Leaked GameStop SKUs Suggest Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support microSD Express Cards
Recent leaks suggest a significant upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2: support for microSD Express cards. This revelation, stemming from purported GameStop SKUs for upcoming Switch 2 accessories, points to substantial improvements in storage technology compared to the original Switch.
The Switch 2's mass production is rumored to have commenced in late 2024, possibly as early as September, a claim supported by a surge of online leaks detailing the console's hardware specifications. Adding to this wave of leaks, GameStop SKUs surfaced in early January 2025, originally posted by Reddit user Opposite-Chemistry96. These SKUs list "Switch 2 Exp Micro SD Card" products in 256GB and 512GB capacities, strongly indicating microSD Express compatibility.
A Dramatic Increase in Transfer Speeds
The current Nintendo Switch utilizes UHS-I microSD cards, boasting theoretical maximum transfer speeds of approximately 104 MB/s, though real-world speeds typically reach around 95 MB/s. In contrast, microSD Express cards offer speeds approaching 985 MB/s – a remarkable 900% improvement. This significant leap is attributed to the use of the NVMe protocol, enabling highly parallel data transfer, similar to the technology powering today's fastest 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 massive capacity advantage. While UHS-I cards max out at 2TB, microSD Express supports cards up to 128TB – a 6,300% increase. According to the leaked GameStop inventory, the 256GB Switch 2 microSD Express card will retail for $49.99, and the 512GB version for $84.99.
Further leaked SKUs include a standard Switch 2 carrying case ($19.99) and two "deluxe" cases ($29.99). While these are likely unofficial accessories, their appearance aligns with the ongoing stream of Switch 2 leaks. Nintendo has previously stated its intention to officially unveil the new console before the end of its current fiscal year (March 31, 2025), leaving just over two months for the official announcement.
