The Switch 2 isn’t just a minor upgrade; it’s a full-on next-gen experience. With the ability to run graphically intense games like Cyberpunk 2077, Nintendo’s new console is pushing the boundaries of what the original Switch could handle. Along with the upgraded screen and more powerful hardware, the Switch 2 also promises faster loading times and smoother performance. However, in order to truly get the most out of this new system, a significant storage boost was required.
Nintendo’s solution? The introduction of the MicroSD Express cards, which offer much faster speeds than the standard MicroSD cards used in the original Switch. These Express cards are now essential for storing downloaded games, as well as for handling the large file sizes of modern titles. But while the technology itself isn’t new—MicroSD Express cards have been around since 2019—the demand for them has skyrocketed with the Switch 2’s release.
Retailers Struggling to Keep Up with the Demand
As reported by Tom’s Hardware, just days after the Switch 2’s announcement on April 2, physical and online stores began seeing a surge in demand for these high-speed storage cards. In Japan, one store’s staff claimed they were selling over 330 MicroSD Express cards every hour following the reveal. With Switch 2 pre-orders set to launch next week, this trend doesn’t show signs of slowing down.
However, despite their availability since 2019, these storage cards have never been a popular choice among consumers—until now. The reason? Their high price tag. Often costing more than twice as much as regular MicroSD cards, the Express versions were simply out of reach for most gamers who didn’t need the added speed. But with the arrival of the Switch 2, the necessity of having a fast and reliable storage solution has pushed these cards into the spotlight.
Limited Stock and the Scalper Dilemma
The sudden increase in demand has caught many retailers and suppliers off guard. Amazon, Best Buy, and other major online stores have seen their stock of MicroSD Express cards dwindle rapidly. It’s not just the scarcity of these cards that’s making things difficult; it’s also the fact that they weren’t produced in large quantities to begin with. As one source mentioned, many stores had never anticipated this type of mass demand, especially for a product that had been relatively niche until now.
And while some might assume that scalpers are to blame for the empty shelves, the reality is a bit different. Reports indicate that 80% of customers are buying just one card each, suggesting that most consumers are simply trying to get their hands on the storage they need for their new console. The surge in demand has been organic, driven by genuine interest in the Switch 2 and its impressive capabilities.
The Impact of Tariffs and Global Supply Chain Issues
Adding to the problem is the ongoing uncertainty around global trade. With President Trump’s potential new tariffs looming over tech products, including gaming accessories, it’s possible that even more delays and shortages could follow. The combination of increased demand, limited stock, and potential tariffs could make MicroSD Express cards even harder to find in the coming months.
If you’re hoping to secure a card for your Switch 2, you might want to act fast. With pre-orders expected to open soon, the race to get one of these high-speed storage cards is only going to intensify.