Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards

Recent leaks suggest the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will boast significant storage improvements, utilizing microSD Express cards. This revelation comes from several GameStop stock keeping units (SKUs) seemingly related to unannounced Switch 2 accessories. These SKUs, initially shared on Reddit, list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" options in 256GB and 512GB capacities, strongly indicating support for the microSD Express standard.

A Quantum Leap 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, promises speeds nearing 985 MB/s – a substantial 900% increase. This improvement stems from the highly parallel data transfer capabilities of NVMe, a technology also found in high-performance SSDs.

Capacity Enhancements

Beyond speed, microSD Express cards offer a dramatic capacity advantage. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB – a staggering 6,300% increase. GameStop's leaked inventory data suggests pricing of $49.99 for a 256GB card and $84.99 for a 512GB card.

Further Leaks and Official Announcement

The leak also includes SKUs for Switch 2 carrying cases, priced at $19.99 and $29.99. While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance alongside the microSD Express SKUs further strengthens the credibility of the leak. Nintendo has previously stated its intention to unveil the Switch 2 before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving only a few months for an official announcement.

Comparison Table: UHS-I vs. microSD Express

The leaked information paints a picture of a Switch 2 with substantially improved storage capabilities, potentially setting a new standard for handheld console storage. The coming months will determine if these leaks accurately reflect Nintendo's plans.