Nintendo Switch 2 Leak Hints at Huge Storage Improvement

Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards

Recent leaks suggest the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will boast significantly improved storage capabilities, thanks to support for microSD Express cards. This revelation comes from several GameStop stock keeping units (SKUs) seemingly related to unannounced Switch 2 accessories. These SKUs, initially shared on Reddit, list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" options in 256GB and 512GB capacities.

This points towards a substantial upgrade from the current Switch's UHS-I microSD card support. The microSD Express standard offers dramatically faster transfer speeds and higher storage capacities.

Speed and Capacity Enhancements:

The current Switch's UHS-I standard offers a maximum transfer speed of approximately 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards leverage the NVMe protocol, achieving speeds around 985 MB/s – a nearly 900% increase. Furthermore, while UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB, representing a staggering 6,300% improvement.

The leaked GameStop pricing suggests a 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express card will retail for $49.99, and a 512GB card for $84.99. Additional leaked SKUs include a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99).

Timing and Official Announcements:

The Switch 2 is rumored to have begun mass production in late 2024, possibly as early as September. A flurry of hardware leaks since Q4 2024 supports this claim. Nintendo has previously stated it would unveil its next console before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving a limited window for an official announcement.

Comparison Table: UHS-I vs. microSD Express

While these leaks are unofficial, they strongly hint at a significant technological leap for the Switch 2's storage capabilities. The substantial speed and capacity improvements offered by microSD Express would greatly enhance the user experience.