Best MicroSD Choices for Switch 2: Samsung P9 vs Competitors
Stop guessing — pick the microSD card that actually speeds up your Switch 2 experience
Storage confusion, slow load times, counterfeit cards, and spending too much are the top headaches for Switch 2 owners in 2026. Nintendo’s Switch 2 requires MicroSD Express cards, and not all cards are created equal. This guide cuts through the noise: we compare the Samsung P9 256GB to the leading MicroSD Express competitors on speed, price, durability, and—most importantly—real-world game load benchmarks so you can buy with confidence.
Quick verdict — the TL;DR for busy buyers
Best overall value: Samsung P9 256GB — it delivers near-internal performance at an unbeatable price when on sale and is our top pick for most Switch 2 owners.
Best raw speed (if you need peak throughput): SanDisk/WD Black-class MicroSD Express cards tend to post higher peak numbers in synthetic tests, but the real-world benefit for Switch 2 gaming is marginal versus the P9.
Best budget alternative: Lexar/entry-level MicroSD Express — slower in benchmarks and game loads, but fine for smaller titles and for owners who juggle multiple cards.
Why MicroSD Express matters now (2025–2026 context)
Late 2025 and early 2026 cemented a few trends that matter directly to Switch 2 owners:
- MicroSD Express is the standard: Nintendo's Switch 2 only accepts MicroSD Express (PCIe/NVMe class) for game storage. Older UHS-I or UHS-II microSDs that
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