Step into the future of gaming storage with the Nintendo Switch 2, where speed meets capacity in a way never seen before. Unlike its predecessors, the Switch 2 demands the cutting-edge microSD Express cards-lightning-fast, NVMe-powered storage solutions designed to keep up with the console’s massive 256GB internal SSD and the soaring size of modern games. Whether you’re eyeing the officially licensed Super Mario-themed Samsung card or hunting for the best bang for your buck from brands like SanDisk, Lexar, or Onn, our guide breaks down the top microSD Express cards you can buy now to future-proof your gaming library and slash load times. Ready to expand your Switch 2’s horizons? Here’s everything you need to know before you shop.
Now that Switch 2 pre-orders are live, as well as those for Switch 2 accessories, games, and amiibo, you should be considering buying some extra storage, too. If are you, you’ll need a microSD Express card, which is the type that the Switch 2 will use. The console supports up to 2 TB, though 1 TB is the highest capacity currently available at stores. It’s worth noting that the stock of most microSD Express cards is always in flux, and cards can have very long delivery estimates, with the longest we’ve seen estimating up to a two month wait.
Regular microSD cards, of which I can’t be alone in amassing multiples of at this point, won’t work for playing games of any kind in the Switch 2; inserting one into the Switch 2 will only reveal your screenshots and video clips. Essentially, if you foresee downloading more games than the console’s 256 GB of internal storage can contain, you’ll need to buy a microSD Express card at some point.
That may be disappointing (especially since microSD Express cards are more expensive), but the significant read and write speed boosts that microSD Express yields in comparison to standard microSD cards should make the upgrade feel worth it. These cards are classified as NVMe SSDs, letting them run about four times faster (they are slower than PCIe 4.0 SSDs in the PS5, but so, so much faster than the storage in the original Switch). The boosted speed results in quicker loading times, and likely several other positive benefits, like faster downloads and boot times. You’re paying SSD prices because you’re getting an SSD in the form of a microSD card.
There are a few microSD Express cards you can buy now ahead of the Switch 2’s June 5 release date, while some are only available to pre-order (there’s also a licensed Mario one from Samsung that’s coming June 5). While we haven’t tested (or tasted) these, we feel confident that any of the options below should be great for your Switch 2, as well as any console that may one day support them.
The best microSD Express cards for the Switch 2
The best microSD Express cards for the Switch 2 offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional microSD cards, making them essential for storing and playing games on the new console. Top recommendations include the Samsung 256GB microSD Express Card, known for its speed and Nintendo branding, the budget-friendly SanDisk 128GB microSD Express with transfer speeds up to 880MB/s, and the high-performance Lexar Play Pro series, available in 512GB and 1TB capacities with read speeds reaching 900MB/s. While these cards are pricier than standard microSD cards, their NVMe SSD technology delivers up to four times faster data transfer, reducing load times and enhancing overall gaming performance. The Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards up to 2TB, though 1TB is currently the largest widely available capacity, offering ample storage for digital game libraries.
Samsung microSD Express card
$60 $60
Launching June 5
Read More $60 at Walmart$60 at Best Buy$60 at GameStop
SanDisk microSD Express cards
$60 $60
Available now
Read More $72 at Amazon (256 GB)$72 at Sandisk (256 GB)$60 at Best Buy (256 GB)
Lexar Play Pro MicroSD Express Card
$56 $56
Available now
Read More $200 at Amazon (1 TB)$100 at Amazon (512 GB)$56 at Amazon (256 GB)
GameStop Express microSD Express cards
$70 $70
Launching June 5
Read More $190 at GameStop (1 TB)$100 at GameStop (512 GB)$70 at GameStop (256 GB)
We’ll keep this post updated with our latest microSD Express card recommendations. If you decide to shop around for other microSD Express cards, make sure the card you buy has the “EX” graphic printed on it to ensure you’re getting the right type.
How do the best microSD Express cards enhance Switch 2 gameplay
The best microSD Express cards dramatically enhance Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay by delivering read speeds up to around 880-900 MB/s, far surpassing the 190 MB/s typical of standard microSD cards. This speed boost reduces game load times and helps the console handle larger, more complex titles smoothly, preventing lag especially in demanding games ported from higher-end systems. Because the Switch 2 relies exclusively on microSD Express cards for external storage expansion, these faster cards ensure seamless game installs, quicker boot-ups, and overall improved performance that matches the console’s upgraded internal SSD capabilities.
How do faster read speeds of microSD Express cards improve game load times on Switch 2
Faster read speeds of microSD Express cards improve game load times on the Nintendo Switch 2 by leveraging a PCIe 3.1 interface, similar to the technology used in NVMe SSDs, allowing data to be transferred at speeds up to around 900 MB/s-about four times faster than traditional microSD cards. This high-speed data transfer enables games stored on these cards to load almost as quickly as those on the Switch 2’s internal UFS storage, significantly reducing wait times for booting games, loading levels, and streaming assets during gameplay. As a result, players experience smoother, more seamless gaming sessions without bottlenecks caused by slower external storage.
