ⓘ SandsikSanDisk has launched a 1TB microSD Express card that can expand the storage of Nintendo Switch 2SanDisk has introduced a new SD Express card at Gamescom. It allows Switch 2 owners to upgrade to 1TB of storage and is also compatible with several Asus gaming laptops. However, the card is very expensive. SanDisk unexpectedly unveiled a 1TB Express microSD card at Gamescom. The storage manufacturer is relatively late to the market, although it was notably absent from the list of major brands offering such a card. This may explain why the company decided not to make a formal announcement. Lexar, for example, already had a card available when the Switch 2 launched. With more games distributed digitally, expanding the console’s storage is increasingly important. However, the current memory shortage has driven prices to extreme levels. SanDisk has already put the microSD Express card on sale for almost €500 in Germany (19% VAT included). In the US, the card has been available on Amazon for a few weeks and is currently selling for $359, down from an MSRP of $429. Depending on the amount of storage a game like Final Fantasy XIV takes up, that title alone would consume more than 50 euros of the card’s capacity. Therefore, taking the storage card into account can easily double the effective cost of large games. Of course, games can be deleted and downloaded again as needed, although Nintendo has issued several warnings about this practice. The card is not yet available for purchase. SanDisk lists it on its website, but unlike the smaller 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB models, the 1TB version can’t be ordered. The only option is to submit a sales inquiry, which will allow retailers to purchase SanDisk cards through the corresponding button. It is not yet clear when or if the card will be directly available to consumers. The card is not limited to the Switch 2. A small number of laptops and portable gaming devices, including some Asus models, also support it. You can find more details in our Computex Taipei article. Nvidia’s RTX platform is also expected to provide support for additional devices. The SanDisk card offers maximum write speeds of 800 MB/s and read speeds of 880 MB/s. I’ve been involved in the IT business for over 20 years, first as a systems administrator (Mac and PC; 2000-2014) and then as a journalist (2005 onwards). I have attended many industry events, such as IDF, Displayweek, Computex, CES and IFA, to cover topics such as mobile and local networks, Bluetooth standards and developments in the mobile sector. Since 2017 I have also worked as an aviation journalist, which involves traveling around the world reporting on planes and trains. Translator: Enrico Frahn – Senior Technical Writer – 9,705 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021 My fascination with technology dates back to the Pentium II era. Since then, modifying, overclocking, and hoarding computer hardware has become an integral part of my life. As a student, I developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make stressful university life much easier. After falling in love with digital content creation while working in a marketing role, I now scour the web to bring you the most interesting topics in the world of technology. Outside of the office, I am especially passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.
