Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks point towards a significant upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2's storage capabilities. Several GameStop stock keeping units (SKUs), seemingly related to upcoming Switch 2 accessories, suggest the console will support microSD Express cards. This revelation hints at substantial improvements over the original Switch's storage technology.
The Switch 2's rumored mass production, potentially starting as early as late September 2024, is further supported by a surge of online leaks detailing its hardware specifications. These leaks, intensifying since Q4 2024, culminated in the early January 2025 discovery of GameStop SKUs. Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96 shared images showing three "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" listings with 256GB and 512GB capacities. This strongly indicates compatibility with the microSD Express standard.
MicroSD Express: A Quantum Leap in Transfer Speeds
The current Nintendo Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, boasting theoretical maximum transfer speeds of roughly 104 MB/s, though real-world speeds often peak around 95 MB/s. The microSD Express standard, however, promises a dramatic increase, achieving speeds near 985 MB/s—a staggering 900% improvement. This significant boost results from the adoption of the NVMe protocol for highly parallel data transfer, a technology also employed in cutting-edge SSDs.
UHS-I vs. microSD Express: A Comparison
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Maximum Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
Beyond speed, microSD Express cards offer a substantial capacity advantage. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express cards support up to 128TB—a 6,300% increase. GameStop's leaked internal data suggests pricing of $49.99 for a 256GB card and $84.99 for a 512GB card.
Further Leaks and Nintendo's Timeline
In addition to the microSD cards, Opposite-Chemistry96's leak also revealed SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories—a pattern observed in previous leaks—the consistent flow of information adds weight to the speculation. Nintendo has committed to an official reveal before the end of its current fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving them with approximately two and a half months to fulfill that promise.
