A Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card should be at the top of your shopping list if you've already managed to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order.
You might assume that the Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with the same microSD cards used with the original Nintendo Switch, but that's not the case. It requires a microSD Express card, a new format that offers its own advantages.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, but we've had plenty of opportunities to give it a go ahead of that date. Read what we thought about the next Nintendo system in our detailed Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on preview.
The biggest difference is that microSD Express cards are considerably faster, with transfer speeds of up to 985MB/s. The UHS-1 (Ultra High Speed Phase 1) cards of the original Nintendo Switch, in contrast, maxed out at 104MB/s. Think of these new cards almost like miniature SSDs, allowing games to run significantly faster and reducing loading times.
As microSD Express is such a new format, however, there are very few cards on the market. That's why I've put together this guide on where you can get one, simplifying the Nintendo Switch 2 accessory shopping process. Read on to learn everything you need to know about where to buy Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards in both the US and UK.
Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards in the US
Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards in the UK
Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards: FAQs
Will a regular microSD card work with the Nintendo Switch 2?
No, a standard microSD card won't work with the Nintendo Switch 2. The handheld console requires a microSD Express card, a newer, more modern format that supports significantly higher speeds.
Do I need a Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card?
Whether or not you need a Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card will come down to your own individual gaming needs. The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage out of the box, which might be enough for some players. If you frequently download games, however, this will likely fill up very quickly. Picking up a Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card will let you keep more games installed on your Nintendo Switch 2 at the same time.
Does a microSD Express card work with Nintendo Switch?
Yes, a microSD Express card will work with an original Nintendo Switch. That said, it will not perform at its highest speeds. The performance will be equivalent to your average Nintendo Switch microSD card, so it's not worth splashing out for a microSD Express card if you don't have a Nintendo Switch 2.
You might also like...
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.