Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks suggest the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will feature significant storage improvements, potentially supporting microSD Express cards. This upgrade promises substantially faster transfer speeds and larger storage capacities compared to the original Switch's UHS-I microSD card support.
The rumor mill has been churning with speculation about the Switch 2's mass production, with some believing it began in late 2024, possibly as early as September. This aligns with a surge of online leaks detailing the console's hardware specifications since Q4 2024.
Adding fuel to the fire, GameStop SKUs surfaced in early January 2025, seemingly related to unannounced Switch 2 accessories. These SKUs, initially shared on Reddit, list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" products in 256GB and 512GB capacities, strongly indicating microSD Express compatibility.
A Significant Speed and Capacity Boost
The current Nintendo Switch uses UHS-I microSD cards, offering theoretical maximum transfer speeds around 104 MB/s, though real-world speeds often peak near 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express boasts potential speeds of approximately 985 MB/s – a nearly 900% increase. This dramatic improvement is attributed to the use of the NVMe protocol, the same technology powering the fastest modern SSDs.
UHS-I vs. microSD Express:
| Feature | UHS-I | microSD Express |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Speed | ~95 MB/s | ~985 MB/s |
| Max Capacity | 2TB | 128TB |
The capacity advantage is equally impressive. While UHS-I cards top out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB – a staggering 6,300% increase. The leaked GameStop data suggests pricing of $49.99 for a 256GB card and $84.99 for a 512GB card.
Further leaks from the same source include SKUs for a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance adds weight to the growing body of evidence. Nintendo has committed to an official Switch 2 reveal before the end of its current fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving them with just over two months to fulfill this promise.
