The Nintendo Switch 2 needs a new memory card if you want to upgrade the internal storage. Out of the box, the console comes with 256GB of on-board storage space, which is about 240GB with the operating system bloat. However, while this is four times the space of the original console, 256GB is still measly space if you’re transferring your current console data to the new unit.
So you’ll want to beef up your console storage ASAP in order to have a worry-free time with installing games and apps. The catch here is the console doesn’t support the original MicroSD cards you might already have loads of. That’s because the system has new bandwidth compatibility that provides faster load times. These faster load times require a faster storage card, which is essentially what MicroSD Express does.
So where do you get these cards? Well, due to the new uprising in MicroSD Express thanks to the Switch 2, they aren’t easy to find. Even more so for higher storage capacity versions. In South Africa, MicroSD Express is currently only available in 256GB. There are no 512GB cards for sale at all, so you’ll have to import one. Even then, they are hard to find because of the demand. But here’s a guide on where to get MicroSD Express cards in South Africa.
MicroSD Express 256GB
Nintendo has partnered with SanDisk to produce MicroSD Express cards for the Switch 2. However, these units only come in 256GB. They are Mario-branded and will launch on 5 June alongside the Switch 2 console.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Sandisk MicroSD Express Card (256GB) – R1499 (Nexus Hub)
- Nintendo Switch 2 Sandisk MicroSD Express Card (256GB) – R1499 (Nintendo Store)
MicroSD Express 512GB
512GB versions of these cards are tough to find. Lexar and Onn have produced these storage tiers, but stock is selling out faster than they are being listed.
I have included links to the Lexar range, which you can import on Amazon. They will cost around R2700 for a 512GB card with taxes and import duties. You’ll have to keep checking the link for new stock drops.
The Onn range is a Walmart exclusive brand (actually owned by Walmart), so you can’t get them in South Africa, but if you have a way to import them somehow, they are the cheapest.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Lexar MicroSD Express Card (512GB) – $115 (R2700 @ Amazon US)
- Nintendo Switch 2 Onn MicroSD Express Card (512GB) – $65.77 (Walmart)
MicroSD Express 1TB
The 1TB MicroSD Express is even harder to find. Only a few brands have produced them for now. Lexar is the only model I could find. Like the 512GB model, it is only available via import through Amazon, when there is stock.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Lexar MicroSD Express Card (1TB) – $200 (R4900 @ Amazon US)
So essentially, you’re stuck with 256GB options in South Africa unless you can grab an import when there is stock available. Hopefully, we’ll see more brands import larger capacity models soon.
