Switch 2 Micro SD Express cards, Cheap + Update Required?

[Newhouse-Estates]

For boxing sale week there are massive discounts for Switch 2 SD Epress cards.
Got a 256gb for $50 CAD from GameStop.
Best buy and Walmart have them as well but for $60.
I highly suggest everyone go pick one up before the prices go up, as we know one of the memory manufactures closed.

Next, Do we have a definitive information on how the SD Express works in order to utilize it on let's say a fresh 19.0.0 device?
Do we have to update to latest firmware, Is the SD slot update separate, etc?
Thank you!

 

[TomSwitch]

For boxing sale week there are massive discounts for Switch 2 SD Epress cards.
Got a 256gb for $50 CAD from GameStop.
Best buy and Walmart have them as well but for $60.
I highly suggest everyone go pick one up before the prices go up, as we know one of the memory manufactures closed.

Next, Do we have a definitive information on how the SD Express works in order to utilize it on let's say a fresh 19.0.0 device?
Do we have to update to latest firmware, Is the SD slot update separate, etc?
Thank you!

Looks like you’re out of luck—you’ll have to return the SD card.

Alternatively, wait until CFW is available, then ask what you should do.

 

[ihaveahax]

The first time a microSD Express card is inserted, an update will always be required, even if the console is already on the latest firmware. This is for exFAT support. If the console isn't on latest then it will be updated to latest.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

For boxing sale week there are massive discounts for Switch 2 SD Epress cards.
Got a 256gb for $50 CAD from GameStop.
Best buy and Walmart have them as well but for $60.
I highly suggest everyone go pick one up before the prices go up, as we know one of the memory manufactures closed.

Next, Do we have a definitive information on how the SD Express works in order to utilize it on let's say a fresh 19.0.0 device?
Do we have to update to latest firmware, Is the SD slot update separate, etc?
Thank you!

Still too expensive, should be able to get 512 GB for that.

 

[DiscostewSM]

The first time a microSD Express card is inserted, an update will always be required, even if the console is already on the latest firmware. This is for exFAT support. If the console isn't on latest then it will be updated to latest.

Yeah, it's a licensing thing. Microsoft owns the patents for exFAT, so a payment is required for each system that utilizes it. This can't be recorded unless Nintendo know exactly which systems want to make use of them, hence, the need to update with a connection to the internet.

It's no different from Switch 1 which had to do the same thing.

 

[Newhouse-Estates]

Looks like you’re out of luck—you’ll have to return the SD card.

Alternatively, wait until CFW is available, then ask what you should do.

Well we got two Switch 2 consoles, I'm using the card on the updated one.
Wanted to get some information before turning on the second one.
If there ever is an exploit lets hope it doesn't need the sd card slot huh lol.

Post automatically merged: Dec 27, 2025

The first time a microSD Express card is inserted, an update will always be required, even if the console is already on the latest firmware. This is for exFAT support. If the console isn't on latest then it will be updated to latest.

Had a feeling that was the case.
Thank you!

 

[Marc_LFD]

Still too expensive, should be able to get 512 GB for that.

It's gonna take a while until 512GB SD Express cards will be reduced, but I agree they're expensive for what it is.

However, if you have a Switch 2 then it's kind of essential as you'll need space for more games.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

It's gonna take a while until 512GB SD Express cards will be reduced, but I agree they're expensive for what it is.

However, if you have a Switch 2 then it's kind of essential as you'll need space for more games.

So far I haven't needed to, but I've used up most of the space on my Switch 2. 256 GB more won't get me very far though, I need at least like 1 TB for the long term, so buying a 256 GB now seems like a waste of money when I've got nothing that can take advantage of SD Express once the Switch 2 outgrows it (which won't take long)

 

[TomSwitch]

So far I haven't needed to, but I've used up most of the space on my Switch 2. 256 GB more won't get me very far though, I need at least like 1 TB for the long term, so buying a 256 GB now seems like a waste of money when I've got nothing that can take advantage of SD Express once the Switch 2 outgrows it (which won't take long)

You just need a Switch 2 case with space to store many SD express cards. Swap them at will. Or just delete the games you don't mind waiting overnight to play.

The choice is simple and Nintendo is happy.

There is no SD card capacity that will satisfy a hoarder. Sooner or later it will be full.

I have many SD cards for my Switch 1 and zero SD express card for my Switch 2. There is really not much difference. Delete to make space or avoid eshop and key game cards. Same story just different console.

PS: To those waiting for CFW, the path to it is quantum computing, when it arrive it will give you the master key so all firmware version will have CFW, it's going to be as if you are Nintendo. No need to keep low firmware.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

You just need a Switch 2 case with space to store many SD express cards. Swap them at will. Or just delete the games you don't mind waiting overnight to play.

The choice is simple and Nintendo is happy.

There is no SD card capacity that will satisfy a hoarder. Sooner or later it will be full.

I have many SD cards for my Switch 1 and zero SD express card for my Switch 2. There is really not much difference. Delete to make space or avoid eshop and key game cards. Same story just different console.

I'm not swapping cards. If 1TB was enough for a hacked Switch it will be enough for a legit Switch 2. Of course if/
when the Switch 2 gets hacked that will be another matter. Even 2TB will not likely be enough then.
I primarily do physical and I don't play a lot of 3rd party games so that storage only gets used for multiplayer games that I want to have available at all times, and updates/DLC.

 

[TomSwitch]

I'm not swapping cards. If 1TB was enough for a hacked Switch it will be enough for a legit Switch 2. Of course if/
when the Switch 2 gets hacked that will be another matter. Even 2TB will not likely be enough then.
I primarily do physical and I don't play a lot of 3rd party games so that storage only gets used for multiplayer games that I want to have available at all times, and updates/DLC.

Those super big updates shouldn't be legal. Nintendo just need to allow a few 64Gbyte updates and that is the end.

A few more MK1 type updates would be great, wouldn’t they? I don’t remember the exact size, but it was a very large update.

 

[Marc_LFD]

So far I haven't needed to, but I've used up most of the space on my Switch 2. 256 GB more won't get me very far though, I need at least like 1 TB for the long term, so buying a 256 GB now seems like a waste of money when I've got nothing that can take advantage of SD Express once the Switch 2 outgrows it (which won't take long)

Not sure 1TB would be enough, maybe 2TB.

 

[TomSwitch]

I noticed that Nintendo-branded SD Express cards seem to be under price pressure, while generic ones are generally much more expensive. It’s very strange—are there other uses for SD Express cards, and people just not want to be seen using one with a Nintendo logo on it or somehow these cards are inferior?

Or it’s simply retailers foolishly stocking too many Nintendo-licensed ones while nobody stocks the generic ones.

If I were to buy, I would be buying the Nintendo Branded one. Not buying, no need and future price is not likely to be worst. AI boom or not.

 

[Marc_LFD]

I noticed that Nintendo-branded SD Express cards seem to be under price pressure, while generic ones are generally much more expensive. It’s very strange—are there other uses for SD Express cards, and people just not want to be seen using one with a Nintendo logo on it or somehow these cards are inferior?

Or it’s simply retailers foolishly stocking too many Nintendo-licensed ones while nobody stocks the generic ones.

I remember that they're used for cameras, too.

I couldn't care less what the card says as once it's inserted, it's hidden.

 

[TomSwitch]

I remember that they're used for cameras, too.

I couldn't care less what the card says as once it's inserted, it's hidden.

Yes, imagine this proud photographer too shy to pop the sd express card out in public.

 

[Reecey]

Not sure 1TB would be enough, maybe 2TB.

1TB is definitely not enough I have 4x256GB Express cards and including the Switch 2 memory that’s well over a Terabyte altogether. My Switch 1 titles and a few Switch 2 titles at the moment all the memory is full so moving forwards with Switch 2 titles most are nearly 10GB at the least and upto 70GB for 1 title we are going to need a lot more room for the future and I don’t think 2TB will even touch it assuming like me you buy digital

Edit: as an example I got Cyberpunk 2077 that was 60.5GB in size for 1 title you only get about 235GB in real memory out of a 256GB express card that’s a big chunk of memory for 1 game out of 1 express card also the GameCube expansion is going too get huge as more titles are released

 

[Marc_LFD]

1TB is definitely not enough I have 4x256GB Express cards and including the Switch 2 memory that’s well over a Terabyte altogether. My Switch 1 titles and a few Switch 2 titles at the moment all the memory is full so moving forwards with Switch 2 titles most are nearly 10GB at the least and upto 70GB for 1 title we are going to need a lot more room for the future and I don’t think 2TB will even touch it assuming like me you buy digital

Edit: as an example I got Cyberpunk 2077 that was 60.5GB in size for 1 title you only get about 235GB in real memory out of a 256GB express card that’s a big chunk of memory for 1 game out of 1 express card also the GameCube expansion is going too get huge as more titles are released

I love the GCN and that's what annoys me, it's just a rental service.

I actually bought the GCN NS2 controller from Nintendo's website today (again) so maybe I'll keep it this time. There is something that bothers me, the ZL button is miniscule! Who thought that was a good idea!

 

[Reecey]

I love the GCN and that's what annoys me, it's just a rental service.

I actually bought the GCN NS2 controller from Nintendo's website today (again) so maybe I'll keep it this time. There is something that bothers me, the ZL button is miniscule! Who thought that was a good idea!

Me too I have always had a passion for the GameCube so to have the new expansion pack on the Switch 2 was a great bonus it got me to buy the plus expansion upgrade not much choice tbh. Yes great choice buying the controller I might have to get one but yes I see in the images the ZL button is tiny what a stupid idea especially when you’re paying a lot of money they are not cheap

Tell you what does bug me about the GameCube expansion the small box screen Nintendo could of at least given us the option of a full screen

 

[Finray]

Its not an update per se. I think what happens is that the S2 marries the sd card to the system. Maybe it even encrypts it. But im not sure. And wouldnt be surprised.

 

[TomSwitch]

Its not an update per se. I think what happens is that the S2 marries the sd card to the system. Maybe it even encrypts it. But im not sure. And wouldnt be surprised.

If you are talking about having a sd express card for the first time you need update and it is indeed an update. Every time someone does that MS say thank you as they receive money from Nintendo.

Switch 1 has the same thing, you ever been asked if you want exFat support when you daybreak? Nintendo becomes a little bit poorer when you insert exFat sd card in for the very first time and update your system.