Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks suggest the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a significant upgrade in storage technology, potentially supporting microSD Express cards. This revelation comes from several GameStop stock keeping units (SKUs) seemingly related to unreleased Switch 2 accessories. Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96 shared images of these SKUs, listing "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" options in 256GB and 512GB capacities. This strongly implies compatibility with the microSD Express standard.
A Massive Speed and Capacity Boost
The current Nintendo Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, offering theoretical maximum transfer speeds around 104 MB/s, though real-world speeds rarely exceed 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards, leveraging the NVMe protocol (similar to high-speed SSDs), boast transfer speeds approaching 985 MB/s—a substantial 900% increase.
This difference is highlighted in the following comparison:
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Max Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
The capacity advantage is equally impressive. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express cards can reach up to 128TB—a 6300% improvement. The leaked GameStop SKUs indicate pricing of $49.99 for 256GB and $84.99 for 512GB Switch 2 microSD Express cards.
Further Leaks and Official Announcement
Beyond the microSD cards, Opposite-Chemistry96 also uncovered SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). These leaks, while unofficial, add to the growing body of evidence suggesting an imminent Switch 2 release. Nintendo has previously stated its intention to unveil the console before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving only a few months until we may see an official announcement.
