The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially arrived, with one of its most welcome upgrades being backward compatibility with most original Switch titles — a move that ensures early adopters can dive right into their existing digital libraries without waiting for a flood of new exclusives.
The console ships with 256GB of internal storage, which may be sufficient for casual players, but falls short for those with larger game collections or who prefer downloading their titles rather than relying on cartridges.
To address that, expandable storage options are already in high demand, and Samsung’s new 512GB P9 microSD Express card has emerged as one of the top-performing and most affordable choices. Currently available on Amazon for $94.99 — $5 off when buyers clip the on-page coupon — the P9 is roughly $20 cheaper than most competing 512GB microSD Express cards on the market. The smaller 256GB version sells for $54.99.
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Although the discount may seem modest, the P9 stands out for its performance and compatibility. It supports sequential read speeds of up to 800MB/s, meaning it can load large games faster and handle high-resolution assets with ease. However, only devices with a microSD Express slot, such as the new Switch 2, can utilize its maximum speed potential. For older gadgets or cameras that use microSD UHS-I slots, the P9 will still function, but at reduced speeds.
The card also has wider utility beyond gaming. Certain high-end cameras, drones, and tablets that support microSD Express can benefit from its read and write performance, especially when recording or transferring 4K and 8K video footage.
As for storage needs, how far 512GB will go depends heavily on the size of each game. Major titles such as Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment require up to 43.4GB, while smaller indie releases like Silksong take up just 4.1GB. Combined with the Switch 2’s internal storage, gamers could have around 768GB in total, though even that can be quickly consumed by today’s large file sizes. For instance, the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade demands a massive 93GB installation.
Even collectors who prefer physical copies may find themselves needing more storage space. An increasing number of publishers are releasing “game-key cards,” which authenticate physical ownership but still require the full digital download onto the system’s internal or expanded storage. Some physical editions are also released months after their digital counterparts, making downloads the only immediate option.
The growing size of modern games — paired with more demanding graphics, higher-quality audio, and frequent updates — has made expandable storage almost essential for serious players. With microSD Express technology now entering the mainstream, the P9’s price-to-performance ratio makes it an attractive option not just for Switch 2 owners, but for anyone who values fast, reliable storage across multiple devices.
Ultimately, while it’s tempting to rely on internal storage, investing in a high-speed microSD Express card like Samsung’s P9 ensures smoother performance, faster load times, and plenty of breathing room as game libraries grow. For gamers on the move, it’s one less thing to worry about — and one more reason the Switch 2 feels ready for the next generation of portable gaming.
