- Officially licensed SanDisk microSD Express Card built for Nintendo Switch 2 offers excellent benchmark and real-world performance
- Transfers large games fast and runs titles with no noticeable slowdown
- Eye-catching Mario-style design comes at no extra premium
- Main limitation is its single 256 GB capacity offering
The SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 has just arrived—and it delivers seriously fast performance without a hefty price tag. Officially licensed by Nintendo, this card brings both reliability and flair to storage upgrades for the new console. Reviewers were impressed, and the numbers back it up.
Blazing Speeds in Benchmarks and Real Use
In lab testing, the card posted an average read speed of 894.4 MB/s and a write speed of 674.1 MB/s. That edges past the manufacturer’s claimed 880 MB/s read and 650 MB/s write figures. It even outpaced many competing options in side-by-side benchmarks.
In everyday use, it held up well too. A 60.5 GB installation of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition moved to the card in 14 minutes 25 seconds, and then back to internal storage in 12 minutes 1 second. The smaller game Pokémon Legends: Z-A transferred out in 1 minute 48 seconds, and returned in 1 minute 16 seconds. Users reported no obvious lag during fast games like Mario Kart World or Donkey Kong Bonanza.
Design, Compatibility, and Price
Nintendo’s official stamp gives peace of mind: compatibility is assured from day one. The red Mario-themed design feels fun and fitting without driving up cost. In fact, the card is priced about the same as non-licensed alternatives.
One drawback: it currently comes in a single 256 GB option. That may be plenty for many gamers, but heavy collectors or digital purchasers might feel limited.
Still, for those who want a hassle-free upgrade, this is a solid pick.
How It Stacks Against Rivals
The SanDisk model stands out for blending speed, licensing, and design. But alternatives exist:
- Lexar Play Pro microSD Express Card offers larger capacities (up to 1 TB) and strong performance.
- PNY microSD Express Card lacks Nintendo’s official licensing but delivers competitive speeds in some variants.
In tests, the SanDisk beat or matched many rivals in real-world performance. The Lexar holds the edge in sheer capacity, while PNY provides an entry point into the Express category.
Should You Buy It Now?
If you want a simple, dependable storage boost without worrying about compatibility, this card is a standout. It slips right into your system and lets you focus on playing.
On the other hand, if you already know you will need much more than 256 GB, you might wait for more variants—or go with a high-capacity alternative now.
Either way, the SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 is more than just branding. It earns its place through speed, design, and usability.
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