Nintendo Switch 2 Users looking to add more storage to their console have limited time to pick up a 256GB Samsung microSD Express card that will effectively double the Switch 2's gaming capacity for less than half the cost of the $70 title. Given the recent price hikes in RAM, storage, and other electronic components, this deal is even more attractive for Switch 2 users this holiday season.
Although the Switch 2 has backwards compatibility with original Switch titles, its storage expansion options for games are limited. While the Switch 2 console can read images from a microSD card, the new microSD Express card format is used by Nintendo's new console as its main expandable storage format. In short, microSD Express cards from manufacturers like Samsung, PNY, and SanDisk have data transfer speeds three to four times faster than standard microSD cards, with newer cards from Samsung boasting advertised read speeds of up to 800 MB per second. But, given that this is a new format, microSD Express cards are pricier than their standard microSD counterparts, as prices for 256GB cards average between $45 and $60 as of this writing.
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Switch 2 plans can double their storage for cheap
While the Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal system storage, that space can fill up quickly once games with large file sizes are downloaded. Fortunately, buyers can now pick up the Samsung P9 Express MicroSD Express Card on Amazon for $32.99. The discounted microSD Express card is less than half the cost of the $70 game, and is 40% off its regular $54.99 price. The P9 Express has advertised read speeds of up to 800 MB per second, and it can store original Switch and Switch 2 games. The P9 Express also has a three-year manufacturer's warranty and is protected against temperatures up to 185°F. Although 512GB cards from brands like PNY and SanDisk are also available on Amazon, the Samsung P9 Express's $32.99 price means that buying three of them will still cost less than a single 512GB microSD Express card, making the Samsung P9 Express a decent holiday gift option for Switch 2 users.
Why Switch 2 users should get a microSD Express card now
As of this writing, it is currently unclear how long the Samsung P9 Express will remain available at its $32.99 price tag, so interested users may not have much time to get their hands on it. Also, with the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade With a file size of nearly 100GB on the Switch 2, it will easily be the largest game on Nintendo's upcoming slate. So, having some extra storage space for it is highly recommended. Additionally, having a microSD Express card benefits original Switch games stored on it through faster loading times than a standard microSD card.
However, the current deal on microSD Express cards from Samsung may not last long. Given the current skyrocketing prices on RAM kits and other electronic components, the prices of microSD cards and solid state drives (SSDs) are expected to rise over time. The increase in RAM kit prices is due to AI server expansion by companies like OpenAI, which increased DDR5 RAM by four to five times the previous amount in October and November. The ongoing price increase has also extended to the video memory components found in graphics cards. However, it remains to be seen whether the Switch 2 console will run the risk of price increases after the 2025 holiday shopping season.
Switch 2 is busy until 2026
Additionally, with the Switch 2 preparing to launch new titles throughout 2026, including Symbol of Fire: The Weave of FateNew Nintendo console owners may soon find themselves in need of extra storage. Time will tell how many Switch 2 users will take advantage of Samsung's current offering.
- brand
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Nintendo
- Original release date
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June 5, 2025
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$449.99
- operating system
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Ownership
- resolve
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1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- HDR support
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yes
