With the announcement of the Switch 2, Nintendo informed users they’d need microSD Express cards to boost their device’s memory. This revelation led to a rush both online and in retail stores. In Japan, staff at Hermitage Akihabara reported selling over 337 cards per hour. This frenzy was unexpected, especially considering the hefty price tag attached to microSD Express cards compared to their regular counterparts.
### Paying a Premium for Speed
The standard Lexar 1TB Play microSD card is usually priced at $129.99 on Amazon but has been discounted to $69.99. It boasts a read speed of up to 160 MB/s and a write speed of 100 MB/s, decent enough but not on par with the console’s internal storage. Enter the microSD Express version, which dramatically boosts speeds to 900 MB/s for reading and 600 MB/s for writing—over five times faster than the standard model. However, this speed comes at a cost, as the Lexar 1TB Play Pro microSD Express card retails originally at $199.99 and is down to $172.63, still more than double the non-Express price.
### Honest Demand, Not Scalping
Despite the financial burden these microSD Express cards pose for Switch 2 owners, they sell rapidly following Nintendo’s announcement. Yet, this isn’t a scalping scenario. Reports suggest that about 80% of purchases involved just one card per buyer, with the most anyone bought being three. Therefore, it’s likely these purchases are largely genuine, with consumers gearing up for the new console.
The microSD Express tech actually emerged back in 2019 but didn’t catch on widely, largely due to its higher cost compared to other storage solutions. Many gaming consoles allow for internal memory expansion by replacing the SSD, though this isn’t the most convenient route. It requires access to the backplate and some configuration efforts.
Nintendo, known for its aversion to users modifying console hardware, offers microSD Express cards as a user-friendly way to augment the Switch 2’s storage. This upgrade seems crucial, especially as numerous AAA titles are set to launch, potentially maxing out the console’s built-in 256 GB storage. With this additional storage, you can ensure your favorite games are always at your fingertips.
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