The Nintendo Switch 2 is coming soon, and if you plan on getting one, remember its built-in storage is limited to 256GB. To install more games without constantly deleting and reinstalling titles, you’ll need to expand that storage. However, unlike the original Nintendo Switch, the new console requires a MicroSD Express card—these offer faster speeds but come at a higher price than standard UHS-based SD cards.

Play Pro MicroSD Express Samsung MicroSD Express

MicroSD Express cards have technically existed for some time, but there are only a few available on the market, as creative professionals haven't had much use for them. With the Switch 2 arriving next month, we can expect a wave of Express cards to meet rising demand.

Please keep in mind that the console isn't out yet, so I haven't tested any of these Nintendo Switch 2 SD cards. That said, most are made by reputable manufacturers known for producing quality storage expansion products.

Why Choose MicroSD Express?

The Nintendo Switch 2 mandates a MicroSD Express card for storage expansion. While Nintendo hasn’t fully explained this decision, the reason likely involves storage performance.

To start, the internal flash storage is the same UFS technology found in modern smartphones—far faster than the eMMC storage in the original Switch. Nintendo probably wants developers to rely on that speed, whether the game is running from internal memory or an expansion card.

The only use for a standard MicroSD card is transferring screenshots and videos from a first-gen Switch. Unlike the PS5, which allows last-generation games to be stored on slower external drives, the Switch 2 offers no such flexibility. If you want extra storage space for the Nintendo Switch 2, a MicroSD Express card is required.

1. Lexar Play Pro

The Best MicroSD Express Card

Lexar Play Pro

1See it at B&H Photo and Video

Of the two MicroSD Express cards available, the Lexar Play Pro offers faster speeds and more storage. With read speeds up to 900MB/s and a capacity up to 1TB, it’s currently the top choice. Unfortunately, due to high demand following the Switch 2's announcement, it’s been difficult to find in stock.

This may change as supply normalizes and the initial rush for Nintendo Switch 2 accessories subsides. If you're looking for the best SD card for your Switch, keep an eye on the Lexar Play Pro—especially the 1TB model—and buy it when it becomes available. For now, your best option is to order through Adorama, which lists it on backorder until July.

2. SanDisk MicroSD Express

The MicroSD Express Card You Can Actually Buy Right Now

SanDisk MicroSD Express

1See it at Amazon

I have multiple SanDisk SD cards around, which makes sense—SanDisk has become one of the most recognized SD card brands. Its MicroSD Express card, however, lacks a fancy name and only offers up to 256GB of space, effectively doubling the Switch 2’s internal storage.

Doubling your storage is still worthwhile, especially if you find this card at a discounted price. Its read speeds reach up to 880MB/s, slightly slower than the Lexar Play Pro. That difference won’t be noticeable while loading Mario Kart World, but every megabyte counts.

At the time of writing, the SanDisk MicroSD Express card is much easier to find. If you want to buy it now and not worry, this is a solid pick. But if you’re willing to wait until you have the console, more options will likely appear.

3. Samsung MicroSD Express for Switch 2

The Official Option We Know Very Little About

Nintendo Samsung MicroSD Express

0See it at Best Buy

Samsung’s MicroSD Express card hasn’t launched yet, but it’s sold directly by Nintendo, which adds credibility. The downside is we don’t yet know its read/write speeds or whether the 256GB model sold by Nintendo and GameStop will be the only version available.

Even so, having Nintendo's seal of approval provides some peace of mind, regardless of the final specs. I’ve contacted Samsung for more information and will update this article as soon as I receive a response.

MicroSD Express FAQ

How fast is MicroSD Express?

SD Express is significantly faster than older SD cards, thanks to its interface. Instead of using a custom SD interface, SD Express uses PCI Express 3.1—the same connection used by PC SSDs.

Don’t expect MicroSD Express to match the speed of NVMe SSDs in handheld gaming PCs, though. Full-sized SD Express cards can reach nearly 3,940MB/s, but MicroSD Express cards top out at 985MB/s. That’s still much faster than the MicroSD cards used in the original Nintendo Switch.

How long will a MicroSD Express card last?

Like any SD card, MicroSD Express cards aren't designed for long-term data storage and have a limited lifespan. Their durability depends on the environment and how they're handled. Generally, expect to replace a MicroSD Express card after 5–10 years, and always keep important data backed up elsewhere.