The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, and with its built-in storage limited to just 256GB, you'll need to expand that if you plan on stocking up on games. Unlike the original Switch, the new console requires a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion. These cards are faster but come at a higher cost compared to traditional UHS-based SD cards.
MicroSD Express cards have been on the market for a while, but they haven’t been widely adopted by creative professionals. With the Switch 2's imminent release, expect a surge in availability of these cards. Keep in mind, since the console isn't out yet, I haven't tested any of these cards. However, they come from reputable manufacturers known for their high-quality storage solutions.
Why MicroSD Express?
The Nintendo Switch 2 mandates the use of MicroSD Express cards for storage expansion, a decision not fully explained by Nintendo but likely aimed at ensuring faster storage speeds. The console uses UFS flash storage, similar to that found in smartphones, which is faster than the eMMC drive in the original Switch. This requirement ensures that games run smoothly whether 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 slower external drives for last-gen games, the Switch 2 offers no such flexibility. 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 available, with read speeds up to 900MB/s and storage up to 1TB. It's currently the top choice, though it's pricey and hard to find in stock due to high demand from Switch 2 enthusiasts. Keep an eye on it, especially the 1TB version, and consider ordering from Adorama where it's on backorder until July.
2. SanDisk MicroSD Express
The MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now
SanDisk, a well-known name in SD cards, offers a MicroSD Express card with up to 256GB of storage, matching the Switch 2's internal storage. While not as fast as the Lexar Play Pro, with read speeds up to 880MB/s, it's a reliable choice that's readily available. It's perfect if you want to double your storage without waiting, though keep an eye out for more options once the console is released.
3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2
The Official Option We Know Very Little About
Samsung's MicroSD Express card, sold directly by Nintendo, offers an official solution, but details on its specs are scarce. It's expected to come in a 256GB model, and while specific performance metrics are unknown, it carries the reassurance of Nintendo's endorsement. Stay tuned for more information as it 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 SSDs in PCs. While full-sized SD Express cards can reach read speeds up to 3,940MB/s, MicroSD Express tops out at 985MB/s, still much faster than the original Switch's MicroSD cards.
How long will a MicroSD Express card last?
Like any SD card, MicroSD Express cards aren't designed for long-term data storage and typically last 5-10 years. Their lifespan depends on usage and environmental conditions, so always back up important data.
