The officially licensed Samsung microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 is back in stock at multiple retailers, including Best Buy and Target. The Switch 2 is only compatible with Express cards, and since it’s a newer technology, there aren’t very many options in stores at the moment–and most of them are sold out. Samsung’s 256GB Nintendo-themed card costs $60 and releases alongside the Switch 2 on June 5. Outside of this card, the only other option that’s currently in stock is SanDisk’s microSD Express Card in 128GB ($50) and 256GB ($72) capacities.
Where to preorder Samsung’s microSD Express Card for Switch 2 (Updated: May 16)
The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a fairly massive upgrade when it comes to raw storage space. The 256GB onboard SSD is four times larger than the Switch OLED (64GB) and eight times the size of the original Switch and Switch Lite (32GB). That said, the Switch 2’s performance upgrades will inevitably lead to bigger file sizes for upcoming games, which could compel you to expand your console’s storage capacity with one of the ultra-fast microSD Express Cards.
The Express format is a recent advancement in the semiconductor industry that hasn’t been widely adopted by manufacturers yet. The Nintendo Switch 2 will certainly increase its adoption rate by both manufacturers and consumers in a hurry. Officially licensed, Nintendo-themed cards from SanDisk are slated to release this year, too, but they aren’t available to preorder yet.
At this time, the upcoming licensed models max out at 256GB, but you can find 512GB and 1TB options elsewhere if you’re worried about future-proofing your Switch 2 storage space. We’ve put together a brief list and explainer detailing the microSD Express options available now from SanDisk, PNY, and Lexar as well as the upcoming models from Samsung and GameStop.
All microSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2
For more on upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 products, check out GameSpot’s roundups of Switch 2 accessories and games you can preorder now.
$60 | Releases June 5
Samsung’s officially licensed microSD Express Card is capable of reaching speeds of up to 800MB/s.
The $60 price point is honestly a bit of a surprise considering how expensive branded microSD cards for gaming tend to be listed for in comparison to regular editions.
It’s still possible that Samsung’s regular 256GB microSD Express Card will retail for less than $60, but this branded option actually has a lower MSRP than the SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card that’s already available.
As of May 16, the Samsung microSD Express is in stock at Best Buy and Target.
Available in 128GB and 256GB models
SanDisk currently manufactures 128GB and 256GB models of its microSD Express Cards.
The Nintendo-branded versions of SanDisk’s microSD Express Cards aren’t listed online yet, so it’s unclear if they will retail for the same prices. When we initially published this story, we theorized that the branded cards would cost more. SanDisk’s Nintendo-themed cards for the original Switch carry higher prices than non-branded editions. But this might change with Switch 2, as shown by the price point of Samsung’s Super Mario-themed 256GB card.
At the moment, it appears SanDisk will release Nintendo-themed versions of its two microSD Express offerings. It remains to be seen if SanDisk cards with more (or less) storage space will get the Nintendo treatment.
SanDisk microSD Express Cards are substantially faster than its Ultra and Extreme Cards, which are popular picks for expanding storage on the original Switch.
With Express technology, SanDisk’s cards offer read speeds of up to 880MB/s, write speeds of 650MB/s, and sustained write speeds of 210MB/s. For comparison, the SanDisk Ultra is rated for 150MB/s read speeds, and the Extreme can hit 190MB/s.
Express cards are essentially solid-state drives that can fit on your fingertip. In fact, this card is actually faster than the average SATA SSD.
Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models
If you want to future-proof your Switch 2’s storage space, Lexar is the only major manufacturer with microSD Express Cards exceeding 256GB.
Lexar’s Express Play Pro Cards launched in March in three different capacities: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The 256GB retails for $50, the 512GB is $100, and the 1TB will typically set you back $200, but all three models are sold out as of May 16.
Like the SanDisk Express that debuted last year, Lexar’s cards offer blistering speeds. Lexar says its microSD Express Play Pro can reach 900MB/s read speeds and 600MB/s write speeds.
Available in 128GB and 256GB models
PNY’s microSD Express Card is a brand-new release seemingly spurred by the Switch 2. PNY says the card is capable of read speeds up to 890MB/s and write speeds of 550MB/s. The 256GB card was briefly up for grabs at Amazon for $56. It doesn’t appear that the 128GB has been made available to order as of May 16.
Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models
GameStop has its own range of accessories for Nintendo Switch 2, including microSD Express Cards capable of reaching speeds of 800MB/s, according to GameStop.
GameStop’s Switch 2 accessories are not officially licensed by Nintendo, and it’s unknown which memory manufacturer built these cards. But GameStop clearly decided to capitalize on increased interest over the past week, as the previously reasonable price points for the three cards have disappeared.
GameStop’s microSD Express Cards now cost more than some cards from major manufacturers, so it’d be wise to avoid them unless it’s your only option. The 256GB version changed from $50 to $70 before falling back down to $55, which is rather unfortunate considering you can get a SanDisk card for $60.
The 512GB edition started at $85 and has since climbed to $100 (same price as Lexar). Lastly, the 1TB model, which was only $150 out of the gate, now goes for $190–very close to the price Lexar charges.
When it comes to storage and memory, it’s generally a good idea to opt for known brands with established reputations, so opting for a card of unknown origins could be viewed as a gamble. That’s doubly true when factoring in the eyebrow-raising price increases.
GameStop’s Switch 2 accessories launch the same day as the console on June 5.
Here’s a closer look at the official Samsung and SanDisk microSD Express Cards:
