Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks point towards the Nintendo Switch 2 supporting microSD Express cards, a significant upgrade from its predecessor's UHS-I standard. This suggests substantial improvements in storage technology for the upcoming console.
The Switch 2's mass production reportedly began in late 2024, possibly as early as September, fueled by a surge of hardware leaks since Q4 2024. Adding to this, GameStop SKUs surfaced in early January 2025, revealing "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" listings in 256GB and 512GB capacities. These listings strongly indicate compatibility with the microSD Express standard.
A Massive Speed and Capacity Boost
The current Switch uses UHS-I microSD cards, with practical transfer speeds around 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express boasts speeds nearing 985 MB/s—a more than 900% increase. This dramatic improvement is due to the microSD Express standard's use of the NVMe protocol, similar to high-performance SSDs.
Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
---|---|---|
Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
Maximum Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
Beyond speed, microSD Express cards offer a capacity increase from 2TB to a massive 128TB—a 6,300% improvement. GameStop's leaked pricing suggests a 256GB card at $49.99 and a 512GB card at $84.99.
Further leaks from the same source include SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two deluxe versions ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance aligns with the ongoing stream of Switch 2 leaks. Nintendo has committed to an official reveal before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving a few months for the promised unveiling.