The Nintendo Switch 2 is nearly here, but its 256GB of built-in storage may fill up quickly for dedicated gamers. To avoid the hassle of constantly uninstalling games to make room for new ones, expanding that storage is essential. However, there's a key change from the original Switch: this console officially requires a MicroSD Express card for expandable storage. While these cards are faster, offering significant performance benefits, they are also more expensive than the previous generation of UHS-based SD cards.

Lexar Play Pro Samsung MicroSD Express Sandisk MicroSD Express

While MicroSD Express technology has existed theoretically for some time, it hasn't seen widespread adoption, largely because creative professionals haven't found a major use case for it in their workflows. With the Switch 2 set to launch soon, this is all changing. The demand from this new console is expected to trigger a flood of new MicroSD Express card models entering the market to meet gamers' needs.

A quick note: since the Nintendo Switch 2 isn't available to the public yet, none of these specific SD cards have been tested in the actual console. The recommendations below are based on the cards' specifications and the manufacturers' track records for producing reliable, high-performance storage products.

Why MicroSD Express?

The Nintendo Switch 2's requirement for a MicroSD Express card is an unusual move in the gaming hardware space. Nintendo hasn't provided a detailed public explanation, but the reasoning seems clear: they want to ensure consistently fast load times. The console's internal storage uses UFS flash memory, similar to modern smartphones, which is significantly faster than the eMMC storage in the original Switch. By mandating the faster MicroSD Express standard for expansion, Nintendo ensures game developers can rely on that speed, whether a title is installed on the internal drive or an external card.

You can only use a standard MicroSD card in the Switch 2 for transferring screenshots and videos from a first-generation Switch. Unlike the PlayStation 5, which permits storing last-gen games on slower external hard drives, the Switch 2 offers no such flexibility. If you want more space for your new games, a MicroSD Express card is your only option.

1. Lexar Play Pro

The Best MicroSD Express Card

Lexar Play Pro

1See it at B&H Photo and Video

Among the few MicroSD Express cards announced, the Lexar Play Pro currently stands out as the fastest and most spacious option. With read speeds up to 900MB/s and a maximum capacity of 1TB, it offers top-tier performance for Switch 2 owners. Unfortunately, due to high demand following the console's announcement, this card is extremely difficult to find in stock at most retailers.

This stock shortage will likely ease over time as production catches up and the initial buying frenzy subsides. If you want the best possible SD card for your Switch 2, it's worth monitoring retailers for the Lexar Play Pro, especially the 1TB model. Currently, your best option might be to place a backorder through Adorama, which lists an expected shipment date in July.

2. SanDisk MicroSD Express

The MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now

SanDisk MicroSD Express

1See it at Amazon

SanDisk is one of the most trusted names in memory cards, and many users likely have several of their products already. Their entry into the MicroSD Express market is straightforward, lacking a fancy brand name like some competitors. Its main limitation is capacity, currently maxing out at 256GB—effectively just doubling the Switch 2's internal storage.

Doubling your available space is still a solid upgrade, especially if you find this card at a good price. Its performance is excellent, with read speeds up to 880MB/s, just slightly behind the Lexar Play Pro. In real-world use—like loading a large game world—you're unlikely to notice this minor 20MB/s difference.

Right now, the SanDisk card is much easier to purchase. If you want to secure your storage expansion immediately and not worry about it, this is a great, reliable choice. However, if you're willing to wait until after the console's launch, you'll likely have many more options to consider.

3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2

The Official Option We Know Very Little About

Nintendo Samsung MicroSD Express

0See it at Best Buy

Samsung's card isn't available yet, but it carries significant weight as the expansion option being sold directly by Nintendo through their official retail partners. The main drawback is the lack of detailed public specifications. It's unclear what the card's exact read/write speeds will be or if the 256GB model advertised by Nintendo and GameStop will be the only available capacity.

For many buyers, having Nintendo's official endorsement provides a sense of security and compatibility, regardless of the final specs. Updates on this card's full capabilities are pending as we await more information directly from Samsung.

MicroSD Express FAQ

How fast is MicroSD Express?

SD Express represents a major leap in speed compared to older SD card standards. This performance boost comes from its underlying technology: instead of using a proprietary interface, it leverages the PCI Express 3.1 interface, the same technology used by modern computer SSDs.

While you shouldn't expect MicroSD Express to match the speed of an NVMe SSD in a high-end gaming PC, the improvements are substantial. Full-sized SD Express cards can reach nearly 4,000MB/s, but the smaller MicroSD Express format has a theoretical maximum of around 985MB/s. Even at that speed, it's dramatically faster than the cards used in the original Nintendo Switch.

How long will a MicroSD Express card last?

Like all flash-based storage, MicroSD Express cards have a finite lifespan and are not designed for permanent, archival data storage. Their longevity depends heavily on usage patterns and environmental factors. Under normal conditions, you can expect a reliable card to function well for 5-10 years before potential replacement becomes necessary. As with any storage device, it's crucial to maintain backups of any important data you store on it.