Nintendo Switch 2 Leak Suggests Vast Storage Upgrade

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

Recent leaks point to a significant upgrade for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2: support for microSD Express cards. This revelation, stemming from purported GameStop stock keeping units (SKUs), hints at substantial improvements in storage technology compared to the original Switch.

The Switch 2's mass production is widely believed to have begun in late 2024, possibly as early as September, fueled by a surge of online leaks detailing its hardware specifications. Adding to this wave of information, GameStop SKUs surfaced in early January 2025, listing "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" products in 256GB and 512GB capacities. This strongly suggests compatibility with the microSD Express standard.

A Quantum Leap in Transfer Speeds

The current Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, offering practical transfer speeds around 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express boasts speeds nearing 985 MB/s—a remarkable 900% increase. This dramatic improvement is attributed to the technology's use of the NVMe protocol, similar to high-performance modern SSDs, enabling highly parallel data transfer.

Capacity: A 6,300% Improvement

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

The leak also includes SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance further reinforces the ongoing stream of Switch 2 related leaks.

Nintendo has committed to an official Switch 2 reveal before the end of its current fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just over two months for the announcement.

UHS-I vs. microSD Express: A Comparison

The leaked information paints a picture of a Switch 2 with significantly enhanced storage capabilities, promising a smoother and faster gaming experience.