Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks of GameStop SKUs point towards the Nintendo Switch 2 supporting microSD Express cards, a significant upgrade from the UHS-I standard used in the original Switch. This suggests substantial improvements in storage technology for the upcoming console.
The Switch 2's mass production reportedly began in late 2024, possibly as early as September, a claim supported by a surge of hardware leaks throughout Q4 2024. Early January 2025 saw further leaks, this time from Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96, showcasing GameStop SKUs for three "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" products with capacities of 256GB and 512GB. These listings strongly indicate the adoption of the microSD Express standard.
A Massive Speed Boost: microSD Express vs. UHS-I
The current Switch uses UHS-I microSD cards, offering practical transfer speeds around 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards, leveraging the NVMe protocol (similar to high-speed SSDs), boast transfer speeds nearing 985 MB/s – a remarkable 900% increase.
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Max Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
Furthermore, microSD Express cards offer a massive capacity advantage. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB – a 6300% improvement. GameStop's leaked pricing suggests a 256GB card at $49.99 and a 512GB card at $84.99.
Additional leaked SKUs include a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two deluxe versions ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance aligns with the ongoing stream of Switch 2 leaks. Nintendo has committed to an official reveal before the end of its fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just a few months for the announcement.
