So, the news is finally out, and if you're like me, you probably have a drawer full of old microSD cards that you were hoping to pop into your brand-new console. Well, here is the cold, hard truth: they won't work. Honestly, it’s kinda a bummer. Nintendo officially confirmed that the Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for game storage, and your old UHS-I cards are basically relegated to photo and video duty now.
You’ve probably seen the logos. That little "EX" mark is the only thing that stands between you and actually playing games off your expandable storage.
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Basically, the Switch 2 is a massive jump in power, and Nintendo didn't want the hardware held back by 2017-era loading speeds. If you try to run a modern, high-fidelity title off a standard card, it would probably look like a slideshow. Or just never load. That's why we're seeing this shift to the Express standard. It's faster. Much faster. But it's also a bit confusing if you aren't a total tech nerd.
Why Switch 2 microSD Express Cards are a massive deal
The original Switch was capped at around 100 MB/s. That was fine for Mario Odyssey, but for the massive open worlds coming in 2026, it’s a bottleneck. Switch 2 microSD Express cards utilize PCIe Gen 3x1 technology. This means they operate more like a mini NVMe SSD than a traditional flash card.
Samsung recently launched their P9 Express line specifically with this console in mind. We're talking sequential read speeds of up to 800 MB/s. To put that in perspective, that’s about eight times faster than what we’ve been dealing with for the last decade. It’s the difference between waiting forty seconds for a level to load and waiting five.
The compatibility trap
Don't get it twisted—the physical shape is identical. You can slide a regular microSD card into the slot. It’ll click. The console might even recognize it. But according to retail leaks from GameStop and official specs from manufacturers like PNY, you cannot play games from them.
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The console itself reportedly features 256GB of internal UFS storage. That’s a decent start, but with AAA games regularly hitting 70GB or more these days, that space vanishes fast. You’re going to need an Express card sooner rather than later.
- Look for the EX logo. This is the universal sign for the Express protocol.
- Check the pins. If you flip the card over, Express cards have a second row of pins.
- Ignore "Extreme" or "Ultra" branding. Those are just marketing names for older UHS-I or UHS-II cards.
Pricing and where to buy right now
It’s no secret that these things are pricier than the dirt-cheap cards we're used to. Early in 2025, we saw 256GB cards hitting the market for around $50. Now, as we move into 2026, prices are starting to stabilize.
PNY recently dropped a 512GB version for about $99, which is currently the sweet spot for most players. Samsung’s P9 Express cards are also widely available now, and they even hit an all-time low of $33 for the 256GB model during the last holiday season.
If you're a digital hoarder, Lexar actually released a 1TB PLAY PRO microSD Express card. It’s the gold standard right now, but it’ll cost you. Expect to pay a premium for that kind of density.
The technical "Why"
Most people ask why Nintendo didn't just use a replaceable M.2 SSD like the Steam Deck. It comes down to two things: heat and space. M.2 drives draw way more power and generate a ton of heat. In a slim handheld that’s already pushing its limits, adding a "toaster" in the back wasn't an option. The microSD Express format keeps things cool while still providing enough bandwidth for asset streaming.
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This tech allows for things like "DirectStorage" Lite, where the GPU can pull textures directly from the card without bothering the CPU too much. It’s why the games look so much better than the original Switch, even though the device isn't much larger.
What you should do next
If you just picked up your console or are planning to get one soon, don't rush out and buy the first "fast" card you see on Amazon. There are thousands of "fake" or older-gen cards that use keywords to trick buyers.
Your Action Plan:
- Verify the SKU. Only buy from reputable brands like Samsung, PNY, Lexar, or SanDisk.
- Check the box for "PCIe NVMe" support. If it only mentions "UHS-I" or "UHS-II," it is the wrong card.
- Compare the read speeds. You want something in the 600 MB/s to 900 MB/s range.
Honestly, the internal 256GB will last you for the first three or four games. You have time to wait for a sale. Just make sure that when you do buy, you’re getting the right hardware so you aren't stuck with a very expensive paperweight.
The jump to Express storage is one of those "hidden" upgrades that makes the Switch 2 feel like a truly modern machine. It’s a bit of an investment up front, but once you experience those near-instant load times, you won't want to go back.