What is “MicroSD Express,” and why is it mandatory for the Nintendo Switch 2? – Ars Technica

🔍 Summary:

Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console will require the use of MicroSD Express cards, a move away from the MicroSD cards used in the original Switch. This change is driven by the need for faster data transfer speeds to support more complex games and improve performance issues noted in some existing titles. Traditional MicroSD cards, which generally operate at speeds sufficient for recording high-resolution video, do not meet the new console’s requirements for speed, which can reach up to several times that of the older UHS-I standard.

MicroSD Express cards connect via the PCI Express/NVMe interface, similar to internal SSDs in PCs and other gaming consoles, allowing for significantly higher bandwidth. However, they are still slower than internal SSDs due to limitations in the number of physical flash memory chips and the configuration of PCI Express lanes and versions. Despite these limitations, MicroSD Express cards offer a substantial improvement over traditional MicroSD cards, with potential speeds ranging from 985MB/s to 3940MB/s depending on the device configuration.

The shift to MicroSD Express also comes with a higher cost. For example, a 256GB MicroSD Express card costs around $60, significantly more than the $20 for a comparable traditional MicroSD card. This price increase is part of a broader trend with the Switch 2, which also features higher costs for the console itself, accessories, and games compared to its predecessor.

While the Switch 2 includes a relatively generous 256GB of internal storage, the requirement for more expensive MicroSD Express cards for additional storage is a point of contention, especially given the overall increase in costs associated with the new console. However, the technical justification for this move—faster, more reliable storage to support advanced gaming needs—is clear.

📌 Source: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/what-is-microsd-express-and-why-is-it-mandatory-for-the-nintendo-switch-2/