Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks of GameStop stock keeping units (SKUs) point towards the Nintendo Switch 2 supporting microSD Express cards, a significant upgrade from the UHS-I standard used in the original Switch. This suggests substantial improvements in storage technology for Nintendo's next-generation console.
The Switch 2's mass production reportedly began in late 2024, possibly as early as September, fueled by a surge of online hardware leaks throughout Q4 2024. Adding to this wave of leaks, early January 2025 saw the surfacing of GameStop SKUs for what appear to be Switch 2 accessories. Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96 shared images showing "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" listings with 256GB and 512GB capacities, strongly indicating microSD Express compatibility.
A Dramatic Speed and Capacity Boost
The current Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, offering practical transfer speeds around 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express, leveraging the NVMe protocol (similar to high-speed SSDs), boasts transfer speeds nearing 985 MB/s—a remarkable 900% increase. Capacity also sees a dramatic jump, with microSD Express supporting up to 128TB compared to the UHS-I's 2TB limit—a 6,300% improvement.
GameStop's leaked pricing suggests a 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express card will retail at $49.99, while a 512GB card is listed at $84.99. Additional SKUs revealed by Opposite-Chemistry96 include a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99).
While these accessories are likely unofficial, their appearance reinforces the ongoing speculation surrounding the Switch 2. Nintendo has committed to an official reveal before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just over two months for the announcement.
Feature |
UHS-I |
microSD Express |
Transfer Speed |
~95 MB/s |
~985 MB/s |
Max Capacity |
2TB |
128TB |