Top MicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

With the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, it's crucial to consider its storage limitations right from the start. The new console comes equipped with only 256GB of built-in storage, which may quickly fill up if you're an avid gamer. To avoid the hassle of constantly uninstalling and reinstalling games, you'll need to expand your storage. However, unlike its predecessor, the Switch 2 requires a MicroSD Express card for this purpose. These cards are not only faster but also more expensive than traditional UHS-based SD cards.

While MicroSD Express cards have been around for a while, they haven't been widely adopted by creative professionals, limiting the available options. However, with the imminent launch of the Switch 2, we can expect a surge in the availability of these cards.

It's worth noting that since the Nintendo Switch 2 hasn't been released yet, I haven't been able to test any of these MicroSD Express cards. Nevertheless, the cards I'll discuss come from reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality storage solutions.

Why MicroSD Express?

The Nintendo Switch 2 mandates the use of a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion, but the reasoning behind this decision remains somewhat unclear. It's likely that Nintendo wants to ensure consistent performance across all games, whether they're stored internally or on an expansion card. The console uses UFS flash storage, which is significantly faster than the eMMC drive in the original Switch. By requiring MicroSD Express cards, Nintendo aims to maintain this high level of performance.

Regular MicroSD cards can only be used for storing screenshots and videos from the first-generation Switch, meaning there's no room for compromise. If you're looking to expand your Nintendo Switch 2 storage, a MicroSD Express card is your only option.

1. Lexar Play Pro

The Best MicroSD Express Card

Out of the limited MicroSD Express cards currently available, the Lexar Play Pro stands out for its speed and capacity. With read speeds up to 900MB/s and storage options up to 1TB, it's the top choice right now. However, due to high demand from the Switch 2 launch, it's currently out of stock. Keep an eye on retailers like Adorama, where it's available on backorder until July. If you're after the best storage solution for your Switch 2, the Lexar Play Pro, particularly the 1TB model, is worth waiting for.

2. SanDisk MicroSD Express

The MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now

SanDisk, a well-known name in the SD card industry, offers a MicroSD Express card that's readily available. While it's limited to 256GB, it's a reliable option that effectively doubles your console's storage. With read speeds up to 880MB/s, it's slightly slower than the Lexar Play Pro but still provides excellent performance. If you want to secure a MicroSD Express card without delay, the SanDisk option is a solid choice. However, if you can afford to wait, more options will likely become available once the console is in your hands.

3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2

The Official Option We Know Very Little About

Samsung's MicroSD Express card, which will be sold directly by Nintendo, adds an official touch to your storage expansion. However, details about its specifications and available capacities are scarce. We don't know its read speeds or whether the 256GB model will be the only option. Despite the lack of information, the card's association with Nintendo and Samsung's reputation for quality products make it an appealing choice. I've reached out to Samsung for more details and will update this article as soon as I have more information.

MicroSD Express FAQ

How fast is MicroSD Express?

MicroSD Express cards are significantly faster than their predecessors, thanks to their use of PCI Express 3.1, similar to what SSDs use in PCs. While full-sized SD Express cards can reach read speeds up to 3,940MB/s, MicroSD Express cards top out at 985MB/s. This is still much faster than the older MicroSD cards used by the original Nintendo Switch.

How long will a MicroSD Express card last?

Like all SD cards, MicroSD Express cards have a limited lifespan and aren't designed for long-term data storage. Their durability depends on usage and environmental factors. You can expect a MicroSD Express card to last between 5-10 years before needing replacement. Always back up important data to ensure you don't lose anything valuable.