Nintendo Switch 2 users looking for extra system storage options have a limited time to take advantage of deals on 512GB microSD Express Cards, with each bargain bringing prices down to a fraction of the current MSRP. Although the Switch 2 console comes with 256GB of internal system storage, the available space is oftentimes not enough to play multiple games on Nintendo’s current-gen hardware.
The start of November is a busy time for Nintendo, as the gaming giant prepares to launch The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time exclusively on Switch 2. To coincide with the game’s launch and the ongoing 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda franchise, Nintendo released a special, Zelda-themed Switch 2 console bundle that has regularly sold out. In light of the ongoing demand, retailers like Target and Best Buy have announced restocks of the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 that will begin once Ocarina of Time is released on November 5.
Switch 2 Gamers Can Save Money on a 512GB microSD Express Card
Although the ongoing DRAM shortage crisis has affected the entire gaming and tech industries, Switch 2 users have an opportunity to triple their available storage options without breaking the bank. As of this writing, Amazon, Costco, and Walmart are each offering microSD Express cards for under $100, before taxes and fees are applied. The cheapest offering of the aforementioned bargains is available at Walmart, as the shopping giant’s own microSDXC Express card is available for $84.77, with free shipping and delivery options available to Walmart+ subscribers. By comparison, Costco members can pick up a Sandisk 512GB microSD Express card for $89.99 with free delivery available. Amazon shoppers can purchase a Samsung P9 microSD Express card for $99.99, with free shipping available for Amazon Prime users.
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Compared to its predecessor, the microSD Express format offers faster read and write speeds that can reach solid-state drive (SSD) performance. While the Switch 2’s internal system storage offers the fastest loading times for games installed on it, microSD Express cards can offer similar performance and provide extra storage for users to download and play more titles on. However, the increased performance comes at a cost, as microSD Express cards have a much higher price tag compared to standard microSD cards.
One main reason that Switch 2 users will want to expand their system storage options is due to the simple fact that some titles on Nintendo’s console require a high amount of available space. For example, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth have respective file sizes of 90.4GB and 91.5GB on Switch 2, which would take up a majority of the console’s internal storage and not leave users with much space left. Both FF7 Remake Intergrade and FF7 Rebirth are on sale on the Nintendo eShop for a combined price of $15.48 until November 17.
Even after factoring in that each microSD Express card offer requires either a membership or encourages a subscription for free shipping, the price of tripling the Switch 2’s system storage ahead of the holiday shopping season is one worth considering. How long the aforementioned microSD Express discounts will last remains to be seen.
