The Nintendo Swap 2 gives a reasonably large improve relating to uncooked space for storing. The 256GB onboard SSD is 4 instances bigger than the Swap OLED (64GB) and eight instances the dimensions of the unique Swap and Swap Lite (32GB). That stated, the Swap 2’s efficiency upgrades will inevitably result in greater file sizes for upcoming video games, which might compel you to develop your console’s storage capability. Identical to its predecessor, the Nintendo Swap 2 has a microSD card slot. However whereas the Swap labored with mainly each microSD card bought in shops, the Swap 2 is simply appropriate with a really particular kind of storage: microSD Categorical playing cards.
The Categorical format is a current development within the semiconductor business that hasn’t been broadly adopted by producers but. The Nintendo Swap 2 will definitely improve its adoption price by each producers and shoppers in a rush. Throughout final week’s Nintendo Direct, we discovered that each Samsung and SanDisk are manufacturing Tremendous Mario-themed microSD Categorical Playing cards. Listings for Samsung’s 256GB microSD Categorical Card are reside now at Walmart, Goal, and GameStop.
If you wish to get forward of any potential Swap 2 storage woes, we have put collectively a short listing and explainer detailing the microSD Categorical choices accessible now from SanDisk and Lexar in addition to upcoming fashions from Samsung and GameStop. Unsurprisingly, a few of the playing cards on this listing have bought out a number of instances since Nintendo unveiled the microSD Categorical prolonged storage limitation for the Swap 2. As such, we would not be shocked if the themed playing cards bought out when preorders finally open.
microSD Categorical Playing cards for Swap 2 you should buy now:
For extra on the brand new console, try GameSpot’s Nintendo Swap 2 preorder information, which incorporates the entire first-party {hardware} and video games featured within the Nintendo Direct. Preorders for the Swap 2, its equipment, and a bunch of launch video games will open quickly, and we’re solely two months out from the console’s June 5 launch.
You can order the playing cards at any time when Swap 2 console preorders open within the US. Nintendo delayed preorders from April 9 to an unspecified date within the US and Canada because of the ongoing tariff scenario.
Out there in 128GB and 256GB fashions
SanDisk at present manufactures 128GB and 256GB fashions of its microSD Categorical Playing cards. The 128GB mannequin is on sale for $45 (was $50) at Amazon, whereas the 256GB model is $60 (was $65).
The Nintendo-branded variations of SanDisk’s microSD Categorical Playing cards aren’t listed on-line but, so it is unclear in the event that they retail for a similar costs. Once we initially printed this story, we theorized that the branded playing cards would value extra. SanDisk’s Nintendo-themed playing cards for the unique Swap carry larger costs than non-branded editions. However this would possibly change with Swap 2, as proven by the worth level of Samsung’s Tremendous Mario-themed 256GB card.
In the intervening time, it seems SanDisk will launch Nintendo-themed variations of its two microSD Categorical choices. It stays to be seen if SanDisk playing cards with extra (or much less) space for storing will get the Nintendo therapy.
SanDisk microSD Categorical Playing cards are considerably sooner than its Extremely and Excessive Playing cards, that are fashionable picks for increasing storage on the unique Swap.
With Categorical know-how, SanDisk’s playing cards provide learn speeds of as much as 880MB/s, write speeds of 650MB/s, and sustained write speeds of 210MB/s. For comparability, the SanDisk Extremely is rated for 150MB/s learn speeds, and the Excessive can hit 190MB/s.
Categorical playing cards are primarily solid-state drives that may match in your fingertip. In actual fact, this card is definitely sooner than the common SATA SSD.
Out there in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB fashions
If you wish to future-proof your Swap 2’s space for storing, Lexar is the one main producer with microSD Categorical Playing cards exceeding 256GB.
Lexar’s Categorical Play Professional Playing cards launched in March in three completely different capacities: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The 256GB retails for $50, the 512GB is $90 (was $100), and the 1TB will set you again $200–close to half the worth of the Swap 2 console.
Just like the SanDisk Categorical that debuted final yr, Lexar’s playing cards provide blistering speeds. Lexar says its microSD Categorical Play Professional can attain 900MB/s learn speeds and 600MB/s write speeds.
The producer has already up to date its Amazon itemizing to say the Nintendo Swap 2, and all three fashions have bought out at the very least as soon as and are topic to extensive supply home windows that appear to be fluctuating by the day.
$60 | Releases June 5 | Preorders open alongside the console
Samsung introduced its personal microSD Categorical Card earlier this yr. Samsung’s upcoming high-speed playing cards provide as much as 800MB/s sequential learn speeds. Whereas Samsung has not revealed the worth of its common choices, we now know the Nintendo-licensed model of its 256GB microSD Categorical Card prices $60–unless the tariff scenario causes SanDisk and Nintendo to extend the worth.
The $60 worth level is truthfully a little bit of a shock contemplating how costly branded microSD playing cards for gaming are typically listed for compared to common editions. Although not formally confirmed, we would count on the Nintendo-branded card to supply the identical efficiency because the common mannequin.
It is nonetheless doable that Samsung’s common 256GB microSD Categorical Card will retail for lower than $60, however this branded choice really has a decrease MSRP than the SanDisk 256GB microSD Categorical Card that is already accessible.
Out there in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB fashions
Preorders have opened for a spread of GameStop-branded equipment for Nintendo Swap 2, together with microSD Categorical Playing cards able to reaching speeds of 800MB/s, in keeping with GameStop.
GameStop’s Swap 2 equipment are usually not formally licensed by Nintendo, and it is unknown which reminiscence producer constructed these playing cards. However GameStop clearly determined to capitalize on elevated curiosity over the previous week, because the beforehand cheap worth factors for the three playing cards have disappeared.
GameStop’s microSD Categorical Playing cards now value greater than a few of the playing cards from main producers. The 256GB model modified from $50 to $70, which is moderately inexplicable contemplating you may get a SanDisk card for $60.
The 512GB version began at $85 and has since climbed to $100 (identical worth as Lexar). Lastly, the 1TB mannequin, which was solely $150 final week, is now $190–very near the worth Lexar fees.
In the case of storage and reminiscence, it is typically a good suggestion to go for recognized manufacturers with established reputations, so choosing a card of unknown origins could possibly be seen as a bet. That is doubly true when factoring within the eyebrow-raising worth will increase.
GameStop’s microSD Categorical Playing cards can be found to preorder alongside carrying circumstances, controller grips, and even a USB-C hub with video out, which is the primary third-party “dock” marketed for Swap 2. Nevertheless, this USB-C dongle solely gives 720p decision, so it’d solely be helpful when enjoying on a transportable show with out 1080p or 4K decision.
GameStop’s Swap 2 equipment launch the identical day because the console on June 5.
Extra GameStop-branded Swap 2 equipment:
This is a better have a look at the official Samsung and SanDisk microSD Categorical Playing cards releasing on June 5:
