If you`re in search of a microSD Express card for your new Nintendo Switch 2, you won`t want to miss the excellent offer on the SanDisk Gameplay 512GB at Walmart. This card boasts the same impressive specifications as its $120 SanDisk counterparts available from other retailers, but at a significantly lower price point – just $78.
The SanDisk Gameplay 512GB is a Walmart exclusive, and its attractive price frequently leads to stockouts. Currently available, inventory might deplete quickly. It stands as one of the few 512GB microSD Express cards priced under $100.
Another budget-friendly alternative comes from Onn, Walmart`s house brand. The Onn microSD Express 512GB card is available for only $65.77, while its 256GB model is an even more affordable $35.77. These prices make Onn cards substantially cheaper than the officially licensed Samsung 256GB microSD Express card.
While Onn Express cards also sell out rapidly, Walmart consistently restocks them. It`s worth noting that availability may vary by specific U.S. regions.
Understanding microSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2
The microSD Express format is a relatively new advancement in the semiconductor industry that has yet to see widespread adoption. The higher cost of these cards, compared to the UHS-I cards used in the original Switch, is directly attributed to their superior speeds. For instance, a standard SanDisk Ultra 512GB microSD Card offers read speeds of up to 150MB/s, whereas the SanDisk Gameplay 512GB Express Card achieves an impressive 880MB/s—nearly six times faster. Express cards even outperform SATA SSDs, providing context for their pricing.
As of now, the only officially licensed option is the Samsung 256GB microSD Express. SanDisk also plans to release its own Nintendo-themed edition, though its arrival date and maximum capacity (beyond 256GB) remain unknown. The microSD Express market is still nascent, but the Nintendo Switch 2 marks its debut as the first major consumer device to embrace this ultra-fast format, driving its development and expansion.
Why Nintendo Switch 2 Storage Fills Up Quickly
Despite the Nintendo Switch 2 featuring a 256GB onboard SSD—a significant upgrade from previous models (64GB for Switch OLED, 32GB for original Switch)—this storage can deplete rapidly. The console`s capability to run more graphically intensive games translates to larger file sizes. For example, the upcoming Switch 2 exclusive Kirby Air Riders is listed at 25GB, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom`s Switch 2 edition at 20GB, and Mario Kart World at 22GB.
For Nintendo-published titles, you can conserve internal storage by purchasing physical editions, as the full game file is typically on the cartridge. However, for third-party games (with rare exceptions), physical copies for Switch 2 often come as “Game-Key Cards.” These low-capacity cards serve primarily as unlock keys, requiring you to download the majority of the game from the eShop. For instance, buying the physical edition of Madden NFL 26 would still necessitate downloading most of its 55.3GB file. Many other notable upcoming Switch 2 games with Game-Key Card editions also feature large file sizes, including Borderlands 4 (48.8GB), Persona 3 Reload (25.4GB), and Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero (25GB).
Due to the prevalence of Game-Key Cards and the larger file sizes of AAA titles, many Nintendo Switch 2 owners will find themselves needing more storage space much sooner than they did with the original Switch.
Overview of Available microSD Express Cards
microSD Express Cards at Walmart
- Samsung 256GB microSD Express (Nintendo Edition) – $59
- SanDisk GamePlay 512GB microSD Express – $78
- Onn 256GB microSD Express – $35.77
- Onn 512GB microSD Express – $65.77
- TeamGroup Apex 512GB microSD Express – $115
- SanDisk 128GB microSD Express – $60
- SanDisk 256GB microSD Express – $73
- SanDisk 512GB microSD Express – $120
- PNY 256GB microSD Express – $53.32
- Lexar 256GB Play Pro microSD Express – $60
- Lexar 512GB Play Pro microSD Express – $120
- Lexar 1TB Play Pro microSD Express – $200
- Lexar 2TB Play Pro microSD Express – TBA
microSD Express Cards at Amazon
- Samsung 256GB microSD Express (Nintendo Edition) – $60
- PNY 128GB microSD Express – $44.41
- PNY 256GB microSD Express – $53.32
- Lexar 256GB Play Pro microSD Express – $60
- Lexar 512GB Play Pro microSD Express – $120
- Lexar 1TB Play Pro microSD Express – $200
- TeamGroup Apex 128GB microSD Express – $48
- TeamGroup Apex 512GB microSD Express – $120
- SanDisk 128GB microSD Express – $60
- SanDisk 256GB microSD Express – $72
- SanDisk 512GB microSD Express – $116.69
- Gigastone 128GB microSD Express – $70
- Gigastone 512GB microSD Express – $160
- Adata 256GB Premier microSD Express – $63 (was $75)
- Addlink TurboPlay 512GB microSD Express – $114.44
Detailed Overview of Selected microSD Express Cards
Samsung 256GB microSD Express for Nintendo Switch 2
Price: $59 | Officially Licensed
- Read Speed: 800MB/s
- Write Speed: 400MB/s
This officially licensed Samsung model features a Mario-red color scheme and an “M” logo, making it one of the most popular microSD Express cards for the Switch 2. Samsung and SanDisk are widely recognized as top-tier brands, and until SanDisk releases its licensed card, Samsung remains the sole “official” option. Priced at $59, it`s considerably more affordable than the older, pricey Nintendo-themed SanDisk cards for the original Switch. Its 400MB/s write speed is perfectly adequate for the Switch 2.
SanDisk Gameplay 512GB microSD Express for Nintendo Switch 2
Price: $78 | Walmart Exclusive
- Read Speed: 880MB/s
- Write Speed: 650MB/s
- Sustained Write Speed: 220MB/s
The SanDisk Gameplay 512GB microSD Express card is exclusively available at Walmart. While it features minor branding differences from the standard SanDisk model, it is technically and functionally identical in performance. The key differentiator is its price: opting for the Gameplay version saves you approximately $40. This card is only offered in a 512GB capacity and stands as the clear choice among SanDisk options; only Onn provides a lower price for this capacity.
Onn microSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2
Price: 256GB – $35.77 | 512GB – $65.77
- Read Speed: 800MB/s
- Write Speed: 600MB/s
Onn cards, from Walmart`s budget-friendly tech brand, are renowned for their low prices. The 256GB model is currently the cheapest microSD Express card on the market, and the 512GB version costs less than most 256GB cards from other manufacturers. These cards are manufactured by Lexar, offering similar write speeds though slightly slower read speeds than Lexar Play Pro models, but at a significantly lower cost. They are also water, shock, temperature, and magnet proof, and come with a one-year limited warranty.
SanDisk microSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2
Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities
- 128GB: Read: 880MB/s, Write: 480MB/s, Sustained Write: 100MB/s – $60
- 256GB: Read: 880MB/s, Write: 650MB/s, Sustained Write: 210MB/s – $72
- 512GB: Read: 880MB/s, Write: 650MB/s, Sustained Write: 220MB/s – $116.69
Standard SanDisk microSD Express cards offer a consistent 880MB/s read speed across all capacities, but their write speeds vary. Currently, their prices are relatively high, particularly when compared to the SanDisk Gameplay version.
Lexar microSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2
Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models
- Read Speed: 900MB/s
- Write Speed: 600MB/s
- 256GB Play Pro microSD Express – $60
- 512GB Play Pro microSD Express – $120
- 1TB Play Pro microSD Express – $200
- 2TB Play Pro microSD Express – TBA
The Lexar Play Pro is the only microSD Express card from a major brand currently offering a 1TB model, which tends to sell out quickly. A 2TB model is also anticipated.
PNY microSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2
128GB – $44.41 | 256GB – $53.32
- Read Speed: 890MB/s
- Write Speed: 550MB/s
Popular budget tech brand PNY offers 128GB and 256GB microSD Express cards, which are among the most affordable in their respective capacities on Amazon.
GameStop microSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2
1TB – $190 | 512GB – $100 | 256GB – $55
- Read Speed: 800MB/s
- Write Speed: Not specified
GameStop sells microSD Express cards under its own brand. The manufacturer is unknown, and crucially, the write speed is not provided—a significant drawback. It`s advisable to avoid these cards, as more reliable and cheaper options from known brands are available. They frequently sell out, likely due to small production runs rather than high demand.
TeamGroup Apex microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2
128GB – $48 | 512GB – $115
- Read Speed: 800MB/s
- Write Speed: 500MB/s
TeamGroup is a reputable manufacturer known for its budget-friendly memory cards. Their Apex card, featuring Express technology, is a recent addition to the market. While current prices may not be the lowest, they could become more competitive in the future.