Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks suggest the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will boast a significant upgrade in storage technology, utilizing 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 strongly indicates compatibility with the advanced microSD Express standard.
The Switch 2's potential adoption of microSD Express represents a substantial improvement over the current Switch's UHS-I microSD card support.
A Quantum Leap in Transfer Speeds:
The Switch's UHS-I cards offer theoretical maximum transfer speeds around 104 MB/s, practically reaching approximately 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards boast speeds nearing 985 MB/s – a remarkable 900% increase. This dramatic improvement is due to microSD Express cards leveraging the NVMe protocol, the same technology powering today's fastest SSDs, enabling highly parallel data transfer.
UHS-I vs. microSD Express:
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Max Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
Capacity Enhancements:
Beyond speed, microSD Express cards offer significantly larger capacities. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB – a staggering 6,300% increase. GameStop's leaked pricing suggests a 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express card will retail for $49.99, and a 512GB card for $84.99.
Further leaks from Opposite-Chemistry96 include SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance aligns with the consistent stream of Switch 2 leaks circulating since Q4 2024. Nintendo has previously stated its intention to unveil the Switch 2 before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving only a few months until we may see an official announcement.
