The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, and it comes with a built-in storage of just 256GB. If you're planning to dive deep into a vast library of games without the hassle of constant uninstalling and reinstalling, you'll need to expand that storage. Unlike the original Nintendo Switch, the new model requires a MicroSD Express card for this purpose. These cards are faster but come at a higher cost than traditional UHS-based SD cards.
Although MicroSD Express cards have been around for a while, they haven't caught on with creative professionals, leaving only a few options currently available. However, with the impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2, a flood of new MicroSD Express cards is expected to hit the market soon.
Since the Nintendo Switch 2 hasn't been released yet, I haven't personally tested any of these MicroSD Express cards. However, they are produced by well-known and reputable manufacturers with a history of reliable storage expansion products.
Why MicroSD Express?
The Nintendo Switch 2 mandates the use of a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion, a decision that hasn't been fully explained by Nintendo. However, it's likely due to the console's internal storage using UFS flash, similar to what's found in smartphones. This is much faster than the eMMC drive in the original Switch, and Nintendo probably wants to ensure that developers can rely on high-speed storage whether games are stored internally or on an expansion card.
Standard MicroSD cards can only be used for transferring screenshots and videos from your first-gen Switch. Unlike the PS5, which allows storing last-generation games on slower external drives, the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't offer this flexibility. If you want to expand your storage, a MicroSD Express card is a must.
1. Lexar Play Pro
The Best MicroSD Express Card
Among the available MicroSD Express cards, the Lexar Play Pro stands out as the fastest and offers the most storage with up to 1TB and read speeds of 900MB/s. It's the top choice for expanding your Nintendo Switch 2 storage. However, due to high demand, it's currently out of stock. Keep an eye out for restocking, especially the 1TB version, which you might find on backorder at Adorama until July.
2. SanDisk MicroSD Express
The MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now
If you're looking for a MicroSD Express card that you can purchase immediately, the SanDisk MicroSD Express is a reliable choice. Although it's limited to 256GB, which matches the internal storage of the Nintendo Switch 2, it's a solid option for doubling your storage capacity. With a read speed of up to 880MB/s, it's slightly slower than the Lexar Play Pro but still very efficient. SanDisk's reputation for quality makes this an excellent choice if you want to buy now and not wait.
3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2
The Official Option We Know Very Little About
Samsung's MicroSD Express card is being sold directly by Nintendo, giving it an official endorsement. However, details about its performance and available storage options are scarce. It's expected to be a 256GB model, but without specific speed data, it's hard to gauge its effectiveness. If you value the assurance of Nintendo's approval, this might be the card for you, and I'll update this article once more information becomes available.
MicroSD Express FAQ
How fast is MicroSD Express?
MicroSD Express cards are significantly faster than older SD cards, thanks to their use of PCI Express 3.1, similar to what's used by SSDs in PCs. While full-sized SD Express cards can reach speeds up to 3,940MB/s, MicroSD Express cards max out at 985MB/s. This is still much faster than the MicroSD cards used by the original Nintendo Switch.
How long will a MicroSD Express card last?
Like any SD card, MicroSD Express cards have a limited lifespan and aren't designed for long-term data storage. Expect them to last between 5-10 years, depending on usage and environmental conditions. Always back up important data to ensure you don't lose anything valuable.
