
Leaked GameStop SKUs Hint at Nintendo Switch 2's Support for microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks suggest the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will offer significant storage improvements, potentially supporting microSD Express cards. This revelation comes from several GameStop stock keeping units (SKUs) seemingly related to unreleased Switch 2 accessories. Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96 initially shared these SKUs, which list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" options in 256GB and 512GB capacities. This points towards compatibility with the advanced microSD Express standard.
The Switch 2's purported adoption of microSD Express represents a major leap forward from the current Switch's UHS-I microSD card support.
A Significant Speed and Capacity Boost
The UHS-I interface, used by the original Switch, offers theoretical maximum transfer speeds around 104 MB/s, with real-world speeds often reaching approximately 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards, leveraging the NVMe protocol (similar to high-speed SSDs), can achieve speeds near 985 MB/s—a substantial 900% increase.
Furthermore, while UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB—a staggering 6,300% capacity improvement. GameStop's leaked internal data suggests pricing of $49.99 for a 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express card and $84.99 for a 512GB version.
More than Just Memory Cards
Beyond the microSD cards, Opposite-Chemistry96 also discovered SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). These listings, along with the numerous other Switch 2 accessory leaks, add to the growing anticipation surrounding Nintendo's next console.
Nintendo's Official Reveal Still Pending
While the leaks are plentiful, Nintendo has yet to officially confirm the Switch 2's specifications or release date. The company has previously stated it intends to unveil the console before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving a limited window for an official announcement.
UHS-I vs. microSD Express:
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Maximum Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
The leaked information strongly suggests the Switch 2 will be a significant upgrade in terms of storage technology, offering dramatically faster transfer speeds and vastly increased storage capacity.