When Nintendo unveiled the anticipated Switch 2, they dropped a bombshell: to expand your console’s memory, you’d need to invest in microSD Express cards. This announcement sparked a shopping frenzy, clearing shelves at both online and physical stores. In Japan, staff at Hermitage Akihabara noted an astonishing sales rate, with over 337 cards flying off the shelves every hour. This rush was unexpected, particularly because these cards come with a hefty price tag compared to their standard counterparts.
The Price Hike for Speed
Consider this: a standard Lexar 1TB Play microSD card typically retails for $129.99 on Amazon. However, it’s currently discounted to $69.99. With read speeds hitting up to 160 MB/s and write speeds at 100 MB/s, it provides decent performance, although it falls short of matching the swift speed of internal storage. Now, look at the microSD Express version — it boasts a remarkable read speed of 900 MB/s and a write speed of 600 MB/s, surpassing the older models by over five times. Naturally, this speed comes at a premium. Priced originally at $199.99 on Amazon, it’s on sale for $172.63, yet it still costs more than double the non-Express variant.
Scalping? Not This Time
Even though Nintendo’s fans are feeling the pinch with the microSD Express card costs, the sales soared following the announcement. What’s intriguing is that this isn’t a scalping situation. Reports indicate up to 80% of buyers purchased a single card each, and no one bought more than three. This implies that most purchasers are end-users getting ready for the Switch 2 launch, not resellers hoping to flip them for a quick profit.
Since this standard has been around since 2019 without much fanfare, largely due to its high price point, it’s only now seeing a surge in popularity. Alternatives like SSDs have been more affordable, but they lack the convenience of these portable cards. Unlike some consoles where you can swap out the SSD to expand storage (albeit with some hassle), Nintendo’s systems are less mod-friendly. They prefer users avoid meddling with their console hardware.
For the Switch 2, microSD Express cards provide the simplest way to ramp up storage to match the speed of internal options. With exciting new AAA games on the horizon demanding more space, and the console’s 256 GB internal storage likely to fill up fast, these cards could become essential for any Switch 2 owner wishing to keep a wide range of games at their fingertips. Stay updated with Tom’s Hardware by following us on Google News for the latest insights and reviews. Don’t forget to hit the Follow button to keep the news flowing.
