Nintendo has officially unveiled key details about its highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 during a special Direct presentation held on April 2, 2025. The new console is set to ship with 256GB of onboard memory, but players will also have the option to expand storage using microSD cards. However, there’s a significant change: the Nintendo Switch 2 will only be compatible with microSD Express cards, rendering current microSD cards from the original Switch obsolete.
The announcement came as no surprise to fans, as speculation had been rife regarding the storage capabilities of the new console. Nintendo confirmed that these microSD Express cards not only retain the same size and shape as standard microSD cards but also offer significantly faster read and write speeds. This upgrade is crucial, especially since the Nintendo Switch 2 is designed to run games in 4K resolution, which demands high-speed data transfer.
During the Direct presentation, Nintendo showcased the new game cards, which feature a sleek red design and promise faster data reading speeds compared to the original Switch cartridges. The new microSD Express cards will be essential for players looking to store downloaded games beyond the console’s internal storage capacity.
"We’ve suspected that the Nintendo Switch 2 will use microSD cards, just like the original Switch, for the purpose of storing more games than can fit on its internal storage," Nintendo explained during the showcase. The company emphasized that while the new cards are backward compatible with all supported original Switch games, the price point for microSD Express cards is notably higher than traditional microSD cards. Currently, SanDisk offers a 128GB microSD Express card for $44.99 and a 256GB version for $59.99 on Amazon.
One of the most exciting features revealed is the ability for original Switch owners to transfer their old save data and digital games to the new console. This functionality aims to ease the transition for players upgrading to the Switch 2, ensuring that their gaming experiences remain uninterrupted.
As for the controllers, Nintendo has also introduced an updated pro controller designed to enhance gameplay. This new controller includes a C button located between the d-pad and the right analog stick, along with GR and GL back bumper triggers and an audio jack, allowing for a more versatile gaming experience.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and with its enhanced features, it aims to elevate the gaming experience for both new players and long-time fans. The introduction of the microSD Express cards represents a significant leap in technology, as they are classified as NVMe SSDs, capable of reading and writing data approximately four times faster than standard microSD cards. This advancement is likely to improve everything from download times to system boot speeds, making for a more seamless gaming experience.
While the transition to microSD Express cards may be a hurdle for some, the benefits of faster data transfer and improved performance are expected to outweigh the initial costs. The gaming community is eagerly awaiting the launch, and with the promise of enhanced graphics and performance, the Nintendo Switch 2 could redefine portable gaming.
As excitement builds around the upcoming console, many are left wondering how these new features will impact the gaming landscape. Will the Switch 2's advancements be enough to maintain Nintendo's competitive edge in the gaming industry? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Nintendo is committed to pushing the boundaries of gaming technology.
