Running low on space for your Nintendo Switch 2 games? You’re in luck! We’ve found some fantastic deals on MicroSD Express cards, essential for expanding your console’s storage, currently available at Amazon and Walmart. These ultra-fast cards are key to keeping up with ever-growing game file sizes.
One of the standout deals is the 512GB SanDisk Gameplay MicroSD Express card at Walmart for just $78. This exclusive card boasts the same impressive specs as its more expensive counterparts, offering incredible value. Walmart’s own budget tech brand, Onn, also has competitive options: a 512GB MicroSD Express for only $65.77 and a 256GB model for $35.77. These Onn cards are frequently restocked but tend to sell out quickly, so keep an eye out!
For Amazon shoppers, the officially licensed Samsung 256GB MicroSD Express Card, featuring a fun Nintendo theme, is back in stock for $59. This is an excellent choice for those seeking official branding and reliable performance. If you need a 128GB option, the TeamGroup Apex is a solid pick at $40.
Image: Nintendo Switch 2 only reads microSD Express Cards
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of reputable MicroSD Express cards available from both Amazon and Walmart. Currently, Samsung’s 256GB Nintendo Edition remains the only officially licensed option, though SanDisk is expected to release its own themed card soon.
MicroSD Express Cards Available on Amazon:
- Samsung 256GB microSD Express (Nintendo Edition) — $59 (Read: 800MB/s, Write: 400MB/s)
- TeamGroup Apex 128GB microSD Express — $40 (Read: 800MB/s, Write: 500MB/s)
- TeamGroup Apex 512GB microSD Express — $115 (Read: 800MB/s, Write: 500MB/s)
- PNY 128GB microSD Express — $44.35 (Read: 890MB/s, Write: 550MB/s)
- PNY 256GB microSD Express — $60 (Read: 890MB/s, Write: 550MB/s)
- PNY 512GB microSD Express — $120 (Read: 890MB/s, Write: 550MB/s)
- Lexar 256GB Play Pro microSD Express — $60 (Read: 900MB/s, Write: 600MB/s)
- Lexar 512GB Play Pro microSD Express — $120 (Read: 900MB/s, Write: 600MB/s)
- Lexar 1TB Play Pro microSD Express — $200 (Read: 900MB/s, Write: 600MB/s)
- SanDisk 128GB microSD Express — $60 (Read: 880MB/s, Write: 480MB/s, Sustained Write: 100MB/s)
- SanDisk 256GB microSD Express — $72 (Read: 880MB/s, Write: 650MB/s, Sustained Write: 210MB/s)
- SanDisk 512GB microSD Express — $120 (Read: 880MB/s, Write: 650MB/s, Sustained Write: 220MB/s)
- Gigastone 128GB microSD Express — $60
- Gigastone 256GB microSD Express — $80
- Gigastone 512GB microSD Express — $150
- Adata 256GB Premier microSD Express — $50 (originally $75)
- Adata 512GB Premier microSD Express — $100 (originally $150)
- Addlink TurboPlay 512GB microSD Express — $101
- Integral Gamer’s Edge 256GB microSD Express — $70
- Integral Gamer’s Edge 512GB microSD Express — $132
MicroSD Express Cards Available on Walmart:
- Samsung 256GB microSD Express (Nintendo Edition) — $59
- SanDisk GamePlay 512GB microSD Express — $78 (Read: 880MB/s, Write: 650MB/s, Sustained Write: 220MB/s)
- Onn 256GB microSD Express — $35.77 (Read: 800MB/s, Write: 600MB/s)
- Onn 512GB microSD Express — $65.77 (Read: 800MB/s, Write: 600MB/s)
- TeamGroup Apex 512GB microSD Express — $115
- SanDisk 128GB microSD Express — $60
- SanDisk 256GB microSD Express — $73
- SanDisk 512GB microSD Express — $120
- PNY 128GB microSD Express — $44.35
- PNY 256GB microSD Express — $60
- PNY 512GB microSD Express — $120
- Lexar 256GB Play Pro microSD Express — $60
- Lexar 512GB Play Pro microSD Express — $120
- Lexar 1TB Play Pro microSD Express — $200
- Lexar 2TB Play Pro microSD Express — $300
Nintendo Switch 2 Storage Space Disappears Fast
While the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a 256GB onboard SSD—a significant upgrade from previous models—the increasing size of modern games means that storage can fill up quickly. For instance, upcoming titles like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (44.9GB) and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (31.6GB) will consume a large chunk of space. Even existing games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (20GB) and Mario Kart World (22GB) are substantial.
Physical game editions for first-party Nintendo titles save space as they contain the full game file. However, many third-party games are now using ‘Game-Key Cards,’ which act as unlock keys, requiring you to download the full game from the eShop. This means a physical copy of Madden NFL 26, for example, would still require a 55.3GB download. Games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade are anticipated to require an enormous 87.9GB download. This trend makes external storage more vital than ever for Switch 2 owners.
Understanding MicroSD Express: What’s the Big Deal?
The MicroSD Express format is a cutting-edge advancement in storage technology. These cards are significantly faster than older UHS-I cards, making them a necessity for the Switch 2’s enhanced performance. For comparison, a SanDisk Ultra 512GB microSD card offers up to 150MB/s read speed, while a SanDisk Gameplay 512GB Express Card boasts 880MB/s—nearly six times faster! This speed difference is crucial for handling graphically intensive games and justifies the higher price point when compared to older, slower storage options.