Switch 2 microSD Express Card Buying Guide: Which Card Works? (2026)
The Switch 2 only takes microSD Express cards up to 2 TB. What fits on them, what doesn't, how to insert one, and five cards from SanDisk, Samsung and Lexar.
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Contents
- Nintendo's requirements at a glance
- What is a microSD Express card?
- What can you store on the card, and what not?
- What about the old microSD card from the Switch 1?
- What to look for when buying
- Insert the card in four steps
- Five cards that fit
- The cards compared
- Checklist before you buy
- Matching accessory: storing your game cards
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256 GB of internal storage, and part of that is reserved for the system. If you buy a lot of games digitally, you'll need a memory card sooner or later. The catch: the old microSD card from your original Switch won't work for that. The Switch 2 only accepts microSD Express cards. This guide shows you how to spot the right card, what you can store on it, how to insert it and which five cards fit.
Transparency: We haven't tested these cards ourselves. The requirements come from Nintendo's official support pages, the specs from the manufacturers' data sheets and the checked Amazon.de product pages (as of October 2026). We don't list prices because they change all the time.
Nintendo's requirements at a glance
| Feature | Nintendo's requirement |
|---|---|
| Card type | microSD Express cards only |
| Capacity | up to 2 TB |
| How to spot it | microSD Express logo on the card |
| First use | system update via the internet required |
| Internal storage | 256 GB (UFS), part of it reserved for the system |
| License required? | no, any card that meets the microSD Express standard |
Nintendo states that any card up to 2 TB that meets the microSD Express standard can be used with the Switch 2. An officially licensed card is not a must.
What is a microSD Express card?
microSD Express is a standard from the SD Association. The cards are the same size as regular microSD cards, but they also use PCIe and NVMe, the same technology as M.2 SSDs in a PC. That's why they have a second row of contacts. They keep the classic SD interface (UHS-I) as well. So they also work in older devices, just at the slower UHS-I speed.
The one thing that matters most: look for the microSD Express logo. Cards labeled "A2", "U3" or "V30" without that logo are regular microSD cards and won't work for games on the Switch 2.
What can you store on the card, and what not?
According to Nintendo, a microSD Express card can hold:
- downloadable software
- software update data
- downloadable content (DLC)
- screenshots and recorded videos
Save data can't go on it. Saves always stay in the console's system memory, whether you play digitally or from a game card. As soon as a card is inserted, it becomes the default location for new downloads. You can move installed software, screenshots and videos between system memory and the card.
According to Nintendo, the Switch 2 currently doesn't support external USB hard drives. A microSD Express card is the only way to expand storage.
What about the old microSD card from the Switch 1?
For games and downloads, it's useless on the Switch 2. Nintendo allows just one thing: importing screenshots and videos. Insert the old card and choose the import from a Nintendo Switch microSD card under System Settings > Data Management. Afterwards the card can go back into the old console.
The other way round works: a microSD Express card also runs in the original Switch, but only as fast as a regular microSD card.
What to look for when buying
1. The Express logo, not the marketing
Many listings say "for Switch" in the title. That can also be an old UHS-I card for the original Switch. Always check that it clearly says microSD Express and shows the logo. Buy from well-known brands and sellers to avoid fakes.
2. Capacity
- 256 GB: roughly doubles the console's space and is enough for a modest digital library.
- 512 GB: a good middle ground if you buy digitally on a regular basis.
- 1 TB: if you hardly ever want to delete anything. The Switch 2 supports up to 2 TB.
Keep Game-Key Cards in mind too: according to Nintendo, they don't contain the full game data and download the game from the internet instead. So even games from a store can take up storage.
3. Better go bigger right away
Nintendo recommends using a single card. Software stored across several cards can't be merged onto one card later. If space runs low, copy everything to a larger card. If you already know your library will grow, 512 GB or 1 TB saves you that move later.
4. Reading speed claims correctly
Manufacturers list 800 to 900 MB/s for reads. These figures are measured by the manufacturers under ideal conditions, partly with their own card readers. Nintendo doesn't say exactly how fast the Switch 2 uses the card. Differences between cards on paper are therefore no reason to pay a lot more.
Insert the card in four steps
- Turn off the console. You can insert the card while it's on, but you'll have to restart afterwards.
- Open the stand. The microSD Express card slot sits on the back under the adjustable stand.
- Insert the card. Push it in straight until it clicks. Pay attention to which way the card faces.
- Update the system. The first time, the Switch 2 needs a system update via the internet.
To remove it, turn off the console, push the card in once and then pull it out.
Five cards that fit
The cards below aren't test winners but examples with a clear Switch 2 statement from the manufacturer. All figures come from the manufacturer or the checked Amazon.de page.
Example model
Officially licensed: SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2, 256 GB
SanDisk's officially licensed card. According to the manufacturer, it's designed, tested and approved for the Switch 2.
- Capacity
- 256 GB (also 512 GB and 1 TB)
- Interface
- PCIe 3.1 NVMe and microSD UHS-I
- Read / write
- up to 880 / 650 MB/s
- Note
- ThermAdapt keeps card temperature in check
- Warranty
- lifetime limited
- Item number (Amazon)
- 10016157
Good fit if you want an officially licensed card and 256 GB is enough.
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Example model
Officially licensed: Samsung microSD Express Card (Nintendo Edition), 256 GB
The second licensed card. Samsung's data sheet only lists the read speed, no write speed.
- Capacity
- 256 GB
- Interface
- PCIe Gen 3.0 x1, NVMe 1.3, SD 7.1
- Read
- up to 800 MB/s (SD Express), 90 MB/s (UHS-I)
- Classes
- Class 10, U3, V30
- Warranty
- 3 years (limited)
- Item number (Amazon)
- 10016156
Good fit if you prefer a licensed card from Samsung.
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Example model
Without the licensed design: Samsung P9 Express, 256 GB
Samsung's own microSD Express line. Samsung lists the same key specs as for the Nintendo Edition, and the card also comes in 512 GB.
- Capacity
- 256 GB (also 512 GB)
- Interface
- PCIe Gen 3.0 x1, NVMe 1.3, SD 7.1
- Read
- up to 800 MB/s (SD Express), 90 MB/s (UHS-I)
- Classes
- Class 10, U3, V30, A1
- Warranty
- 3 years (limited)
- Model
- MB-MK256T/WW
Good fit if you also want to use the card in a camera or another handheld later and don't need the Nintendo design.
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Example model
More space: SanDisk microSD Express, 512 GB
SanDisk's general microSD Express card. According to its Amazon page, it works with the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Capacity
- 512 GB
- Interface
- PCIe NVMe, backward compatible with UHS-I
- Read / write
- up to 880 / 650 MB/s
- Classes
- Class 10, U3
- Warranty
- lifetime limited
- Model
- SDSQXFN-512G-GN4NN
Good fit if you want twice the space of a 256 GB card and buy digitally on a regular basis.
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Example model
For big libraries: Lexar PLAY PRO microSDXC Express, 1 TB
Lexar explicitly lists the Nintendo Switch 2 as a target device. The card comes in 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB.
- Capacity
- 1 TB (also 256 and 512 GB)
- Interface
- microSD Express (PCIe, NVMe), backward compatible with UHS-I
- Read / write
- up to 900 / 600 MB/s (write speed with a Lexar card reader)
- Class
- U3
- Warranty
- lifetime limited
Good fit if you own lots of big digital games and don't want to keep deleting. On Amazon.de it's sold by a third-party seller and shipped by Amazon.
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The cards compared
| Card | Licensed | Capacity | Read (manufacturer) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk for Nintendo Switch 2 | yes | 256 GB | 880 MB/s | lifetime limited |
| Samsung Nintendo Edition | yes | 256 GB | 800 MB/s | 3 years |
| Samsung P9 Express | no | 256 GB | 800 MB/s | 3 years |
| SanDisk microSD Express | no | 512 GB | 880 MB/s | lifetime limited |
| Lexar PLAY PRO | no | 1 TB | 900 MB/s | lifetime limited |
Checklist before you buy
- Does it clearly say microSD Express, with the logo?
- Capacity up to 2 TB and right for your library?
- One larger card rather than several small ones?
- Internet connection ready for the system update on first use?
- Well-known brand and a trustworthy seller?
Do you also play on PS5? Then the PS5 SSD buying guide will help. You'll find a matching controller in the controller buying guide.
Matching accessory: storing your game cards
Even if you download games to the card, you probably still have a few game cards and game-key cards on the shelf. A small card case keeps them from rattling around loose in your backpack. Which case and screen protector suit the console itself is covered in the Switch 2 case and screen protector buying guide.
Example model
For lots of game cards: HORI 24-Game Card Case
An officially licensed hard-shell case just for game cards.
- Card slots
- up to 24 game cards (Switch and Switch 2)
- Build
- hard shell
- Size / weight
- approx. 9.1 × 2.6 × 8.9 cm, approx. 60 g
- Model
- NSX-009
Good for you if you want to carry more game cards than your case has slots for.
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Frequently asked questions
Does my old microSD card work in the Switch 2?
Only for importing screenshots and videos. You can't store or launch games, updates or DLC from it.
Do I need an officially licensed card?
No. According to Nintendo, any card up to 2 TB that meets the microSD Express standard works.
Can I store save data on the card?
No. Save data always stays in system memory. With Nintendo Switch Online you can also back it up to the cloud for supported games.
How big can the card be?
The Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards up to 2 TB.
Can I connect a USB hard drive to the Switch 2?
According to Nintendo, external USB hard drives aren't currently supported.
Does a microSD Express card also work in the original Switch?
Yes, but only as fast as a regular microSD card.
Sources
As of October 2026.
- Nintendo Support: microSD Card and microSD Express Card Compatibility
- Nintendo Support: microSD Express Card FAQ
- Nintendo Support: Nintendo Switch 2 Data Management FAQ
- Nintendo Switch 2 Support: Start Using the microSD Express Card (inserting and removing)
- SD Association: microSD Express with PCIe and NVMe
- SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2: data sheet
- Samsung microSD Express Card 256 GB for Nintendo Switch 2: data sheet
- Samsung P9 Express: data sheet
- Lexar PLAY PRO microSDXC Express Card: product page
- HORI Europe: 24-Game Card Case for Nintendo Switch 2
Manufacturers update specs and variants from time to time. If anything important changes, we'll update this article.
* Ad link: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links go to Amazon.de – the price stays the same for you.