Nintendo Switch 2 and microSD Express: What You Should Know About the New Storage Standard
The Nintendo Switch 2 is emerging as one of the most awaited gaming consoles of the upcoming year. With a range of enhancements that promise improved performance and a richer gaming experience, fans are excitedly looking forward to its debut. However, one detail unveiled during the recent Nintendo Direct presentation might have surprised some: the Nintendo Switch 2 will not support current microSD cards. Instead, it will necessitate the newer, quicker microSD Express cards.
In this piece, we’ll explain what this entails for gamers, how microSD Express technology functions, and what you need to keep in mind before upgrading to Nintendo’s newest console.
The Storage Evolution: Why 256GB Isn’t Sufficient
The Demand for Larger, Faster Storage
The initial Nintendo Switch offered a limited 32GB of internal storage, a figure that quickly became insufficient given the increasing size of modern games. Nintendo has tackled this with the Switch 2, which is equipped with 256GB of internal storage. While this marks a considerable enhancement, it still falls short for dedicated gamers who download numerous AAA titles, each of which can promptly consume 20-50GB or more.
This is where expandable storage comes into play. But if you’re planning to reuse your old microSD cards, reconsider.
Introducing microSD Express
Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will only be compatible with microSD Express cards. These cards are part of a new standard that features significantly faster read and write speeds—comparable to solid-state drives (SSDs) found in modern PCs and consoles. Older microSD cards simply can’t keep pace.
What Is microSD Express?
A Leap in Performance
MicroSD Express cards utilize the SD Express interface, which employs PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) and NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocols. This enables the cards to provide read speeds of up to 800MB/s—over four times faster than conventional microSD cards and even quicker than many SATA SSDs, which generally max out around 560MB/s.
Samsung unveiled these high-performance cards during Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, showcasing their potential in next-generation devices like portable gaming consoles. Though Samsung did not disclose their development partner, speculation suggests that Nintendo was the mysterious collaborator.
Tailored for Gaming and Beyond
This new standard isn’t only advantageous for gaming. Enhanced read/write speeds result in shorter load times, smoother performance, and improved data handling efficiency. Whether transferring large game files or capturing high-resolution gameplay, microSD Express cards deliver an experience more in line with contemporary tech expectations.
Compatibility Issues: Why Your Old microSD Cards Won’t Fit
A Necessary Trade-Off
The decision to mandate microSD Express cards was not made lightly. By transitioning to this new format, Nintendo guarantees that the Switch 2 offers a seamless and responsive gaming experience. However, this transition also means that existing microSD cards, even high-end UHS-II models, will not be compatible with the new console.
This will create an additional expense for users, but it’s essential to fully harness the capabilities of the Switch 2. The upside is that microSD Express cards are becoming increasingly available, with companies like Samsung and SanDisk already providing models set to launch in 2025.
Getting Ready for the Switch 2: What You Should Do
Start Shopping ASAP
If you’re considering the Switch 2, it’s prudent to start researching and budgeting for microSD Express cards now. Though they may be costlier than standard microSD cards, the performance advantages are worth it for serious gamers. Watch for official endorsements and compatibility lists from Nintendo to ensure you select a card that meets the console’s specifications.
Don’t Wait
Currently, microSD Express cards are still becoming available in global markets. Availability may differ, particularly outside North America and select regions of Asia. If you’re in Europe or other areas, it might take a bit longer for these cards to be widely accessible. Plan ahead to avoid delays in enjoying your new console to its fullest potential.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch 2 signifies a bold advancement in portable gaming, featuring enhanced internal storage and reliance on state-of-the-art microSD Express technology. While the incompatibility with existing microSD cards may present a temporary hurdle, the transition to quicker, SSD-like performance via microSD Express is a future-ready decision.
As the gaming industry continues to progress, storage speed and capacity will become increasingly vital. By embracing microSD Express, Nintendo is ensuring that the Switch 2 remains competitive with other next-gen consoles and delivers gamers the high-performance experience they demand.
FAQ: Nintendo Switch 2 and microSD Express
Q1: Why aren’t older microSD cards compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2?
Older microSD cards do not possess the necessary read/write speeds to support the Switch 2’s enhanced performance. Nintendo has chosen to support only microSD Express cards to ensure optimal gameplay and loading times.
Q2: What is the storage capacity of the Nintendo Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is equipped with 256GB of internal storage, a significant upgrade from the original Switch’s 32GB. However, this space can fill up quickly with large game files, making expandable storage crucial.
Q3: What are microSD Express cards?
MicroSD Express cards are a new category of memory card based on the SD Express interface. They utilize PCIe and NVMe protocols to deliver ultra-fast read and write speeds—up to 800MB/s—comparable to SSDs.
Q4: Can I use my current microSD card from the original Switch?
No, the Nintendo Switch 2 is not compatible with older microSD cards. Only the newer microSD Express cards will function with the new console.
Q5: Are microSD Express cards available now?
Yes, manufacturers like Samsung and SanDisk have started rolling out microSD Express cards. However, availability may vary by region, so it’s advisable to check local retailers or online shops frequently.
Q6: Is it worth upgrading to microSD Express for gaming?
Absolutely. The enhancements in speed and performance considerably lessen loading times and enhance overall gameplay fluidity, making them a worthwhile investment for dedicated gamers.
Q7: Is this storage format unique to Nintendo Switch 2?
While the Switch 2 is among the first consumer devices to implement microSD Express, the format is anticipated to become more prevalent in high-performance mobile devices, cameras, and other gaming systems in the future.
