Switch 2’s Power Play: Unleashes 4K Gaming but Demands Pricey microSD Express Cards!

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The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to significantly outperform the existing Switch, boasting a reported tenfold increase in power compared to its predecessor. This new system is anticipated to offer 4K resolution and frame rates of up to 120 FPS. The enhanced capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2 will allow it to run games that were previously beyond its reach, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Borderlands 4. Similar to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, these games will demand a considerable amount of storage space on the Switch 2’s hard drive, with Cyberpunk 2077 requiring a minimum of 64GB.

To tackle this matter, the upcoming Switch 2 model is set to boast a significantly larger storage capacity compared to the original Switch. At the recent Switch 2 Direct event, Nintendo revealed that the device will feature an internal storage of 256GB, marking a significant leap from the 32GB hard drive found in the current model. While this upgrade is certainly welcome, it may still fall short for some users given the sizeable file sizes of contemporary video games. Even with most first-party Switch 2 games taking up relatively little space, avid gamers might find themselves running out of storage on their consoles rather swiftly. Fortunately, Nintendo has planned to accommodate such needs by introducing a new type of expandable storage hardware for the Switch 2 systems.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Supports microSD Express Cards

Similar to its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 features a slot for microSD cards on its rear side. In case users exhaust their console’s storage capacity, they can opt for SD cards as an additional space solution for digital games. The Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with SD cards boasting up to 2TB of storage, which should suffice even the most avid gamers. However, it’s essential to note that there’s a significant distinction between the two Switches regarding this aspect: the Switch 2 exclusively supports microSD Express cards.

MicroSD Express Cards are Faster, Better Variants of the Traditional microSD Card, But They’re More Expensive

In 2019, the microSD Express card was launched as an upgraded and optimized version of the standard microSD card, known for its speed. Despite not being widely embraced by consumers like the traditional SD card, it has found its niche in gaming applications due to its slower data transfer rates but superior data reading and writing capabilities. The original Nintendo Switch could utilize these cards, but didn’t leverage their unique features; instead, they functioned identically to other SD cards available. However, with the release of the Switch 2, players will at last enjoy the advantages of this innovative microSD format on a Nintendo platform.

Unfortunately, a significant downside to the microSD Express cards in the Switch 2 lies in their cost. For instance, a standard 256GB SanDisk microSD card on Amazon typically costs around $28. In contrast, a SanDisk microSD Express card with similar capacity will set you back approximately $50, nearly double the price. This new storage format, like many of the Switch 2’s other hardware accessories, is quite expensive.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Does Not Support Traditional microSD Cards

For those eager to utilize standard microSD cards on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, it’s unfortunate news as the device can read these cards, yet it won’t be able to run games off them like the original Switch did. Instead, it will only manage to display screenshots and videos taken from a Nintendo Switch. This limitation could prove troublesome for numerous current Switch owners, as those who have transferred their digital game collections onto microSD cards would need to re-download all their titles if they wish to play them again on the Switch 2. While it’s commendable that Nintendo is incorporating modern technology in its new console, this compatibility issue may put a significant strain on players’ budgets.

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2025-04-07 16:34