The Nintendo Swap 2 is right here, and so that you could be out there for a microSD card to retailer extra video games. Whereas all microSD playing cards look just about the identical, solely microSD Specific playing cards will work on the Swap 2 for storing and enjoying video games. The microSD card you utilized in your unique Swap or Swap Lite will solely provide restricted performance with Nintendo’s new handheld, as it should solely allow you to view screenshots or video clips you captured beforehand — that’s it.
That’s as a result of Nintendo opted for a considerably quicker spec in its new handheld console, which boasts an marketed 4.4x enchancment by way of switch speeds over the microSD playing cards you may have already got mendacity round. That enchancment is signified by a small, easy-to-miss “EX” emblem etched onto the entrance of the cardboard.
What’s more durable to overlook is how far more costly Specific playing cards are, with some costing greater than $50 for simply 256GB of storage. The Swap 2 helps microSD Specific playing cards as much as 2TB in dimension, though 1TB is the most important capability broadly obtainable (that’s an overstatement, as many are bought out at the moment), with some playing cards promoting for as much as $200 a pop. Phew. I suppose it is sensible that they’re pricier since they’re categorised as bonafide PCIe NVMe SSDs by the SD Association. Walmart’s Onn label is a beacon of sunshine, as its microSD Specific playing cards are considerably cheaper than the competitors, with its 512GB model costing $65.88 when it’s in inventory.
Fortunately, because the Swap 2 has 256GB of built-in storage, you probably gained’t want a microSD Specific card instantly upon receiving your console. Getting a microSD card was a ceremony of passage with the unique Swap since all variations, apart from the newer OLED version that launched in 2021, got here with simply 32GB.
In case you’re out there for one in every of these pricier storage enlargement playing cards, we’ve listed the obtainable choices under.