Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks point towards a significant upgrade for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2: support for microSD Express cards. This revelation, stemming from purported GameStop SKUs for Switch 2 accessories, hints at substantial improvements in storage technology compared to the original Switch.
The rumored mass production of the Switch 2, potentially beginning as early as late September 2024, aligns with the consistent flow of hardware leaks since Q4 2024. Early January 2025 saw the surfacing of GameStop SKUs (shared by Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96) listing "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" products in 256GB and 512GB capacities. This strongly suggests compatibility with the microSD Express standard.
A Dramatic Increase in Transfer Speeds
The current Nintendo 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 speeds approaching 985 MB/s – a nearly 900% increase.
UHS-I vs. microSD Express: A Comparison
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Maximum Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
Capacity also sees a massive jump, with microSD Express supporting cards up to 128TB, a staggering 6,300% improvement over the 2TB limit of UHS-I. The leaked GameStop pricing suggests a 256GB card at $49.99 and a 512GB card at $84.99.
Further Leaks and Nintendo's Timeline
Additional SKUs revealed by Opposite-Chemistry96 include a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two deluxe versions ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance reinforces the ongoing stream of leaks. Nintendo has previously committed to an official Switch 2 reveal before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just over two months for the announcement.
