The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't launch until June 5, but you can already pick up some compatible microSD Express cards for all your Switch 2 game installs, screenshots, and game captures. Right now, brands like Lexar and SanDisk have their own compatible express microSD cards available from $44.99 at Amazon - no pre-order invites required.
With the best Nintendo Switch SD cards not compatible with the upcoming handheld, these new express cards are mandatory if you want more storage for your Switch 2. You can technically use an older microSD card for the upcoming handheld, but only if you want to move across some of your favorite screenshots and game captures from your older game library.
In the US, the official Switch 2 microSD Express Cards are currently reserved for those with Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders through the Nintendo website. Fortunately for those in the UK, the official Mario-branded microSD Express cards are available to pre-order for £49.99 at Argos and other retailers. Those in the US who aren't lucky enough to qualify for the official express cards also have other options, and we've gathered them all below.
Where to get a MicroSD Express Card in the US
Where to get a MicroSD Express Card in the UK
Nintendo Switch 2 MicroSD Express Card FAQ
What is a MicroSD Express Card?
A MicroSD Express Card is a type of flash memory card, used to transfer media, and other data, between electronic devices - like your future Nintendo Switch 2.
MicroSD Express Cards mainly differ from other MicroSD Cards when it comes to speeds, thanks to its integrated NVMe protocol. Similarly to the best SSDs for gaming, express cards use their integrated PCI Express/NVMe interface to achieve faster speeds than typical UHS-I-based microSD cards, which in turn can support the improved load times and performance of upcoming Switch 2 games.
Typically, express cards have read and write speeds of around 985 and 950 MB/s respectively. This is a lot faster than microSD cards compatible with your older Ninty handheld, which tend to have read and write speeds of around 100 MB/s.
Do you need a microSD Express Card for the Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB worth of onboard storage, however, if you want more space for game installs or saving screenshots and game clips, you will need to grab a compatible microSD Express Card.
Ninty announced during the latest Nintendo Direct presentation that only microSD Express cards will be compatible with the new console as they allow "for faster data reading and writing speeds" with the brand-new console.
As of now, only these express cards are compatible with the upcoming handheld, as they are faster at reading and writing data compared to other microSD Cards currently used with the original Switch console.
Can the Switch 2 read older microSD Cards?
You will not be able to use your older microSD card with the Switch 2 to transfer, and run Switch games. However, you can use your current microSD card to transfer screenshots and video footage to the brand-new handheld.
What storage options are there available for microSD Express Cards?
Currently, there are two officially licenced Nintendo Switch 2 256GB microSD Express cards from both SanDisk and Samsung. Alternatives, like SanDisk, also have a 256GB microSD Express Card without the Mario branding, whereas GameStop currently has 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions available to pre-order.
Nintendo states that the Switch 2 can support microSD Express cards up to 2TB, but as of typing, no brand (Nintendo included) has yet to release a card of that size.
Check out our guides to the best SSD for PS5, the best Xbox Series X hard drive, SSD, and memory card solutions, and the best SSD for gaming if you're looking to solve your storage woes for your PC and other beloved current-gen consoles.
