Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Support
Recent leaks point towards the Nintendo Switch 2 supporting microSD Express cards, a significant upgrade from its predecessor's UHS-I support. This suggests substantial improvements in storage technology for the upcoming console.
The rumor mill has been abuzz with the Switch 2 entering mass production in late 2024, possibly as early as September. This is fueled by a surge of hardware leaks since Q4 2024. Adding to this, GameStop SKUs, shared by Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96, surfaced in early January 2025, listing "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" options in 256GB and 512GB capacities. This strongly indicates microSD Express compatibility.
Dramatic Speed and Capacity Improvements
The current Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, boasting theoretical maximum transfer speeds around 104 MB/s, though practically reaching approximately 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards offer speeds nearing 985 MB/s – a remarkable 900% increase. This speed boost is attributed to the use of the NVMe protocol, similar to high-performance SSDs.
The capacity difference is equally impressive. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express supports up to 128TB – a 6,300% improvement. GameStop's leaked pricing suggests a 256GB card at $49.99 and a 512GB card at $84.99.
Further Leaks and Official Announcement
Beyond the microSD cards, SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two deluxe versions ($29.99) were also discovered. While these are likely unofficial accessories, their presence adds to the growing body of evidence. Nintendo has committed to an official Switch 2 reveal before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just over two months for the announcement.
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 paints a picture of a Switch 2 with significantly enhanced storage capabilities, promising faster loading times and the ability to store significantly more games and data.