Nintendo Switch 2 Is Causing MicroSD Express Cards To Sell Out

SanDisk currently offers 128GB and 256GB models of its microSD Express Cards. The 128GB version is priced at $45 (was $50) at Amazon, while the 256GB version costs $60 (was $65).

The Nintendo-branded iterations of SanDisk’s microSD Express Cards have not yet appeared online, leaving it uncertain whether they will be priced the same. Initially, we speculated that the branded cards might come at a higher price. SanDisk’s Nintendo-themed cards for the current Switch are typically more expensive than the unbranded versions. However, this may change with the Switch 2, as indicated by the price of Samsung’s Super Mario-themed 256GB card.

At this time, it seems SanDisk plans to release Nintendo-themed versions of its two microSD Express options. It remains to be seen if SanDisk cards with different (or lesser) storage capacities will receive the Nintendo branding.

SanDisk microSD Express Cards significantly outperform its Ultra and Class cards, which are popular choices for expanding storage on the current Switch.

With Express capabilities, SanDisk’s cards deliver read speeds of up to 880MB/s, write speeds of 650MB/s, and sustained write speeds of 210MB/s. In comparison, the SanDisk Ultra is rated at 150MB/s read speeds, and the Class cards can achieve 190MB/s.

Express cards are effectively solid-state drives that fit in your pocket. In fact, this card is actually faster than a standard SATA SSD.

When it’s crucial to ensure the future scalability of your Switch 2’s storage, Lexar stands out as the only major brand that provides microSD Express Cards with capacities beyond 256GB.

Lexar’s Express Play Pro Cards were launched in March, offering three different sizes: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The 256GB variant is priced at $50, the 512GB at $90 (was $100), while the 1TB option costs $200—approximately half of the price of the Switch 2 console.

Similar to the SanDisk Express that was released last year, Lexar’s cards provide lightning-fast speeds. Lexar claims its microSD Express Play Pro can achieve 900MB/s read speeds and 600MB/s write speeds.

The manufacturer has already updated its Amazon listing to reference the Nintendo Switch 2, and all three models have sold out at least once, facing large supply availability windows that seem to vary daily.

Earlier this year, Samsung introduced its own microSD Express Card. The upcoming high-speed cards offer up to 800MB/s sequential read rates. While the exact pricing for their regular options remains undisclosed, we now know that the Nintendo-licensed version of the 256GB microSD Express Card is priced at $60—unless import tariffs compel SanDisk and Nintendo to increase the charge.

The $60 price point is rather surprising considering how expensive branded microSD cards for gaming typically are compared to standard models. Though not officially confirmed, we can anticipate that the Nintendo-branded card will deliver similar performance to the regular version.

It’s conceivable that Samsung’s standard 256GB microSD Express Card could be sold for less than $60, but this branded variant certainly has a lower MSRP than the SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card that is already available on the market.

Preorders have commenced for a variety of GameStop-branded accessories for Nintendo Switch 2, which include microSD Express Cards capable of achieving speeds of 800MB/s, according to GameStop.

GameStop’s Switch 2 accessories are not officially authorized by Nintendo, and it is unclear which memory manufacturer produced these cards. However, GameStop clearly chose to leverage the increased interest from the past week, as the previously affordable prices for the three cards have vanished.

Now, GameStop’s microSD Express Cards are priced higher than some cards from reputable brands, so it might be wise to avoid them unless there are no other options available. The 256GB variant increased from $50 to $70, which is somewhat inexplicable considering you could purchase a SanDisk card for $60.

The 512GB model started at $85 and has risen to $100 (the same price as Lexar). Finally, the 1TB variant, which was originally $150 last week, is now priced at $190—very close to what Lexar charges.

When it comes to storage and memory, it is generally a good practice to opt for well-known brands with established reputations, making a card of unknown origin a potential risk. This is even more relevant when considering the suspicious price increases.

GameStop’s microSD Express Cards are available for preorder along with carrying cases, controller grips, and even a USB-C hub with video output, which is the first third-party “dock” marketed for Switch 2. However, this USB-C dongle only supports 720p resolution, making it less useful for playing games on a larger display with 1080p or 4K resolution.

GameStop’s Switch 2 accessories will launch on the same day as the console, June 5.

• GameStop 1TB microSD Express Card — $190 (previously $150)
• GameStop 512GB microSD Express Card — $100 (previously $85)
• GameStop 256GB microSD Express Card — $70 (previously $50)

Additional GameStop-branded Switch 2 accessories:

• Deluxe All-in-One Carry Case — $30
• Elevate Cover — $20
• USB-C Adapter with 720p Video Output — $25
• Joy-Con 2 – 6-in-1 Charging Dock — $25
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip — $20
• Joy-Con 2 Grip (Set of 2) — $17
• Joy-Con 2 Racing Wheels (Set of 2) — $17
• Joy-Con 2 Thumbstick Grip Bundle (6 Pieces) — $10
• 24-Cartridge Case — $10
• Tempered Glass Screen Protector — $15
• AC Adapter — $30