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PSA: The Switch 2 only uses these fast microSD Express cards – grab yours now starting at $36 [Updated]

Update: Samsung’s officially licensed Switch 2 Express microSD card is now up for pre-order at Target for $59.99 shipped. Folks who don’t want to wait can also snag either PNY’s $45 Express microSD cards or Onn’s Express memory cards starting at $35.88 shipped. More details below.

Nintendo’s new Switch 2, in case you missed it, supports only microSD Express cards – same size as regular microSDs, but with much faster speeds. While the format has existed for a while, it’s gaining more traction now thanks to the Switch 2. According to Nintendo, you’ll need a microSD Express card to play games off the Switch 2 console, and the standard microSDs will only let you load screenshots and videos. Only a few manufacturers have released Express microSD cards so far, but we expect more to show up with the Switch 2 becoming the first mainstream gaming device to support them. Here are the ones available now – perfect to grab one alongside your Switch 2 pre-order.

MicroSD Express cards are selling fast, with some sizes temporarily unavailable. We’ll keep this page updated with the latest products and retailer links as they become available.

Image showing a render of PNY microSD cards.

PNY Express microSD cards – up to 890MB/s

Following the likes of Lexar and Samsung, PNY has also launched its new Express microSD cards which are compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s available in 128GB and 256GB storage capacities, both of which can read and write speeds of up to 890MB/s and 550MB/s, respectively. The prices for these start at $44.99 shipped, making this one of the most affordable Express microSD card options out there.

Image showing a render of Samsung's Switch 2 Express microSD card.

Officially licensed Nintendo Samsung Express microSD

Samsung’s officially licensed Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card launches on June 5, 2025, alongside the Switch 2 console, but the listings are already live for the 256GB variant for $59.99 shipped at Target as well as through the Nintendo Shop. The listings, as you can tell, are yet to be populated with all the info, and the only thing we know for now is that it’ll be available in 256GB capacity. We’ll keep an eye out for more info and update this space accordingly for folks looking to pick up the licensed Express microSD card for their Switch 2.

A hand holding a memory card

SanDisk Express microSD for Switch 2 – up to 880MB/s

SanDisk was among the first to debut Express microSD cards on the market, and it’s readily available to pick up in 128GB and 256GB capacity starting at $49.99 shipped. This particular model can deliver read and write speeds of up to 880MB/s and 480MB/s, respectively, with its sustained write speeds peaking at 100MB/s. The SanDisk Express microSD is made to withstand the elements, and you can even recover an optional two-year file RescuePRO Deluxe recovery service to recover accidentally deleted files.

Image showing a close up of Lexar's 1TB PLAY PRO microSD card.

Lexar’s PLAY PRO Express microSD for Switch 2 – up to 900MB/s

Lexar was quick to announce its new PLAY PRO Express microSD followed by the Switch 2 reveal, claiming the title for the “world’s first” 1TB Express microSD on the market. It’s available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacity, and the prices for these start at $56.18 shipped right now. These are faster than SanDisk’s Express microSD cards with up to 900MB/s transfer speeds, and they ship with a limited lifetime warranty and lifetime access to the Lexar Recovery Tool. The PLAY PRO cards stand as an upgraded version of the standard Play microSD that tops out at 205MB/s transfer speed and are worth considering if you are looking to pick up faster storage for your other handheld consoles as well.

Onn microSD Express card for Switch 2 – up to 800MB/s

Image showing Onn's Express microSD card on a desk.

Onn, in case you didn’t know, is a Walmart owned electronics brand, and its products are sold exclusively at Walmart. The brand has also unleashed its Express microSD cards compatible with the Switch 2. These Express microSD cards can deliver speeds of up to 800MB/s, making them go toe-to-toe with the likes of SanDisk’s Express microSD cards. You can get this in 256GB and 512GB capacities, and it’s currently up for grabs starting at $35.88 shipped.

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Avatar for Karthik Iyer Karthik Iyer

Karthik Iyer is a writer at gadgetnewsonline, serving recommendations and deals on PC, games, computing parts, and other gaming accessories.