Nintendo Switch 2: Massive Storage Upgrade Leaked

Summary

• Leaked GameStop SKUs suggest the Nintendo Switch 2 will support microSD Express cards.
• microSD Express offers transfer speeds over 900% faster than the Switch's UHS-I interface.
• microSD Express cards can reach capacities up to 128TB, significantly exceeding the 2TB limit of UHS-I cards.

Recent leaks strongly indicate the Nintendo Switch 2 will boast a significant storage upgrade, thanks to support for microSD Express cards. This revelation comes from several GameStop stock keeping units (SKUs) seemingly belonging to upcoming Switch 2 accessories. The leak, originally shared by Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96, details "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" products in 256GB and 512GB capacities, pointing towards microSD Express technology. This is a major advancement over the current Switch's UHS-I standard.

The Switch 2's rumored mass production, potentially beginning as early as late September 2024, is further supported by a surge of hardware leaks since Q4 2024. These latest GameStop SKUs, surfacing in early January 2025, add to this growing body of evidence.

Nintendo Switch 2: A 900% Boost in microSD Transfer Speeds

The original Nintendo Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, with theoretical maximum transfer speeds around 104 MB/s, practically reaching approximately 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards boast speeds approaching 985 MB/s—a remarkable 900% improvement. This dramatic increase is due to microSD Express's use of the NVMe protocol, the same technology powering the fastest modern SSDs, enabling highly parallel data transfer.

UHS-I vs. microSD Express Standard

Beyond speed, microSD Express offers a substantial capacity advantage. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB—a 6,300% increase. GameStop's leaked inventory data suggests pricing of $49.99 for a 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express card and $84.99 for a 512GB version.

Additional SKUs uncovered by Opposite-Chemistry96 include a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance aligns with the numerous leaks surrounding the Switch 2 in recent months. Nintendo has committed to an official reveal before the end of its current fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just over two months for the announcement.