Top MicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally on the horizon, and with its release just around the corner, many gamers are preparing to upgrade. However, it's important to note that the new console only offers 256GB of internal storage. For those planning to download a large library of games, this limited capacity means you'll quickly run out of space without an expansion solution. Unlike the original Switch, which accepted standard MicroSD cards, the Switch 2 now requires a faster MicroSD Express card for storage expansion. While these cards deliver superior performance, they also come at a higher cost compared to traditional UHS-based SD cards.

Although MicroSD Express technology has been available for some time, adoption has been minimal—mainly due to limited demand from both consumers and professionals. However, with the imminent launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, we expect a surge in availability and options tailored specifically for this device. Keep in mind that since the console hasn't officially launched yet, I haven’t had the chance to personally test any of these MicroSD Express cards. That said, most of the current offerings come from well-known brands with a solid reputation for producing high-quality memory cards.

Why MicroSD Express Is Required

Nintendo has not publicly explained why it chose to mandate MicroSD Express for the Switch 2, but the reasoning is fairly clear. The internal flash storage in the new console uses fast UFS technology—similar to what powers modern smartphones. By requiring MicroSD Express for external storage, Nintendo ensures that developers can rely on consistent, high-speed storage whether a game resides on the internal drive or an expansion card.

This approach differs significantly from consoles like the PS5, which allows slower drives for backward-compatible titles. On the Nintendo Switch 2, there’s no such flexibility. Regular MicroSD cards will only work for transferring media like screenshots and videos from the original Switch. If you want to expand your game library on the new system, a MicroSD Express card is mandatory.

Top MicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

1. Lexar Play Pro

The Best MicroSD Express Card Available

• Pros: Up to 1TB capacity, fastest read speeds (up to 900MB/s)
• Cons: Currently out of stock, premium pricing

The Lexar Play Pro stands out as the top-tier option among existing MicroSD Express cards. With read speeds reaching up to 900MB/s and a massive 1TB capacity, it's the most powerful choice available today. Unfortunately, due to high anticipation ahead of the Switch 2 launch, this card is currently difficult to find in stock. Adorama has it listed as backordered until July, so if you're looking for the best possible performance and capacity, it's worth monitoring availability closely.

2. SanDisk MicroSD Express

The Most Accessible Option Right Now

• Pros: Readily available, trusted brand name
• Cons: Limited to 256GB, slightly slower than Lexar (880MB/s)

For those who prefer to purchase now rather than wait, the SanDisk MicroSD Express card is your best bet. While it doesn’t offer the same speed or capacity as the Lexar model, its 256GB size doubles the base storage of the Switch 2, making it a practical option. With read speeds up to 880MB/s, you won’t notice any real-world difference in gaming performance. Plus, it's already available through major retailers like Amazon.

3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo’s Official Expansion Card

• Pros: Official Nintendo-approved card, reliable manufacturer
• Cons: No confirmed specs yet, availability uncertain

Samsung's official MicroSD Express card for the Nintendo Switch 2 has yet to be released, but it's expected to carry Nintendo's endorsement, giving users peace of mind regarding compatibility. While specific details about speed and capacity remain unknown, purchasing an officially licensed product may provide added assurance. I’ve reached out to Samsung for more information and will update this guide once details become available.

MicroSD Express FAQ

How Fast Is MicroSD Express?

MicroSD Express cards operate using the PCIe 3.1 interface—similar to what modern SSDs use in PCs—which makes them significantly faster than older MicroSD standards. While full-size SD Express cards can reach blistering speeds of up to 3,940MB/s, MicroSD Express variants max out at around 985MB/s. Even so, this is a dramatic improvement over the previous generation of SD cards used by the original Nintendo Switch.

How Long Will a MicroSD Express Card Last?

Much like traditional SD cards, MicroSD Express models aren’t designed for long-term archival storage. Their lifespan depends heavily on usage conditions and physical handling. As a general estimate, you can expect these cards to last between 5–10 years under normal use. Always ensure critical data is backed up regularly to avoid loss.