What is the best microSD Express card for Nintendo Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 takes a big leap forward in storage technology. Whereas the first Switch still worked with regular microSD cards, the new console uses the faster microSD Express format. This means that old cards no longer work for games. But what exactly does that mean? And which card is best to buy?
What is microSD Express?
MicroSD Express was introduced in 2023 and is still a relatively new card format. You can think of it as the successor to the familiar microSD cards. Express cards have much higher read and write speeds than normal microSD cards. Where a regular microSD achieves around 100 to 200 MB per second, a microSD Express achieves around 900 MB per second.
The cards are similar in size to their predecessors, but have additional contact points on the back. This allows them to communicate much faster with the Switch 2. They still work in older devices, but at the lower, old speed.
Why doesn't my old microSD card work on the Switch 2?
The Nintendo Switch 2 only supports microSD Express cards for installing games. That's because these cards are much faster, allowing games to load faster, run more smoothly, and remain stable while playing.
Modern games use more and more data, and old microSD cards can't keep up with that speed. That's why Nintendo has opted for the new Express format. If you insert a regular microSD card into the Switch 2, you can still use it for screenshots and videos, but not for games or save data.
The principle is similar to the PlayStation 5, which also requires a fast SSD to maintain top performance. In this way, Nintendo ensures that every game on the Switch 2 offers the same high speed and quality.
Recommended microSD Express card for the Switch 2
The Lexar Play Pro microSD Express is currently the best choice for Switch 2 owners. This card is specially designed for gaming, with speeds of up to 900 MB/s read and 600 MB/s write. This makes it up to four times faster than regular microSD cards. The Play Pro is available in 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB, so you can decide for yourself how much space you need.
- Up to 900 MB/s read speed for short game loading times
- Up to 600 MB/s write speed for fast transfer of downloaded games
- Three capacities: 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB
- Reliable quality with lifetime warranty
- Compatible with older devices (operates at standard microSD speed)
How much storage capacity do you need?
The Switch 2 has 256 GB of internal storage as standard, of which approximately 232–249 GB is available to store your games. That may seem like a lot, but Legend Of Zelda - Tears Of The Kingdom, for example, is already ~19.9 GB, Fortnite ~29.5 GB and Mario Kart World ~23.4 GB. If you want to play HITMAN World of Assassination Signature Edition, you'll need ~61 GB of free storage. Assuming you've purchased these games from the eShop.
‘That seems like a lot, but it fills up quickly.’
So if you have a lot of games, and a lot of third-party AAA titles, you'll quickly reach the limit. Nintendo supports microSD Express cards up to 2 TB, although such large cards are not yet available. Currently, 256 GB and 512 GB are the most common sizes. Lexar is the only brand (as of November 2025) with a 1TB card.
- 256 GB: This card roughly doubles your total storage compared to the internal memory. Choose 256 GB if you are a casual gamer with mainly a few smaller eShop titles and lots of physical games (which usually require less extra data).
- 512 GB: For the average user, 512 GB is a good compromise. This gives you a total of around 750 GB available (232 GB internal + ~500 GB on the card). More than enough for a large library of Switch 2 games, including some large third-party titles, without having to constantly make space.
- 1 TB: Are you a heavy user who plans to download dozens of large games digitally, or do you just want to never have to think about storage? Then 1 TB is the best choice. A 1TB card gives the Switch 2 more than four times as much space as the internal memory. This is ideal if, for example, you want to be able to play multiple 50+ GB games at the same time, or if you purchase the digital version of every major release.
What should you look out for when purchasing?
Always check that microSD Express or EX is printed on the packaging and on the microSD card. This is the only indication that the card is suitable for the Switch 2. Beware of marketing names such as ‘Extreme’, “Pro” or ‘Pro Plus’ on older microSD cards, as these are not the same as an Express card. Don't confuse yourself with XC either – XC stands for eXtended Capacity (capacity type, as with SDXC), while EX indicates the Express speed class.
Conclusion: which microSD Express card for the Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 demands speed, and that starts with the right storage. Only microSD Express cards deliver the performance needed for short loading times and stable gaming.
The Lexar Play Pro microSD Express is the best choice: lightning fast, reliable and available in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. The 512GB version offers the best balance between price and space, while 1TB is ideal for those who want to store their entire game library digitally.
Investing in a high-quality microSD Express card now will provide immediate benefits, including fast downloads, smooth performance, and sufficient space for future games.
