The Edit — Tech
Switch 2 Storage: Which microSD Express Card to Buy
The Switch 2 has 256 GB inside, part of it kept by the system, and its card slot runs games only from microSD Express cards. The card from a first Switch can copy screenshots, and nothing more.
This guide is research-led: we have not handled these units ourselves. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission — it never changes a pick.Research-led, nothing handled. We may earn from links; it never changes a pick. How we choose
This page reads Nintendo’s storage specification for the Switch 2 and lists 5 microSD Express cards that fit it, from 256 GB to 1 TB, as How we choose describes. Nothing here was handled or tested.
Best for Made for the Switch 2
Watch for Small for a big library
Best for Doubling the storage
Watch for Small for a big library
Best for A digital library
Watch for More than card buyers need
Best for A digital library
Watch for More than card buyers need
Best for Never deleting a game
Watch for Cost per gigabyte
The Switch 2 runs games only from microSD Express cards
Nintendo’s specification is blunt: the Switch 2’s card slot is compatible with microSD Express cards only, up to 2 TB. An ordinary microSD card, including the one from a first Switch, can only be used to copy screenshots and videos across. It will not store or run Switch 2 games.
256 GB inside, and part of it belongs to the system
The console has 256 GB of UFS storage built in, and Nintendo notes that a portion is reserved for the system. A buyer who mostly uses game cards may never need more. A buyer who downloads games, or buys them on Black Friday as codes, will fill it.
A 256GB card doubles the console’s storage
A 256GB card matches what the console has inside, which suits most owners. Samsung’s 256GB card is sold as made for the Switch 2. SanDisk’s 256GB card states up to 880MB/s read and 650MB/s write on its listing. Either one is the plain answer for a console under the tree, and a small add-on to any of the gifts for teens.
Samsung microSD Express Card, 256GB for Nintendo Switch 2
Samsung's 256GB microSD Express card, sold as made for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Capacity | 256 GB |
|---|---|
| Type | microSD Express |
256 GB, sold as made for the Switch 2.
Buy it if
- An owner who wants the card sold for this console
Don't buy it if
- A large digital library
SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card
SanDisk's 256GB microSD Express card, stated at up to 880MB/s read and 650MB/s write.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Capacity | 256 GB |
|---|---|
| Speed, per the listing | Up to 880MB/s read, 650MB/s write |
256 GB, with read and write speeds stated.
Buy it if
- Doubling the console's storage
Don't buy it if
- An owner who buys every game digitally
512 GB suits an owner who buys games as downloads
A digital library outgrows 256 GB first. The SanDisk 512GB card is the same card at twice the size, with the same stated speeds. Samsung’s P9 Express 512GB is the second maker at this size, sold for the Switch 2 under model MB-MK512T/AM.
SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card
The same SanDisk card at 512GB, stated at up to 880MB/s read and 650MB/s write.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Capacity | 512 GB |
|---|---|
| Speed, per the listing | Up to 880MB/s read, 650MB/s write |
512 GB, for a mostly digital library.
Buy it if
- An owner who buys most games as downloads
Don't buy it if
- A household that buys game cards
Samsung P9 Express microSDXC 512GB for Nintendo Switch 2
Samsung's P9 Express card at 512GB, sold for the Nintendo Switch 2 (MB-MK512T/AM).
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Capacity | 512 GB |
|---|---|
| Model | MB-MK512T/AM |
512 GB from Samsung.
Buy it if
- A large library from a second maker
Don't buy it if
- An owner happy at 256 GB
1 TB is for an owner who never wants to delete a game
The Lexar PLAY PRO 1TB states up to 900MB/s read. Its listing adds that it works in older UHS-I and UHS-II devices, at UHS-I speed, so it can move to a camera later. Most owners will not fill it, and the cost per gigabyte is the reason to stop at 512 GB.
Lexar 1TB PLAY PRO microSD Express Card
Lexar's 1TB microSD Express card, stated at up to 900MB/s read, and usable at UHS-I speed in older devices.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Capacity | 1 TB |
|---|---|
| Speed, per the listing | Up to 900MB/s read |
1 TB, for never deleting a game.
Buy it if
- An owner who never wants to delete a game
Don't buy it if
- Anyone counting the cost per gigabyte
| Card | Capacity | Stated read speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung for Switch 2 | 256 GB | Not stated on the listing | Most owners |
| SanDisk | 256 GB | Up to 880MB/s | Most owners |
| SanDisk | 512 GB | Up to 880MB/s | Digital buyers |
| Samsung P9 Express | 512 GB | Not stated on the listing | Digital buyers |
| Lexar PLAY PRO | 1 TB | Up to 900MB/s | Never deleting |
What lost: ordinary microSD cards, however fast
UHS-I microSD cards made for the first Switch fill the search results, and some carry the word Switch in their names. None can run a Switch 2 game, whatever its speed class, so none is listed here. For the rest of the kit, see the Switch 2 accessories guide.
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