What You Need to Know – Especially for the Nintendo Switch™ 2

microSD Express memory cards are gaining renewed attention with the rise of advanced handheld gaming devices. As consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 grow more powerful, the demand for faster, more reliable storage increases. MicroSD Express offers significant speed improvements over standard microSD cards, making it a key player in next-gen gaming. For those looking to expand storage, understanding the differences between microSD and microSD Express card types—and what your device actually supports—is essential. 


Here are the top things you need to know before buying more storage for your gaming device. 

Speed & Performance: Why microSD Express Cards Matter for Gamers 

So, what’s the big deal with microSD Express? The microSD Express standard, introduced in 2019, is a next-generation microSD card technology that utilizes the same PCIe®-NVMe™ interface as modern SSDs. This means that they are faster at reading and writing data compared to the older cards. Allowing for quicker game loading times, faster file transfers, and overall improved performance for demanding applications, it is future-proof for upcoming games. 


They are different from normal microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards and will be denoted with an “EX” on the card. 

✔ Faster. ✔ Smarter. ✔ Made for Next-Gen Gaming. 

Cut The Lag.


MicroSD Express cards can hit up to 880MB/s read and 650MB/s write speeds, which are performance levels that are comparable to internal SSDs. 


That means: 

• Faster game loading times: Eliminates lag in games that rely on fast asset streaming 
• Smoother performance in data-heavy games: Ideal for loading massive open-worlds, and transferring large media files 
• Quicker media transfers, such as 4K video or large game installations  

You can game faster, explore ultra-realistic virtual worlds, and create immersive content with SanDisk microSD™ Express cards—featuring faster burst and sustained recording speeds than UHS-II, PCIe® Gen 3 NVMe™ performance, and ThermAdapt™ technology for safe thermal control. Compatible with UHS-I and II devices, it supports up to 5.3K video and 10MP RAW, making it ready for the future of superspeed tech. SanDisk microSD Express cards are engineered for durability, longevity, and top-tier performance. Combining SSD-like speeds with SanDisk’s legendary reliability, these cards are the perfect storage upgrade for both casual and serious gamers. 


Why microSD Express Is Worth the Investment 

For gamers looking to future-proof their storage, especially those planning to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 memory card, the investment makes sense. You're essentially getting SSD-like performance in a tiny, portable format for your device. 


While standard microSD cards may be more readily accessible, they won’t work with the Nintendo Switch 2, and they can bottleneck performance in advanced handheld devices. Meanwhile, the microSD Express is backwards compatible with all types of portable gaming devices such as Steam Deck OLED or ROG Ally.  

What you get: 

• Top-of-the-level SSD-level speeds 
• Future-proof and backwards compatibility with various devices 
• Premium gaming performance for ever-demanding games 
• Backed by top-tier brands like SanDisk – with OEM licensed cards available through July 2026. More information to be coming soon. 
• Bonus: These cards also work in older devices like the original Switch or Steam Deck, performing at standard card speeds. 

   

One of the most important things to know before you buy is that microSD Express cards and standard microSD cards are not interchangeable in every device.

• Nintendo Switch 2: microSD Express cards are compatible and will meet the Switch 2 SD card requirements, while standard microSD cards will not work and can only be used to copy screenshots, videos, and games. Make sure your card has the "EX" logo, the official symbol of microSD Express, before purchasing.

• Other handhelds (Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, MSI Claw): The microSD Express card is backwards compatible with these devices. To take full advantage of faster performance, you’ll want to use a microSD Express card if your device supports it via newer readers. 
• Original Nintendo Switch: Only supports standard microSD cards. While you can technically insert a microSD Express card, it will only perform at speeds up to 100MB/s. 

Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 – Add 256 GB of SSD speed storage in an instant! 

The Nintendo Switch 2 is designed exclusively to be compatible with microSD Express cards for expanded storage. That means if you plan to download more games, DLC, or media, you’ll need the latest card tech. 


With the Nintendo Switch 2 launching June 5, now’s the time to make sure you’re ready to download all the games your heart desires. SanDisk will also offer official Nintendo-licensed microSD Express cards, featuring fan-favorite designs like the Mario “M” logo—available directly through Nintendo and licensed retailers through July 2026. The licensed OEM microSD Express cards will be in partnership with Nintendo will be Nintendo direct and via its channel partners, boast end-user support by Sandisk and enjoy end-user RMA by Sandisk as if it were a Sandisk retail product. More details coming soon. 


Ready to Expand Your Game Library?

🛒 Shop: "The Future of Gaming Storage Starts Now!”


✅Works with Nintendo Switch 2 


🚀 Ultra-fast PCIe/NVMe performance 


🎮 Nintendo-licensed versions available soon: trusted by gamers, built by SanDisk 

Pro Tip: Always check your device’s official specs and look for the "EX" symbol when buying cards for newer systems like the Switch 2. Be careful not to buy an “Extreme” card, as Extreme cards are not Express. 

Whether you’re downloading your entire game library, recording high-resolution gameplay, or playing on the go, SanDisk microSD Express cards deliver speed you can feel and reliability you can trust. 

Always check your device compatibility before you buy, and consider investing in next-gen storage to get the best possible performance from your games.