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Guide: Best Nintendo Switch 2 Storage Deals: Solve 'Storage Full' Warnings

A Nintendo Switch 2 console displaying a 'Storage Full' warning on its screen, with a high-capacity microSD card lying next to it, symbolizing storage expansion.

Let's be real: The Nintendo Switch 2 is an incredible console, a generational leap in portable gaming. But if you're like us, you've probably already stared down that "Storage Full" warning with a sense of dread. With game file sizes ballooning faster than Mario after a Super Mushroom, the console's generous 256GB internal storage, while a huge upgrade, still feels surprisingly cramped.

Here's the good news: As 2025 wraps up, there's still an absolutely killer deal that lets you effectively double your Switch 2's storage for just $33. This isn't just any deal; it's an all-time low on a crucial piece of tech for your shiny new console. If you haven't snagged a microSD Express card yet, now's the time to act, because this price won't last forever.

The $33 Storage Doubler You Can't Miss

Right now, Amazon is offering the Samsung P9 256GB microSD Express Card for an unbelievable $33. That's a massive drop from its usual $55 price tag. We've been tracking these new microSD Express cards since the Switch 2 launched, and this is the lowest price we've seen on *any* card from a reputable brand in this new format. It's a genuine steal, and considering it's been active for about two weeks, we suspect it's on its last legs.

Unfortunately, the larger 512GB version of the P9 is holding steady at its $100 price point. But even so, for $33, doubling your console's base storage with a high-speed card from a top-tier manufacturer like Samsung is an absolute no-brainer.

Why Your Switch 2 Storage Disappears So Fast

Yes, the Switch 2 comes with 256GB of onboard storage, which is a fantastic upgrade from the Switch OLED's 64GB or the original's paltry 32GB. But "four times larger" doesn't mean "four times the breathing room." The Switch 2 is a powerhouse, running graphically demanding games that come with significantly larger file sizes. This is where your storage vanishes into thin air.

The Game-Key Card Conundrum

While Nintendo-published titles like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (43.5GB) or Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (27.7GB) still come with full data on physical game cards, that's increasingly becoming the exception, not the rule, for third-party games. Many publishers are opting for "Game-Key Cards" – low-capacity physical cards that merely unlock a massive digital download from the eShop.

Consider these:

  • Madden NFL 26: 57.1GB download
  • NBA 2K26: 69.7GB download
  • EA Sports FC 26: 71.6GB download
  • Persona 3 Reload: 21.7GB download
  • Star Wars Outlaws: 19.4GB download

And looking ahead, a behemoth like Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is expected to demand an astounding 87.9GB download. That's a huge chunk of your internal 256GB right there!

So, even if you prefer physical editions, unless it's a first-party Nintendo game (or a rare exception like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition), you're still likely looking at massive downloads eating into your precious storage.

MicroSD Express: What It Is & Why It Matters

The Nintendo Switch 2 is at the forefront of adopting a new storage format: microSD Express. If you're wondering why these cards seem pricier than the older UHS-I cards you might have used on your original Switch, it boils down to one thing: raw speed.

These aren't your old microSD cards. microSD Express leverages the PCIe NVMe interface, bringing SSD-level performance to a tiny card. For comparison:

  • An older SanDisk Ultra 512GB microSD card might hit 150MB/s read speeds.
  • A SanDisk 512GB microSD Express card boasts up to 880MB/s read speeds.

That's nearly six times faster! This blazing speed is essential for the Switch 2's more complex games, reducing loading times and ensuring smooth gameplay from expanded storage. While the price per GB might seem higher initially, you're paying for a significant leap in performance that the Switch 2 genuinely utilizes.

Best MicroSD Express Card Deals Right Now

Beyond that incredible Samsung P9 deal, the microSD Express market is growing, with more options hitting shelves. We've rounded up the best available deals and reputable brands across Amazon and Walmart:

Top Picks at Amazon

  • Samsung P9 256GB microSD Express: $33 (was $55) - The undisputed best value right now.
    • Read: 800MB/s, Write: 330MB/s
  • Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express: $100
    • Read: 800MB/s, Write: 330MB/s
  • Lexar Play Pro 1TB microSD Express: $186 (was $220) - Most popular 1TB option.
    • Read: 900MB/s, Write: 600MB/s
  • Lexar Play Pro 512GB microSD Express: $100 (was $120)
  • Samsung Switch 2 256GB microSD Express (Officially Licensed): $59 (was $60) - Comes in a cool Super Mario red. Performance is virtually identical to the P9, but you pay a bit more for the branding.
    • Read: 800MB/s, Write: 400MB/s
  • TeamGroup Apex 1TB microSD Express: $194.49 (was $212)
  • Emtec Gaming 512GB microSD Express: $90.60 - A decent, slightly cheaper 512GB option.

Walmart's Hidden Gems

Walmart's selection is smaller, but their in-house brand, Onn, often offers competitive pricing. You might find some exclusive versions here too.

  • Onn 256GB microSD Express Card (Walmart Brand): $46.77 - Solid budget choice, though the Samsung P9 is currently better.
  • Onn 512GB microSD Express Card (Walmart Brand): $84.77 - Currently the cheapest 512GB card from a reputable brand.
  • SanDisk GamePlay 512GB microSD Express: $98 - Walmart exclusive, but only marginally cheaper than the standard SanDisk.

No matter where you shop, remember to prioritize cards from established brands like Samsung, Lexar, SanDisk, TeamGroup, PNY, and Emtec. The market for microSD Express is still young, and sticking with trusted names is always a good bet.

The Verdict: Don't Get Caught Storage-Shy

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here to stay, and so are those ever-growing game file sizes. Investing in a quality microSD Express card isn't just an upgrade; it's practically a necessity for a seamless gaming experience. That Samsung P9 256GB deal for $33 is a rare opportunity to get top-tier performance for a budget price. Don't let your gaming adventures be cut short by a lack of space!

FAQ

Why are microSD Express cards so much more expensive than older microSD cards?

MicroSD Express cards utilize the PCIe NVMe interface, similar to the super-fast SSDs found in modern PCs and consoles. This technology allows for significantly higher read and write speeds (upwards of 800MB/s) compared to older UHS-I cards (around 100-150MB/s). While the price per GB is higher, you're paying for cutting-edge performance that the Nintendo Switch 2 requires for optimal game loading and data transfer.

Is an officially licensed Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card better?

Not necessarily in terms of raw performance. While Samsung's officially licensed Mario-themed 256GB card is cool and comes with Nintendo's stamp of approval, its read and write speeds (800MB/s read, 400MB/s write) are very similar to, or in some cases even slower than, non-licensed cards from the same brands like the Samsung P9 (800MB/s read, 330MB/s write). You're mostly paying a premium for the branding. Any reputable microSD Express card will perform excellently in your Switch 2.

Should I buy physical Switch 2 games to save storage space?

It depends! For first-party Nintendo titles, absolutely. Nintendo has consistently put the full game data on their physical game cards, meaning zero downloads required to play. However, for most third-party games, the physical editions often come as "Game-Key Cards" that require a full digital download from the eShop. Always check reviews or product descriptions to confirm if a physical third-party game requires a large download before purchasing, if storage saving is your primary goal.