This 256GB Switch 2 SD card is cheaper than the official Nintendo model, just in time for Pokemon Pokopia

Image of the Samsung P9 microSD Express card on a pink GamesRadar+ background. — (Image credit: Future/Samsung)

If you've got your Pokemon Pokopia pre-order in the bag, you're gonna need to have 10GB spare to play it. As game-key card release, the full game isn't on the cart, and so you'll need to have plenty of storage available when its March 5, 2026, release date rolls around.

The simplest solution is to spare some of the onboard storage of your Switch 2 by deleting or archiving some older games. But if your digital library is precious to you, you can always grab this 256GB Samsung P9 Switch 2 SD card, which is down to $47.20 at Amazon right now instead. You could alternatively pick up the official Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Card, but it's still sitting at its full $59 MSRP. Choosing this Samsung P9 deal will still provide you with that extra 256GB for Pokemon Pokopia, and save you $11 when compared to Nintendo's official model.

Samsung P9 Express microSD Express Card | $54.99 $47.20 at Amazon
This 256GB Samsung P9 microSD Express Card isn't the biggest saving in the world. However, it's currently one of the cheapest options for getting 256GB of extra space for your Switch 2, especially when you factor in the full $59 price of the officially licensed 256GB Samsung model.

Buy it if:

✅ You're a Switch 2 player
✅ You want to install Pokemon Pokopia
✅ You want to better future-proof your handheld

Don't buy it if:

❌ An extra 256GB isn't enough
❌ You want the design of the Nintendo Samsung model

UK: £55.99 at Amazon

IS 256GB enough for the Nintendo Switch 2?

Photo by Rosalie Newcombe of the Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card sitting on the left Joy-Con 2 controller of a Nintendo Switch 2. — (Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Personally, I prefer at least 512GB to 1TB GB at my disposal when it comes to using the best gaming handhelds, but 256GB is a good starting point.

A lot of the best Switch 2 games aren't as storage-demanding as PC titles (I'm looking at you Baldur's Gate 3), but they are getting steadily more taxing the more we get into the Ninty's handheld lifespan. Take Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which lands on the Switch 2 on June 3, 2026. It requires 102GB of your handheld's storage to install, which is a huge chunk if you're left purely depending on the 256GB onboard storage.

Having the extra 256GB as provided by this Samsung P9 deal can help with that, and it can more can faciliate the 10GB for Pokemon Pokopia - the bigger the better. The issue really comes down to the price and what you're willing to spend, as microSD Express Cards don't have the same budget-friendly costs as the older handheld Switch cards. The higher the capacity, the more cash you can expect to fork out.

When you take that into account, I recommend grabbing a 256GB Switch 2 SD card to start with and see how you get on. If Pokemon Pokopia is the only big Switch 2 release you have your heart set on playing so far this year, then it can more than make do. Then, if Nintendo happens to reveal new titles for the 30th Anniversary (fingers crossed), you can always save up for a higher capacity card instead.

512GB Samsung P9 microSD Express Card | ~~$119.99~~ $79.99 at Amazon
View all Switch 2 microSD Express cards at Amazon

Our guides to the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases are full of goodies that can transform your upcoming Pokemon Pokopia adventures.

TOPICS

CATEGORIES

Ever since I first held a NES controller in my hand I've been obsessed with gaming, and the hardware it runs on. I could hook up a NES and SNES to a telly, without instructions, before I could walk. Even now, nothing is more exciting then taking a console, or handheld, out the box for the first time and setting it up. This obsession transformed into a love of games and game music, which lead to my music degree and dream of becoming the Scottish Nobuo Uematsu. After sharing my love of games through music, I began to share my love through words on sites like TechRadar and iMore. This lead to becoming a Hardware staff writer for PCGamesN, and later the Senior Tech Writer for Dexerto, covering all things Steam Deck, PlayStation and Nintendo. With that experience, I was able to level up as Hardware Editor for GamesRadar+, where I'm still just as Nintendo, PlayStation and gaming tech obsessed as ever.

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.