200°

New microSD standard on Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't come cheap, even SSDs are better value for money

Users wanting extra storage for Nintendo Switch 2 will need deep pockets, as new microSD Express cards are expensive compared to SSDs.

Neonridr48d ago

yeah but these cards will drop in price fast.

DaCajun47d ago

They should have just added a small access in the back to at least add a gen 3 2230 nvme ssd for extra storage.

All handhelds should offer that now but sadly most don't yet.

FinalFantasyFanatic47d ago

@DaCajun,

Not surprised they did this, but they could have easily used a small form factor SSD like the Steam Deck did, idk if this is a cost saving measure for them, or what it is.

Cacabunga47d ago

Aren’t these cards the same ones switch is using? If true then another rip off from Nintendo. They even restricted the use of SD to these overpriced versions only. It’s getting worse and worse.

ABizzel147d ago

In a couple of years maybe. Not fast enough.

Neonridr44d ago

I don't know about that, these are just new age Micro SD cards at the end of the day.

time will tell.

darthv7248d ago

i went looking and all i could find on amazon were 256gb cards for $60. I'd want at least a 512gb as that is what i have in my current switch.

Profchaos47d ago (Edited 47d ago )

Lexar has just put out a 1tb version they seem to be the only one so far

The Lexar® PLAY PRO microSDXC™ Express Card is available in 1TB for an MSRP of $199.99, 512GB for an MSRP of $99.99, and 256GB for an MSRP of $49.99.

https://americas.lexar.com/...

FinalFantasyFanatic47d ago

Pretty sure I have a 512gb in my Switch, and I've almost filled it, I can probably only fit one or two more games on that thing. Considering the fact that Switch 2 games will probably want more space, I'll probably be going for the 1tb card this time.

NotoriousWhiz47d ago

Even though the Switch 2 is backwards compatible, it won't have the space to hold all my switch 1 games so I'm probably going to use the Switch 2 exclusively for Switch 2 edition games (and a handful of favorites like smash bros)

Tacoboto47d ago

Such a new format, I'd say prices should be cheaper and come down over the next year or two but... We live in a tariff economy now

Profchaos48d ago

I kind of wish they had two slots one for older SD games allowing us to store switch 1 data or like ps5 hold switch 2 games when you don't want them installed. And another active switch 2 card given the biggest card I've found is 256gb.

The big question is what will game sizes be will they continue to be small like the switch 1 game install sizes range from 3 GB to 30 GB I have a 1tb card on mine that has barely been touched.

But if games balloon to 120 GBs for cod as a example it'll be painful to live with 256gb internal storage and a 256gb SD

CDbiggen47d ago

Oof, can't even use your larger switch 1 SD cards for all those older titles. Most people will settle for a lower capacity newer card.

VariantAEC47d ago

At least you can run PS4 games from any drive on PS5. Why didn't Nintendo allow this? Your guess is as good as anyone else's.

andy8547d ago

Baffles me why they've gone this route instead of an SSD. The console was already vastly underpowered in 2025 for the price. Only offering 256GB storage which is nothing so everyone's going to need to buy these super expensive cards. Even a 1TB SSD would have likely cost under $40 and made the console seem more value.

VariantAEC47d ago

Thickness of at least one version of Western Digital's 2230 NVMe drives
2.8mm (0.11 inches)
Thickness of MicroSDXC card 1mm (0.04 inches)
Switch 2's body thickness 13mm (0.55 inches). When the drive alone takes up ⅓ the thickness of the system and requires some way of keeping cool on top of it, you might be seeing why they went with Express cards which to be fair might have their own thermal solutions, we'll have to wait to see a teardown of the Switch 2 to confirm my suspicions about thermal regulation for Express cards. It's a logical choice unless they made Switch 2 thicker, then I'd agree with you that Nintendo should've gone with a 2230 NVMe drive bay.

Show all comments (29)
180°

Nintendo Reportedly Partners With Samsung To Make Over 20M Switch 2 Units, OLED Refresh May Follow

Nintendo has reportedly partnered with Samsung to manufacture over 20 million Switch 2 units, and an OLED version of the console may follow.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
DivineHand1257h ago

"OLED refresh may follow"

Correction, the OLED refresh will follow.

HyperMoused7h ago

they have gone mobile, mid refresh and money grubbing crap.

Zeldafan646h ago(Edited 6h ago)

I play 99% in docked mode but whatever makes you feel better.

1nsomniac6h ago

?? Who plays the Switch in docked mode? .. and why the hell would you!?

As a handheld it’s a great system. As a docked console, it’s literally scraping the bottom of the barrel and it only just even achieves that.

northpaws5h ago

@1nsomniac

Millions of people play their Switch in docked mode.

crazyCoconuts5h ago

I bet it plays Smash pretty good in docked mode. I hear Smash Bros performs best on switch

andy854h ago

Plenty. I go round my friends and we play smash bros on the TV. How else would we play together with only 1 switch?

Profchaos3h ago(Edited 3h ago)

Agree I prefer docked mode to but I'll play portable when traveling for work one of the biggest selling points for me is basically what was shown in the original switch trailer guy leaves his house playing gets on a plane playing goes to a hotel room still playing

repsahj3h ago

@1nsomniac
Party play is best played on docked mode like smash bros and mario party. Zzzz.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3h ago
Profchaos3h ago(Edited 3h ago)

Mobile gaming has always been the biggest seller for Nintendo. They went mobile in 89 this isn't a new thing

It's why the low selling GameCube or Wii U didn't actually hurt them all that much

andy856h ago

"May". That's like saying the sun may rise tomorrow. They've done it so in 2 years people will want a new prettier device.

northpaws5h ago

I wouldn't say an OLED screen is a must, the Switch 2 screens seems to be pretty good, 120Hz, HDR, VRR, it is more than enough.

neutralgamer19922h ago

not a must but we all know OLED will follow (not saying it's wrong just part of mid gen refresh)

200°

Nintendo finally explains what free upgrades do for Switch games on Switch 2

All 12 games are getting different upgrades. Some get full visual and frame rate enhancements, while others get GameShare support only.

darthv7212h ago

hmm... those improvements for the zelda games is kinda weak. I was expecting improved frame rate, or at the very least more stable. Sad there is nothing for Paper Mario, that one could use a 60fps mode like the original GC version.

ocelot0710h ago

Both Zelda games both run at 1440p and 60fps now. On the switch they both play at 30fps.

--Onilink--10h ago

The main issue will be if they don’t remove the double buffer vsync in them.

Yes, they are technically already 60fps capped, but that vsync setup means even a single dropped frame below 60 sends it to 30fps.

Now if they are also increasing the resolution and visuals in the game, unless there is a pretty significant overhead, which is still likely but not fully understood due to the unknowns of the “emulation” setup, if the 1% lows in the game still drop it every now and then anywhere below 60, they will still end up having massive stuttering drops from 60 to 30fps.

Tacoboto7h ago

The two Zeldas - EoW and LA - already run with a 60fps cap. I would hope they're not mentioning improved frame rate because it's just assumed that the Switch 2 will smooth out the drops.

Whereas the specific callouts for Bowser's Fury and Pokémon indicate a raise from 30fps to 60fps.

jznrpg11h ago

Disappointing. Not many games with not much in upgrades.

Tacoboto7h ago

So... They're not gonna do anything with that Xenoblade Chronicles X 60fps mode, huh?

CDbiggen6h ago(Edited 6h ago)

12 is a bit weak. The whole switch library is in need of a boost. Exclusives like the Xenoblades and Astral Chain would be great to see get a free update. Initially surprised Mario Wonder wasn't on the list, but I imagine they have a paid upgrade planned for that one.