What Is microSD Express? Why Nintendo Switch 2 Needs This Next-Gen Memory Card
Nintendo's Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for storage expansion — a jump from the standard microSD cards most gamers are used to. Here's what actually changed, and why it matters for your next storage upgrade.
What Is microSD Express?
microSD Express is a card standard introduced by the SD Association in 2019, built on the SD 7.1 specification. It swaps the traditional UHS-I interface for PCIe with the NVMe protocol, delivering SSD-like performance — up to 985MB/s in theory, compared to UHS-I's 104MB/s ceiling. Cards carry an added "EX" mark to set them apart from standard microSD.
Compared to the microSD icon, microSD Express features an additional "EX" mark.
Interface
PCIe 3.1 combined with NVMe 1.3 is what makes the jump possible — it boosts transfer speed, resists electromagnetic interference better, and cuts latency through direct memory access. The result sits much closer to SSD performance than the old UHS interface could offer.
Speed
microSD Express tops out near 985MB/s — nearly ten times faster than UHS-I's 104MB/s, and well past UHS-II (312MB/s) and UHS-III (624MB/s). The newer SD 9.1 spec even supports dual-lane PCIe 4.0, so future cards could approach 2GB/s.
Speed comparison of UHS-I, UHS-II, UHS-III, and PCIe 3.1 / NVMe 1.3.
Compatibility
microSD Express cards are backward compatible with UHS-I/II/III devices, but they'll only run at that older standard's speed unless paired with a host or reader that actually supports Express. To get the full speed benefit, both the card and the device need to support the standard.
Where It Actually Matters
Dashcams and security cameras don't need this kind of speed — but AI, gaming, and 4K/8K recording absolutely do. Here's where microSD Express earns its price tag.
Write speeds of 500-700MB/s keep continuous high-resolution footage from stuttering, skipping frames, or stopping mid-shoot.
Nintendo's Switch 2 requires microSD Express for expansion — faster reads mean shorter load times and smoother performance for larger games.
Real-time rendering of 8K video, 3D models, and 360° panoramas depends on fast, stutter-free read/write access.
Recommended Card
Picking the right card comes down to three things: read/write speed, capacity, and durability. Gamers want faster reads for quicker loading, videographers need stable write speeds, and everyone needs enough capacity and protection against wear.
Built for Switch 2 gaming, 4K recording, and everything in between, with up to 1TB of capacity for large game libraries and extended footage. Includes electrostatic protection, X-ray resistance, and wide temperature tolerance.
Nintendo's storage requirement isn't arbitrary — it reflects where memory cards are actually headed. If you're gaming, shooting 4K/8K, or building for VR, microSD Express is worth the upgrade.
What's the difference between microSD Express and microSD?
microSD Express swaps the UHS interface for PCIe and NVMe, delivering SSD-like performance far beyond standard UHS speeds — cards carry an "EX" mark to show the difference.
What are the transfer speeds of microSD Express?
Up to 985MB/s in theory — nearly ten times faster than UHS-I, and well ahead of UHS-II (312MB/s) and UHS-III (624MB/s).
Is microSD Express backward compatible?
Yes — it works in UHS-I/II/III devices, but runs at that standard's speed limit unless paired with a host or reader that supports Express.
