Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks suggest the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will boast significantly improved storage capabilities, thanks to support for microSD Express cards. This revelation comes from several GameStop stock keeping units (SKUs) seemingly related to unannounced Switch 2 accessories. These SKUs, originally shared on Reddit, list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" products in 256GB and 512GB capacities, strongly indicating compatibility with the microSD Express standard.
This represents a major upgrade from the Nintendo Switch's current UHS-I microSD card support. microSD Express offers dramatically faster transfer speeds and significantly higher storage capacities.
Speed and Capacity Enhancements:
The difference in performance is substantial. While UHS-I cards typically reach around 95 MB/s, microSD Express cards can achieve speeds near 985 MB/s—a nearly 900% increase. This speed boost is attributed to the use of the NVMe protocol, similar to that found in high-performance SSDs.
Capacity improvements are equally impressive. UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, whereas microSD Express cards can support up to 128TB – a staggering 6300% increase.
Pricing and Other Leaks:
GameStop's internal system, as depicted in the leaked image, shows pricing of $49.99 for a 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express card and $84.99 for a 512GB version. Additional leaked SKUs include a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99).
While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance reinforces the growing volume of Switch 2 leaks circulating since Q4 2024, coinciding with rumors of mass production beginning in late September 2024. Nintendo has committed to an official reveal before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving only a few months until we may see official confirmation.
Comparison Table: UHS-I vs. microSD Express
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Max Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
The leaked information strongly suggests a significant leap in storage technology for the Nintendo Switch 2, promising faster loading times and greater game storage potential.
