Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks suggest a significant upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2: support for microSD Express cards. This revelation, stemming from GameStop SKUs for purported Switch 2 accessories, points to substantial improvements in storage technology compared to the original Switch.
The Switch 2's mass production is widely believed to have begun in late 2024, possibly as early as September, fueled by a surge of hardware leaks throughout Q4 2024. Adding to this wave of information, early January 2025 saw the leak of GameStop SKUs for unannounced Switch 2 accessories. These SKUs, initially shared on Reddit, list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" options in 256GB and 512GB capacities, strongly indicating microSD Express compatibility.
A Massive Speed and Capacity Boost
The original Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, offering practical transfer speeds around 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express, leveraging the NVMe protocol, boasts speeds nearing 985 MB/s – a remarkable 900% increase.
The table below highlights the key differences:
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Maximum Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
microSD Express also offers a dramatic capacity advantage, supporting cards up to 128TB compared to the UHS-I's 2TB limit – a 6300% improvement. The leaked GameStop pricing suggests a 256GB card at $49.99 and a 512GB card at $84.99.
Further leaked SKUs included a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($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 of its next console before the end of its current fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just over two months for the official announcement.
