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The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage. Though that's a lot more space than the original Switch had, it's still a bit limited, especially if you want to download a lot of games. Luckily, there's a simple solution to expand your console's storage: a memory card. But you can't just use any type. The Switch 2 requires a microSD Express card.
These cards are more expensive than regular microSD cards but can transfer data much faster, which is necessary to keep up with the Switch 2's powerful hardware. The microSD Express format has only been around for a few years, so there aren't a ton of options available, especially if you're looking for larger storage sizes. That's why I've rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 memory cards available so far.
The Samsung P9 Express earns top marks for its overall value, offering solid performance with 256GB of storage. It's sometimes on sale for as low as $33, which is a steal. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a budget-friendly 512GB option, this Walmart Onn card is one of the most affordable options on the market. You can find a few additional recommendations below from other reliable brands, including a massive 1TB card from Lexar.
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Best overallSamsung's P9 Express offers excellent value for the money, with speedy performance and frequent discounts.
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A great budget pickThis 256GB card sold by Walmart is often the cheapest microSD Express option on the market.
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The Switch 2's official memory cardThis microSD Express card doubles the console's storage space and is branded with the Mario logo.
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From a top memory card brandSanDisk is one of the most trusted names in the microSD card market, and this Express model works with the Switch 2.
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A smaller capacity cardSanDisk's new microSD Express card is also available in a smaller 128GB size.
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Lots of storage for lessOnn is Walmart's exclusive electronics brand, and it's offering one of the most affordable 512GB Express cards.
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1TB of storageThough pricey, this Lexar microSD Express card is one of the few options available with a large 1TB of storage space.
Nintendo Switch 2 memory card FAQs
What makes microSD Express cards different from other microSD formats?
Like most technologies, SD cards are improving constantly. The many symbols, numbers, and letters that cover an SD card are evidence of that. Each one represents a different standard that's improved since SD cards were invented.
One of the most recent improvements is SD Express, represented by the letters "EX." First introduced in 2018, most SD Express cards have triple the maximum transfer speeds of the previous type. When looking at microSD Express cards, this means max speeds of 985 MB/s versus the previous max of 312 MB/s.
Nintendo Switch 2 games are larger and feature more intensive graphics than those on Switch 1. As such, they need to transfer data faster so the system doesn't freeze while you're playing. The improvements found in microSD Express cards help with this.
For more details on how the Switch 2 compares to the original system, check out our Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Switch 1 guide and our full Nintendo Switch 2 review.
What size microSD Express cards does the Switch 2 support?
The Switch 2 can support microSD Express cards with storage capacities of up to 2 TB. However, 2TB cards are not yet available. Currently, 1TB microSD Express cards are the largest on the market.
Aside from size, what are the differences between microSD Express cards?
Each microSD Express card recommended in this guide has slightly different transfer speeds, though some brands don't detail their full specifications. Here's a rundown of speed details:
- Samsung 265GB: 800 MB/s read, write speed not specified
- SanDisk 128GB: 880 MB/s read, 480 MB/s write
- SanDisk 256GB: 880 MB/s read, 650 MB/s write
- Onn 256/512GB: 800 MB/s read, 600 MB/s write
- Lexar 1B: 900 MB/s read, 600 MB/s write
It's important to note that those numbers represent the maximum that each card is capable of and not the typical speed you're likely to get in real-world use. When actually used in a Nintendo Switch 2, the differences in speeds between all microSD Express cards are fairly small. High-end cards yield slightly faster loading times, but the improvements are subtle. Nintendo hasn't specified minimum speed requirements for the Switch 2, so as long as you're using an Express card, you're good to go.
Does the Switch 2 support regular microSD cards?
The Nintendo Switch 2 can not play games or load/save game data using standard microSD cards. The Switch 2 requires a microSD Express card to handle those functions. However, you can still view saved screenshots and videos on a Switch 2 using a regular microSD card.
Do microSD Express cards work on the original Nintendo Switch?
You can use microSD Express cards on the original Nintendo Switch, but you won't get any speed improvements. Instead, the card will function at speeds comparable to those of a regular microSD card. For standard card recommendations, check out our guide to the best microSD cards for the Nintendo Switch.
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