Switch 2 Leak Teases Massive Storage Upgrade

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

Recent leaks suggest the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a significant upgrade in storage technology, supporting microSD Express cards. This revelation stems from several GameStop stock keeping units (SKUs) seemingly related to unannounced Switch 2 accessories. Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96 initially shared these SKUs, which list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" products in 256GB and 512GB capacities. This strongly indicates compatibility with the microSD Express standard.

A Quantum Leap in Transfer Speeds and Capacity

The current Nintendo Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, offering theoretical maximum transfer speeds around 104 MB/s, with real-world performance often peaking at approximately 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express boasts potential transfer speeds nearing 985 MB/s – a substantial 900% increase. This dramatic improvement is attributed to the use of the NVMe protocol, enabling highly parallel data transfer similar to high-speed SSDs.

The capacity advantage is equally impressive. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB – a staggering 6300% increase. GameStop's leaked internal data suggests pricing of $49.99 for a 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express card and $84.99 for a 512GB variant.

Further Leaks and Nintendo's Timeline

Beyond the microSD cards, Opposite-Chemistry96 also discovered SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their presence further supports the growing body of evidence surrounding the Switch 2's imminent release. Nintendo has previously stated its intention to unveil the new console before the end of its current fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving a limited window for an official announcement.

Comparison: UHS-I vs. microSD Express

The leaked information strongly suggests a significant technological leap for the Switch 2's storage capabilities, promising a vastly improved user experience.