Top MicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is just around the corner, and if you're planning to get one, you should know that it comes with only 256GB of internal storage. To enjoy a seamless gaming experience without the hassle of constantly uninstalling and reinstalling games, you'll need to expand that storage. However, unlike the original Nintendo Switch, the new console requires a MicroSD Express card, which is faster but pricier than traditional UHS-based SD cards.

MicroSD Express cards have been around for a while, but they haven't been widely adopted by creative professionals, leading to limited options on the market. With the imminent launch of the Switch 2, expect a surge in availability of these cards to meet the demand.

Please note that since the Nintendo Switch 2 isn't out yet, I haven't had the chance to test these MicroSD Express cards. However, they are produced by reputable manufacturers known for their high-quality storage solutions.

Why MicroSD Express?

The Nintendo Switch 2 mandates the use of a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion. While Nintendo hasn't fully disclosed their reasoning, it's clear they want to ensure faster storage performance. The console uses UFS flash storage, similar to that in smartphones, which is significantly quicker than the eMMC drive in the original Switch. This ensures developers can rely on consistent high-speed storage, whether it's internal or via an expansion card.

You can only use regular MicroSD cards for transferring screenshots and videos from your first-gen Switch. Unlike the PS5, which allows slower external drives for last-gen games, Nintendo Switch 2 offers no such flexibility. If you want to expand your storage, you'll need a MicroSD Express card.

1. Lexar Play Pro

The Best MicroSD Express Card

The Lexar Play Pro stands out as the fastest and most capacious MicroSD Express card currently available. It offers read speeds up to 900MB/s and can be found in a 1TB option. However, due to the increased demand spurred by the Switch 2, it's currently out of stock in many places. If you're looking for the best, keep an eye on the Lexar Play Pro, particularly the 1TB version, and grab it when it's back in stock. Currently, you can place a backorder through Adorama, expected to ship in July.

2. SanDisk MicroSD Express

The MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now

SanDisk, a trusted name in SD cards, offers a MicroSD Express card that's readily available. While it maxes out at 256GB, doubling your Switch 2's internal storage is still a significant boost. With a read speed of up to 880MB/s, it's slightly slower than the Lexar Play Pro but still performs admirably for gaming. If you want to secure storage without waiting, the SanDisk MicroSD Express is a reliable choice.

3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2

The Official Option We Know Very Little About

Samsung's MicroSD Express card, sold directly by Nintendo, carries the weight of official endorsement. However, specifics about its speed and capacity remain under wraps. The only model available so far is the 256GB version. While details are scarce, opting for a card with Nintendo's seal of approval can provide peace of mind. I've reached out to Samsung for more information and will update this article as soon as I receive it.

MicroSD Express FAQ

How fast is MicroSD Express?

MicroSD Express is significantly faster than older SD cards, primarily because it uses the PCI Express 3.1 interface, similar to SSDs in PCs. While full-sized SD Express cards can reach read speeds of up to 3,940MB/s, MicroSD Express cards top 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, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on usage and environmental conditions. It's essential to back up important data regularly, as these cards are not designed for long-term storage.