Nintendo Switch 2’s Day One Update: What You Need to Know!

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Summary

  • The Switch 2 will need a day-one update for microSD Express card support.
  • The day-one patch may also include full support for 3D audio, which Nintendo previously said will require a patch to work with the console’s built-in speakers.
  • Non-Express microSD cards won’t work with the Switch 2, but the new console should be less reliant on expandable storage than its predecessor on account of having 8 times more flash memory—256 GB.

On the first day, you’ll need to update the Nintendo Switch 2 in order to utilize microSD Express cards, as indicated by its packaging. At least one other aspect of the Nintendo Switch 2 will necessitate a post-launch update rather than functioning immediately upon purchase.

Information about the microSD Express card compatibility with the Switch 2 emerged prior to its official unveiling in mid-January 2025. In contrast to the original Switch’s UHS-I specification, the new microSD Express standard boasts potential data transfer speeds of around 985 MB/s – a tenfold enhancement. Additionally, it provides a substantially greater theoretical storage capacity, accommodating up to 128 terabytes, whereas UHS-I microSD cards are limited to 2 TB.

Initially, the initial Nintendo Switch came with microSD card compatibility right away. However, its subsequent model will necessitate a software upgrade to allow for expandable storage. In April 2025, Nintendo announced this, but declined to offer additional information then. More recently, Famiboards user pelusilla6 posted an actual photo of the Switch 2 “Mario Kart World” package, whose box indicates that the required update will be accessible at launch.

Switch 2’s Day-One Update May Include Multiple Features

Initially, it was disclosed by Nintendo that the full 3D audio functionality on the Switch 2 would necessitate a software update. The console will inherently support this feature, but only for external devices such as headphones or televisions when docked. This software update aims to activate 3D audio through the built-in speakers of the console. It remains uncertain if this update will be available at the time of launch, as the packaging does not specify this. However, previous announcements hinted that the 3D audio and microSD Express updates could be interconnected.

In the upcoming Switch 2 model, microSD Express compatibility won’t be an add-on feature; instead, it will come built-in as a standard. Despite having the same physical size as UHS-I predecessor cards, they won’t work in the new console if inserted. On the positive side, the Switch 2 is expected to need less external storage compared to its earlier version due to its enhanced 256 GB flash memory capacity, which is eight times greater than the original Switch. Even with increasing game install sizes across hardware generations, the console should have sufficient space for several day-one titles without needing an additional microSD Express card.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m super excited to share that my long-awaited Switch 2 is dropping on June 5th! The price point for this bad boy is set at $449.99. For those in the US, there’s an even sweeter deal – the Mario Kart World bundle, priced at $499.99. It’s a total steal because not only do you get the console, but you also score the much-anticipated Mario Kart game which will retail separately for a cool $79.99. So, gearing up for some serious gaming action!

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2025-05-27 19:50