The formally licensed Samsung microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 is again in inventory at a number of retailers, together with Best Buy and Target. The Change 2 is simply appropriate with Categorical playing cards, and since it is a newer know-how, there aren’t very many options in stores on the moment–and most of them are offered out. Samsung’s 256GB Nintendo-themed card prices $60 and releases alongside the Switch 2 on June 5. Exterior of this card, the one different choice that is at the moment in inventory is SanDisk’s microSD Express Card in 128GB ($50) and 256GB ($72) capacities.
The place to preorder Samsung’s microSD Categorical Card for Change 2 (Up to date: Could 16)
The Nintendo Switch 2 presents a reasonably large improve relating to uncooked cupboard space. The 256GB onboard SSD is 4 occasions bigger than the Change OLED (64GB) and eight occasions the dimensions of the unique Change and Change Lite (32GB). That stated, the Change 2’s efficiency upgrades will inevitably result in greater file sizes for upcoming games, which may compel you to broaden your console’s storage capability with one of many ultra-fast microSD Categorical Playing cards.
The Categorical format is a current development within the semiconductor business that hasn’t been broadly adopted by producers but. The Nintendo Change 2 will definitely improve its adoption price by each producers and customers in a rush. Formally licensed, Nintendo-themed playing cards from SanDisk are slated to launch this 12 months, too, however they don’t seem to be accessible to preorder but.
Right now, the upcoming licensed fashions max out at 256GB, however yow will discover 512GB and 1TB choices elsewhere in case you’re nervous about future-proofing your Change 2 cupboard space. We have put collectively a short record and explainer detailing the microSD Categorical choices accessible now from SanDisk, PNY, and Lexar in addition to the upcoming fashions from Samsung and GameStop.
All microSD Categorical Playing cards for Nintendo Change 2
For extra on upcoming Nintendo Change 2 merchandise, take a look at GameSpot’s roundups of Switch 2 accessories and games you can preorder now.
$60 | Releases June 5
Samsung’s officially licensed microSD Express Card is capable of reaching speeds of up to 800MB/s.
The $60 price point is honestly a bit of a surprise considering how expensive branded microSD cards for gaming tend to be listed for in comparison to regular editions.
It’s still possible that Samsung’s regular 256GB microSD Express Card will retail for less than $60, but this branded option actually has a lower MSRP than the SanDisk 256GB microSD Express Card that’s already available.
As of May 16, the Samsung microSD Express is in stock at Best Buy and Target.
Available in 128GB and 256GB models
SanDisk currently manufactures 128GB and 256GB models of its microSD Express Cards.
The Nintendo-branded versions of SanDisk’s microSD Express Cards aren’t listed online yet, so it’s unclear if they will retail for the same prices. When we initially published this story, we theorized that the branded cards would cost more. SanDisk’s Nintendo-themed cards for the original Switch carry higher prices than non-branded editions. But this might change with Switch 2, as shown by the price point of Samsung’s Super Mario-themed 256GB card.
At the moment, it appears SanDisk will release Nintendo-themed versions of its two microSD Express offerings. It remains to be seen if SanDisk cards with more (or less) storage space will get the Nintendo treatment.
SanDisk microSD Express Cards are substantially faster than its Ultra and Extreme Cards, which are popular picks for expanding storage on the original Switch.
With Express technology, SanDisk’s cards offer read speeds of up to 880MB/s, write speeds of 650MB/s, and sustained write speeds of 210MB/s. For comparison, the SanDisk Ultra is rated for 150MB/s read speeds, and the Extreme can hit 190MB/s.
Express cards are essentially solid-state drives that can fit on your fingertip. In fact, this card is actually faster than the average SATA SSD.
Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models
If you want to future-proof your Switch 2’s storage space, Lexar is the only major manufacturer with microSD Express Cards exceeding 256GB.
Lexar’s Express Play Pro Cards launched in March in three different capacities: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The 256GB retails for $50, the 512GB is $100, and the 1TB will typically set you back $200, but all three models are sold out as of May 16.
Like the SanDisk Express that debuted last year, Lexar’s cards offer blistering speeds. Lexar says its microSD Express Play Pro can reach 900MB/s read speeds and 600MB/s write speeds.
Available in 128GB and 256GB models
PNY’s microSD Express Card is a brand-new release seemingly spurred by the Switch 2. PNY says the card is capable of read speeds up to 890MB/s and write speeds of 550MB/s. The 256GB card was briefly up for grabs at Amazon for $56. It doesn’t appear that the 128GB has been made available to order as of May 16.
Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models
GameStop has its own range of accessories for Nintendo Switch 2, together with microSD Categorical Playing cards able to reaching speeds of 800MB/s, in response to GameStop.
GameStop’s Change 2 equipment are not formally licensed by Nintendo, and it is unknown which reminiscence producer constructed these playing cards. However GameStop clearly determined to capitalize on elevated curiosity over the previous week, because the beforehand cheap worth factors for the three playing cards have disappeared.
GameStop’s microSD Categorical Playing cards now price greater than some playing cards from main producers, so it would be sensible to keep away from them except it is your solely choice. The 256GB model modified from $50 to $70 earlier than falling again right down to $55, which is relatively unlucky contemplating you will get a SanDisk card for $60.
The 512GB version began at $85 and has since climbed to $100 (similar worth as Lexar). Lastly, the 1TB mannequin, which was solely $150 out of the gate, now goes for $190–very near the value Lexar prices.
In the case of storage and reminiscence, it is usually a good suggestion to go for identified manufacturers with established reputations, so choosing a card of unknown origins could possibly be seen as a raffle. That is doubly true when factoring within the eyebrow-raising worth will increase.
GameStop’s Change 2 equipment launch the identical day because the console on June 5.
This is a more in-depth have a look at the official Samsung and SanDisk microSD Categorical Playing cards:
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