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 unannounced Switch 2 accessories. These SKUs, initially shared on Reddit, list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" options with 256GB and 512GB capacities. This strongly indicates support for the microSD Express standard.
The Switch 2's potential adoption of microSD Express represents a massive leap forward from the current Switch's UHS-I microSD card support. This upgrade translates to dramatically faster transfer speeds and significantly larger storage capacities.
Speed and Capacity Enhancements:
The current Switch's UHS-I cards offer theoretical maximum transfer speeds of around 104 MB/s, with real-world performance typically reaching approximately 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards can achieve speeds of roughly 985 MB/s – a nearly tenfold increase. This dramatic improvement is due to microSD Express's use of the NVMe protocol, the same technology powering today's fastest SSDs.
The capacity difference is equally impressive. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express cards can reach up to 128TB.
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Maximum Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
GameStop's leaked internal pricing suggests a 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express card will retail for $49.99, while a 512GB card will cost $84.99. Additional leaked SKUs include a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99).
While these accessories are likely unofficial, their appearance reinforces the ongoing stream of Switch 2 leaks that have emerged since late 2024. Nintendo has previously stated its intention to officially unveil the Switch 2 before the end of its current fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving only a few months for the official announcement.
