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

Recent leaks suggest the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will offer significant storage improvements, potentially supporting microSD Express cards. This upgrade promises vastly superior performance compared to the current Switch's UHS-I microSD card support.

The rumor mill has been churning with details about the Switch 2, with many believing mass production began late in 2024, possibly as early as September. This is fueled by a surge of online leaks detailing the console's hardware specifications throughout Q4 2024.

Adding to this wave of leaks, several GameStop SKUs surfaced in early January 2025, seemingly belonging to unannounced Switch 2 accessories. These SKUs, initially shared on Reddit, list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" options in 256GB and 512GB capacities. This strongly indicates support for the microSD Express standard.

Switch 2: A 900% Boost in microSD Transfer Speeds

The current Switch uses UHS-I microSD cards, boasting theoretical maximum transfer speeds around 104 MB/s, though real-world performance often peaks at roughly 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards are capable of achieving speeds near 985 MB/s – a remarkable 900% increase. This dramatic improvement is due to the technology's use of the NVMe protocol, the same high-speed parallel data transfer method found in cutting-edge SSDs.

UHS-I vs. microSD Express: A Comparison

Beyond speed, microSD Express cards offer a significantly larger maximum capacity. While UHS-I cards top out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB – a 6300% increase. GameStop's leaked inventory data suggests pricing of $49.99 for a 256GB card and $84.99 for a 512GB card.

The leaks also revealed SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). These are likely unofficial accessories, a common occurrence in the lead-up to a console launch. Nintendo has stated twice that an official reveal will happen before the end of their fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving them with just over two and a half months to fulfill that promise.