The Nintendo Switch 2, recently launched, requires specialized MicroSD Express cards to run games, unlike its predecessor. This update introduces higher speeds but at increased costs for users expanding storage. WIRED's guide highlights compatible options amid evolving MicroSD standards.
The Nintendo Switch 2's debut marks a shift in storage requirements for Nintendo consoles. According to a WIRED buying guide published on February 28, 2026, owners must use MicroSD Express cards to expand storage and run games on the new device. Regular MicroSD cards can transfer images and videos but fail to support game operations.
The guide notes that PNY's MicroSD Express (256 GB) performed best in tests conducted at launch, though real-world differences in game transfers and load times were minimal. Priced at around $60 on Amazon, it costs nearly twice as much as a comparable V30 card. For the original Nintendo Switch, simpler UHS-I U1 cards suffice, with Nintendo partnering with Samsung for affordable, branded options at $20.
Broader MicroSD considerations include capacity, where 256 GB to 512 GB offers a balanced gap in pricing, and SDXC format for cards over 64 GB ensures compatibility in modern devices. Speeds are denoted by symbols like V30 or U3, providing minimum sequential write speeds of 30 MB/s. Application Performance Class A2 supports random read/write for apps, common in higher-end cards.
Bus interfaces range from UHS-I to Express, with Express cards backward compatible but limited to UHS-I speeds in older devices. The guide recommends SanDisk Extreme Pro for general use, including cameras and GoPros, at $66 for reliable performance with an adapter included.
Card readers like Insignia's USB-C/USB 3.0 model ($20 at Best Buy) handle up to V90 speeds, while SanDisk's Pro-Reader ($160) supports Express for Switch 2 users, though not essential for basic transfers.
