All microSD cards look pretty much the same, but when it comes to buying the right one for your Nintendo Switch 2, only microSD Express cards will work for storing and playing games. The microSD card you used in your original Switch or Switch Lite will offer limited functionality with Nintendo’s new handheld, as it will only let you view screenshots or video clips you captured previously — that’s it.
That’s because Nintendo opted for a significantly faster spec in its new handheld console, which boasts an advertised 4.4x improvement in terms of transfer speeds over the microSD cards you might already have lying around. That improvement is signified by a small, easy-to-miss “EX” emblem etched onto the front of the card.
What’s harder to miss is how much more expensive Express cards are, with some costing more than $50 for just 256GB of storage. The Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards up to 2TB in size, although 1TB is the largest capacity widely available (that’s an overstatement, as many are sold out currently), with some cards selling for up to $200 a pop. Phew. I suppose it makes sense that they’re pricier since they’re classified as bonafide PCIe NVMe SSDs by the SD Association. Walmart’s Onn label is a beacon of light, as its microSD Express cards are significantly cheaper than the competition, with its 512GB model costing $65.88 when it’s in stock.
Thankfully, since the Switch 2 has 256GB of built-in storage, you most likely won’t need a microSD Express card immediately upon receiving your console. Getting a microSD card was a rite of passage with the original Switch since all versions, aside from the newer OLED edition that launched in 2021, came with just 32GB.
If you’re in the market for one of these pricier storage expansion cards ahead of the console’s launch, we’ve listed the available options below.
