With the Nintendo Switch 2 launching, many gamers are wondering how much extra storage they really need. The console ships with 256 GB of internal space, but after system files and updates, you get around 232 GB free for games, screenshots, and saves. Since AAA titles can range from 10 GB for indie hits to over 50 GB for big franchises, you’ll want to plan ahead.
On average, if you assume 20 GB per game, that built-in storage will hold about ten titles before it fills up. That’s where microSD Express cards come in. They not only expand your library space but also save room by storing screenshots and archived game installs off the console’s internal memory.
Top Micro SD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2
Official Pick: Samsung 256GB Micro SD Express
Recommended by Nintendo itself, the Samsung Micro SD Express 256GB card is decked out with the iconic Mario “M” logo. Beyond the branding, it offers the right balance of price and performance. You’ll get blistering read speeds close to 985 MB/s and solid writes between 400 and 650 MB/s, so loading times stay short and game installations finish fast.
At roughly $65, this card is a smart first investment if you plan to keep a sizable library on hand. It slots right into the Switch 2 for hassle-free play, and since it uses the PCIe Gen 3 x1 interface with NVMe 1.3, you know it’s built to handle modern gaming workloads.
Our Favorite: Lexar 256GB Play Pro
If you’re chasing top performance, check out the Lexar 256GB Play Pro microSD Express. With sequential read speeds up to 900 MB/s and write speeds around 600 MB/s, this card nearly matches higher-end SSDs. That means less waiting and smoother in-game updates, especially when you’re bouncing between multiple large titles.
And yes, it’s rugged too. The card carries an IPX7 water resistance rating, so it can survive splashes or a quick dunk in a beverage (we hope that never happens!). Priced around $110, it’s a premium pick for serious gamers who want speed and durability in one package.
Budget Choice: SanDisk 128GB Micro SD Express
Looking for a more wallet-friendly option? The SanDisk 128GB microSD Express card offers a solid entry point into the Express world. While it has half the capacity of our top picks, it still leverages PCIe Gen 3 x1 and NVMe tech, delivering faster load times than standard microSD cards.
At about $35, this card is perfect if you only need a handful of games and want trustworthy SanDisk reliability. You can even bump up to the 256GB model later when your library outgrows the initial space, making it a hassle-free upgrade path.
Value Alternative: PNY 128GB & 256GB Micro SD Express
For those hunting deals, PNY’s microSD Express lineup has 128GB and 256GB options. The 128GB variant clocks in with roughly 890 MB/s reads and 550 MB/s writes, while the 256GB version offers about 750 MB/s reads. Both cards support the Express standard, so you still get far better performance than older cards.
What makes PNY shine is the price. The 128GB version can be found for around $45, and the 256GB card hovers near $70. That’s a nice compromise if you want a little extra room without splurging on premium branding or maximum speeds.
Everything You Need to Know About SD Express
Spotting a Genuine Micro SD Express Card
On the packaging or product page, look for the word Express or the abbreviation Ex. Don’t confuse it with labels like Extreme or Ultra, which refer to speed classes but not the PCIe/NVMe spec. A true microSD Express card taps into PCIe Gen 3 x1 and NVMe 1.3, so it can hit those near-SSD transfer rates.
Also, watch capacity limits. Although microSD Express can theoretically reach up to 2 TB, most cards you’ll find top out at 512 GB or 1 TB for now. Nintendo recommends not exceeding 2 TB, so stick to officially supported sizes for the best experience.
SD vs SD Express: What’s the Deal?
Standard microSD cards use the UHS interface, which maxes out around 104 MB/s on paper—and often less in real-world tests. SD Express cards break that ceiling by borrowing the PCIe and NVMe protocols common in modern SSDs, boosting read speeds near 1,000 MB/s and writes up to 650 MB/s or more.
Of course, all that speed comes at a premium right now. Express cards cost more and tend to top out at smaller capacities than traditional microSD. But if you care about quick installs, minimal load screens, and future-proofing your console, they’re totally worth it.
