Storage capacity is a common concern with new gaming consoles, especially when they demand novel, hard-to-find storage formats. This is true for the Nintendo Switch 2. The standard microSD cards used with the original Switch are incompatible with the Switch 2, which requires the newer, faster microSD Express format. These cards are fresh to the market, and the launch of the Switch 2 has put a strain on their global supply. However, after a prolonged period of scarcity, the 1TB Lexar microSD Express card is back in stock at Amazon. Priced at $219.99, it's a significant investment, but that reflects the current market rate for high-capacity microSD Express cards.
1TB Lexar microSD Express Card Is Now In Stock
1TB Lexar Play PRO microSD Express Card
$219.99 at Amazon
Please note that shipping times for this item are slightly delayed, and they have already extended by one day since this article was started, suggesting limited availability and a potential for it to sell out again.
The base Switch 2 model includes only 256GB of internal storage, which can be quickly consumed by many of today's larger games. While first-party Nintendo titles like the 22 GB Mario Kart World or the 9 GB Donkey Kong Bananza are relatively modest, third-party games can be substantially larger. For instance, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition requires 60 GB, and Split Fiction needs 69 GB.
Therefore, it's great news that you can finally expand your Switch 2's storage substantially. A 1TB microSD Express card provides a massive amount of space, though the high cost is a notable drawback. Prices are expected to decrease over time, similar to the trend seen with standard microSD cards during the original Switch's era. But if you need a high-capacity microSD Express card immediately, be prepared for a hefty price tag.
This is particularly unfortunate because ample storage is crucial for the Switch 2. Many physical game releases don't contain the full game on the cartridge. Some are "game-key cards" that only provide a license to download the digital version, while other physical boxes merely include a download code. To avoid confusion, Nintendo prominently labels any packaging that doesn't contain a complete game on the cart with a clear explanation of what's included.
For more information, see our selection of the best microSD cards for the Switch 2 (the Lexar model mentioned above is our top choice).
