Best Memory Cards for Nintendo Switch 2 (MicroSD Express Speed Guide)

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The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially adopted MicroSD Express, a new standard that delivers SSD-like speeds in a tiny form factor. If you want to eliminate load screens and store massive next-gen games, the MicroSD card you used in your old Switch likely won’t cut it anymore.

A very important detail: The Switch 2 requires MicroSD Express Cards to take full advantage of its hardware. These new cards are significantly faster than older UHS-I cards. When buying, look for the “EX” logo on the card.

In this guide, I recommend the best MicroSD Express cards to maximize your Switch 2 performance, whether you are a competitive gamer or a parent building a library for the kids.

Recommended Memory Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

Lexar Play Pro MicroSD Express (256GB-1TB)

• Speed: Up to 900MB/s read, 600MB/s write
• Why Buy: Offers the highest capacity available and excellent speed for seamless gameplay. Ideal for large libraries.
• Note: Best for series gamers.
• Where To Buy: Amazon / B&H

SanDisk microSD Express (128GB, 512GB)

• Speed: Up to 880MB/s read, 650MB/s write
• Why Buy: Offers a great balance of speed and price, available in 128GB for light gaming or 512GB, which strikes a nice sweet spot.
• Note: A reliable choice for most users.
• Where To Buy: Amazon / B&H

Samsung MicroSD Express (256GB, Nintendo-licensed)

• Speed: Up to 800MB/s read
• Why Buy: Affordable, officially licensed, and features a Mario-themed design.
• Note: Best budget-friendly option.
• Where To Buy: Amazon

PNY MicroSD Express (128GB, 256GB)

• Speed: Up to 890MB/s read, 750MB/s write
• Why Buy: Affordable, available in 128GB for those with only a few games.
• Note: Good budget-friendly option with fast write speeds.
• Where To Buy: Amazon / B&H

List of all MicroSD Express Cards Available

Here is a list of more MicroSD Express Cards on the market. Shop around to see if there are any great deals not shown above. Some of these are just white-label brands, which basically means they were made by another company and slapped with a new label.

I’ll benchmark these as soon as readers come onto the market.

Here is information on the card size you can expect to need, as well as recommended cards to purchase.

What Capacity do you need for Nintendo Switch 2?

If you’re a parent buying a Switch 2 for your child, you likely won’t need an extra SD card unless you plan to play multiple games. Mario Kart, Smash Bros, Zelda. So, don’t buy a card at first; see how the internal storage works out. As you buy more games, add more storage. However, if you want to play a lot of non-Nintendo titles, these games can be huge, and you will for sure need extra storage.

How Much Storage Do You Actually Need?

Buying for a child is very different than buying for yourself. As a father of two, I’ve seen how quickly “just one more game” can eat up internal storage.

For the Series Gamer (The 1TB Requirement): If the Switch 2 is your primary console and you’re planning to play AAA titles like Starfield or Elden Ring, you need a 1TB card. Modern non-Nintendo games can easily reach 60-100GB each. Without an Express card of this size, you’ll spend more time deleting games than playing them.

For the Younger Kids (The 256GB Sweet Spot): If your kids mostly play first-party Nintendo titles like Mario Kart or Splatoon, these games are incredibly well-optimized and small. A 256GB card is usually plenty to hold a massive library of Nintendo favorites.

Nintendo Switch 2 Memory Card Compatibility: Do You Need MicroSD Express?

Many users are asking: “Can I use my old Switch memory card in the Switch 2?”

While the slot is likely physically backward compatible, sticking an old UHS-I card into a Switch 2 is like putting bicycle tires on a Ferrari. Next-gen games are designed for high-speed data streaming. Using an older card will result in:

• Significantly longer load times.
• Potential texture pop-in or stuttering in open-world games.
• Slower download and install speeds.

The Bottom Line: To get the performance you paid for, you need an “EX” (Express) rated card.

Real-World Storage Needs: A Parent’s Guide

As a father of two elementary school children, I know how quickly storage fills up. Here is a breakdown of how much space you actually need based on my family’s setup with similar current-gen consoles (Xbox Series S and X).

For Young Kids (Minecraft & Roblox Era)

• Recommended Size: 256GB – 512GB
• The Reality: My seven-year-old son has a 512GB console. After the system files, he has about 364GB of usable space.
• Games: He has Minecraft (1.9GB), Overwatch 2 (67GB), Fortnite (66GB), and Goat Simulator 3 (7GB) installed. That practically maxes out his storage.
• Verdict: If your kids mostly play smaller Nintendo titles (Mario, Zelda), a 256GB card is a great starting point. If they play “live service” games like Fortnite, go for 512GB.

For Serious Gamers (The AAA Crowd)

Verdict: If the Switch 2 is your primary console for third-party games (like Call of Duty or GTA), you will fill a small card in no time. Start with a 512GB card, or ideally a 1TB card, so you never have to delete games to make room for updates.

Recommended Size: 512GB – 1TB

The Reality: Modern AAA games are huge. Starfield and Fallout 76 are nearly 100GB each. Elden Ring is over 70GB.

MicroSD Memory Card Tips

Tips:

• Look for the “EX” logo to ensure compatibility.
• Stick to reputable brands like Lexar, SanDisk, or Samsung to avoid fakes.
• Standard microSD cards won’t work for games, but they can store screenshots and videos.

A Warning on Fake and Used Cards: My “Meltdown” Experience

I cannot stress this enough: Do not buy used memory cards. > During my 2025 testing for the Retroid Pocket 5, I actually had a microSD card physically melt. It burned a hole through the adapter and would have likely destroyed the console’s internal reader if I hadn’t caught it. High-speed Express cards generate heat; cheap knock-offs or worn-out cards from eBay simply aren’t built to handle the power draw of a modern console. Stick to reputable brands like Lexar, Samsung, and SanDisk—and only buy from authorized retailers.