Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards

Nintendo Switch 2
(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo's Switch 2 handheld gaming console is out in the wild, and if you didn't manage to snag some extra storage for your console before its release, here are some handy links for where to pick one up now.

Beyond the Switch 2 console itself, there are games and peripherals to think about. The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of built-in storage, but if you want to add extra to your handheld console, so that you can store more installed games, you're going to need to invest in the latest microSD Express storage technology, as the Nintendo Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards.

The latest microSD Express cards are faster at reading and writing data compared to non-Express microSD cards, which were used in the original Nintendo Switch, and this is why they've been picked as the must-use medium for the Switch 2. Unfortunately, the cost of microSD Express cards is fairly high, with larger 1TB and 2TB sizes costing hundreds of dollars.

Make sure you're buying the correct microSD card by checking the symbol on the card. It must have the "EX" symbol as shown in the picture below to be compatible with the Switch 2.

A picture of a microSD Express 256GB storage card with the Express symbol highlighted

Look for the Express symbol on microSD cards to make sure it's compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 (Image credit: SanDisk/Future)

The Nintendo Switch 2 will support microSD Express cards with a capacity of up to 2TB, which should be more than enough to store a large number of games, should you want them all downloaded and preinstalled for on-the-go gaming.

Only the Switch 2 will be able to make the most of the increased performance of the microSD Express card. If you use the card in the original Switch, it will perform at the same level as a standard microSD card. So don't buy one thinking you can increase the performance of your original Switch console.

There will be licensed microSD Express cards for the Nintendo Switch 2 featuring a Nintendo logo like the Mario "M" as were available for the original Switch. These microSD Express cards will be available for purchase directly from the Nintendo shop when they become available on June 5, 2025. Currently, prices are not listed for these licensed editions of Samsung's microSD Express 256GB cards.

One way to save a few bucks is to purchase a third-party, unlicensed microSD Express card from various other manufacturers and retailers.

Where to buy microSD Express cards in the US

Recent updates

There is currently some availability, although some capacities are temporarily out of stock. This page is updated regularly with new microSD Express products and retailer links as they come online. Lexar microSD Express cards have disappeared from Amazon. Last updated June 18, 2025.

Licensed Nintendo Samsung microSD Express (256 GB):Available from the Nintendo Store for $59

Licensed Nintendo Samsung microSD Express (256 GB): Available from the Nintendo Store for $59
The licensed Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card is available from the Nintendo Shop and partnered retailers, such as Target, Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy.

Also available from Walmart for $59

Available at Adorama for $219

Lexar Play Pro microSD Express 1TB: Available at Adorama for $219
This 1TB capacity card massively increases the storage size of the Nintendo Switch 2. Higher transfer speeds mean up to 900/600 MB/s read/write. But, it does command a premium price for the privilege.

Temporarily out of stock.

SanDisk microSD Express 128GB: Available at Amazon for $53

SanDisk microSD Express 128GB: Available at Amazon for $53
A smaller capacity microSD Express card with 128GB of storage space - half that of the Switch 2's internal storage capacity. This SanDisk card can reach speeds up to 880/480MB/s read and write speeds.

Also available directly from SanDisk for $53

SanDisk microSD Express 256GB: Available at Amazon for $71

SanDisk microSD Express 256GB: Available at Amazon for $71
SanDisk's 256GB microSD Express matches the storage space of the Nintendo Switch 2's internal storage capacity. This SanDisk card can reach speeds up to 880/480MB/s read and write speeds.

Also available directly from SanDisk for $71

ONN microSD Express 256GBAvailable at Walmart for $35

ONN microSD Express 256GB: Available at Walmart for $35
This is Walmart's own-brand microSD Express memory card. They look to be rebranded PNY memory cards, but manufacturers may vary.

ONN microSD Express 512GBAvailable at Walmart for $65

ONN microSD Express 512GB: Available at Walmart for $65
ONN is Walmart's own-branded microSD Express memory card. They look to be rebranded PNY memory cards, but manufacturers may vary. The prices of these memory cards are superb, but you may struggle to find them in stock. Check your local store for stock.

PNY 128GB microSD Express: Available at Amazon for $44

PNY 128GB microSD Express: Available at Amazon for $44
The smallest capacity memory card available, 128GB, is half the Switch 2's internal storage size, but a cheaper alternative if you're looking for just a little extra storage space.

PNY 256GB microSD Express: Available at Amazon for $55

PNY 256GB microSD Express: Available at Amazon for $55
Matching the size of the Switch 2's internal storage, this 256GB memory card will double how many games you can carry around with you.

Where to buy microSD Express cards in the UK

Recent updates

Unfortunately for the UK, there is a lot less selection on microSD Express cards from manufacturers to retailers. We will update this page regularly as more stock becomes available and more retailers start to sell them. Do beware some sketchy third-party sellers on Amazon. Last updated June 18, 2025.

Licensed Nintendo SanDisk microSD Express (256 GB):Available from Amazon for £49

Licensed Nintendo SanDisk microSD Express (256 GB): Available from Amazon for £49
The licensed microSD Express card for use with the Nintendo Switch 2 is available for early access purchase from Amazon. The memory card will be released on June 5th, 2025, alongside the Switch 2 console release, and Amazon is stating a pre-order price guarantee.

SanDisk microSD Express 128GB: Available at Amazon for £41

SanDisk microSD Express 128GB: Available at Amazon for £41
A smaller capacity microSD Express card with 128GB of storage space - half that of the Switch 2's internal storage capacity. This SanDisk card can reach speeds up to 880/480MB/s read and write speeds.

Also available directly from SanDisk for £41
Also available from Smyths Toys for £41

SanDisk microSD Express 256GB: Available at Amazon for £55

SanDisk microSD Express 256GB: Available at Amazon for £55
SanDisk's 256GB microSD Express matches the storage space of the Nintendo Switch 2's internal storage capacity. This SanDisk card can reach speeds up to 880/480MB/s read and write speeds.

Also available directly from SanDisk for £49
Also available from Smyths Toys for £49
Also available from Very for £49

SanDisk microSD Express 512GB: Available at Smyths Toys for £93

SanDisk microSD Express 512GB: Available at Smyths Toys for £93
Doubling the Switch 2's native capacity of 256GB, this large 512GB memory card makes ample room for you to install your favourite Switch games.

PNY 128GB microSD Express: Available at Amazon for £39

PNY 128GB microSD Express: Available at Amazon for £39
The smallest capacity memory card available, 128GB, is half the Switch 2's internal storage size, but a cheaper alternative if you're looking for just a little extra storage space.

PNY 256GB microSD Express: Available at Amazon for £59

PNY 256GB microSD Express: Available at Amazon for £59
Matching the size of the Switch 2's internal storage, this 256GB memory card will double how many games you can carry around with you.

Stewart Bendle
Deals Writer

Stewart Bendle is a deals and coupon writer at Tom's Hardware. A firm believer in “Bang for the buck” Stewart likes to research the best prices and coupon codes for hardware and build PCs that have a great price for performance ratio.

  • Aaron44126
    There is a 512GB version of the Sandisk card available for pre-order at B&H Photo. Not sure when it will actually be released.

    I snagged the 1TB Lexar on Amazon a couple of days ago. They've been adding new stock every few days but they sell out fast. Might need to use a tracker like Keepa to get alerted when new stock is available.
    Reply
  • Giroro
    If you buy a MicroSD Express card right now, you're guaranteed to pay the highest possible price for the worst possible version of a product - just to get it at a time where you won't be able to use it.

    Don't preorder games. Don't buy accessories for products you don't own and can't buy.
    Stop panic-buying garbage you don't need.
    Reply
  • JamesJones44
    Cart before the horse. Don't rush an buy these now, they will come down in price by the time you need one.
    Reply
  • Giroro
    https://slideplayer.com/slide/8376815/26/images/4/To+put+the+cart+before+the+horse.jpg
    Reply
  • newtechldtech
    .... 2025 and no nvme SSD storage Nintendo ?
    Reply
  • JohnyFin
    Switch 2: the worst corpo tie release in decades. Greedines on Nintendo broke new records.
    Reply
  • beyondlogic
    newtechldtech said:
    .... 2025 and no nvme SSD storage Nintendo ?

    pretty close to gen 1 nvme 3.0 those express cards in terms of reads. but it will cost you a arm and leg.
    Reply
  • LabRat 891
    newtechldtech said:
    .... 2025 and no nvme SSD storage Nintendo ?
    But, they did; by adopting mSDe

    They're Gen3x1 (and, eventually Gen4x1) NVMe drives, in thumbnail size microSD form-factor.

    https://www.sdcard.org/press/thoughtleadership/why-microsd-express-memory-cards-rule-the-many-advantages-of-the-pcie-and-nvme-standards/
    Reply
  • JamesJones44
    newtechldtech said:
    .... 2025 and no nvme SSD storage Nintendo ?

    MicroSD Express uses the same NVMe based interface/protocols as M.2 based SSDs

    https://www.anandtech.com/show/13028/sd-association-announces-sd-70-spec-sd-express-interface-up-to-985-mbs
    Reply
  • elmalloc
    JamesJones44 said:
    Cart before the horse. Don't rush an buy these now, they will come down in price by the time you need one.
    Aaron44126 said:
    There is a 512GB version of the Sandisk card available for pre-order at B&H Photo. Not sure when it will actually be released.

    I snagged the 1TB Lexar on Amazon a couple of days ago. They've been adding new stock every few days but they sell out fast. Might need to use a tracker like Keepa to get alerted when new stock is available.

    Lexar on BH shows 512GB and 1TB are on pre-order for a September 2025 restock.
    Reply