Best MicroSD Express Cards for Switch 2

Nintendo thankfully didn’t pull a Sony with the Switch 2 and require propietary memory cards, but it does force us to pay a bit more attention since it needs microSD Express models for extra storage. Since this is a new format, there aren’t many options at launch. Basically, you can go with PNY, SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar, ONN, or GameStop’s option. However, that does make it much easier when preparing recommendations. And while the system does cards up to 2TB, we aren’t seeing those on the market and may need more than one.

Most Well-Rounded Switch 2 microSD Express Card: PNY

There are a lot of reasons I think the PNY microSD Express memory card is the best option for the Switch 2. The first is the amount of storage you get for the money. A 128GB option can be found for $44.99 on Amazon, but the better option here is the 256GB one for $55.99. For some quick comparisons, the Samsung one at that size is $59.99, while the SanDisk one is $71.99. Since games will be larger on this system, with one example being Cyberpunk 2077 coming in at 64GB, getting as much space as possible at a good price from a reliable company is important.

Equally important is the reading and writing speeds, since that could affect load times. It is at 890MB/s read and 750MB/s write. The marketing also claimed its s could be 4.4 times faster due to that. However, as I was ing things within the launch window and the Switch systems aren’t known for incredible speed, this isn’t the sort of situation where we’ll really see that. 

PNY also noted that it features the other types of protections we expect from microSD and microSD Express cards. So it will be fine if X-rayed at an airport, it’s designed to be magnet proof to a degree, it’s shock-proof, it’s supposed to be able to withstand some higher and lower temperatures, it’s waterproof, and it supposedly is fun when being removed and replaced. Now, I did test the waterproof element with a standard glass of water and it was fine. There also haven’t been any issues with the heat of the Switch 2 while playing. Since I did pick up PNY and SanDisk cards at launch, I can say I have done some swapping and experienced no issues. 

Best Option if Price isn’t an Issue: SanDisk

I also ended up with a SanDisk 128GB microSD Express card courtesy of a gift from a family member who knew I’d soon be getting a Switch 2. As mentioned earlier, this is the most expensive variant on the market. The 128GB version is $53.99, and the 256GB costs $71.99. So you will be paying a bit of a for it compared to either of the other two accessible options from Samsung and PNY. Like the PNY card, it also features various precautions to help against X-rays, magnets, water, temperatures, shock, or constant swapping in and out of devices. You do have that extra durability. 

A difference that you should be aware of is that size matters with a SanDisk card. The 128GB option I went with did offer 880MB/s read speed, but only 480MB/s write speed. The numbers on the 256GB model are slightly less than the PNY option, as they are 880MB/s read and 650MB/s write. It also boasts the 4.4x faster rates of ing.

In this case, the real selling point might be the name. Someone might have a level of comfort with SanDisk due to the years the brand has been in business. That could make a difference when deciding which to pick up. (Likewise, someone more familiar with Samsung, PNY, or Lexar may want to continue with the grand they know.)

Biggest microSD Express at the Lowest Price: ONN

The ONN 512GB microSD Express card that works with the Switch 2 is only $65.77. It’s the bargain option out alongside the system’s launch. I’ve still yet to see it in stores, as it’s been sold out. I would be remiss to not mention it though, since you are getting an extraordinary amount of storage for the cost. However, this is a bargain brand and doesn’t have the same sort of background as PNY, SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar.

There are some other elements that keep it from being an option I’d recommend as highly as PNY or SanDisk’s. The first is that the speeds aren’t as good. It offers 800MB/s read and 600MB/s. It isn’t terribly concerning, but it does fall under other companies’. It also does offer magnet-proof, shock-proof, temperature-proof, and water-proof protections. However, there’s nothing mentioning resistance to X-ray machines or constant swapping.