compared to the microSD cards you might have on hand. This speed enhancement is indicated by a small “EX” logo imprinted on the card.
However, what’s hard to overlook is the higher price tag attached to Express cards, some of which retail for over $50 for just 256GB of storage. The Switch 2 can accommodate microSD Express cards up to 2TB in capacity, although currently, the most widely available size is 1TB, which can be priced at up to $200. It’s understandable why these cards are more expensive, as they are officially categorized as PCIe NVMe SSDs by the SD Association. Fortunately, Walmart’s Onn brand offers a more budget-friendly option; its microSD Express cards are considerably cheaper than other brands, with the 512GB version retailing for $65.88 when available.
Fortunately, with the Switch 2 featuring 256GB of built-in storage, you likely won’t need to purchase a microSD Express card immediately after acquiring your console. In contrast, owning a microSD card was essential for the original Switch, especially since all models, aside from the newer OLED version launched in 2021, came with a mere 32GB.
If you’re looking for one of these more expensive storage expansion cards before the console’s launch, we’ve compiled a list of available options below.
