Does the Nintendo Switch 2 come with an SD card?
No. The Nintendo Switch 2 does not come with an SD card: Nintendo says microSD Express cards are sold separately. It has 256 GB of storage built in, and its card slot takes microSD Express cards only, up to 2 TB, so a regular microSD card from an original Switch won't hold Switch 2 games.
See the Nintendo Switch 2, $349 →
VoltVault's Nintendo Switch 2 is open-box and never used, in stock at $349 USD, with the console, dock, Joy-Con 2 controllers and cables in the box. It ships from Utah, USA within 2 business days of confirmed payment with free tracked shipping.
against Nintendo's Switch 2 tech specs, Nintendo's microSD Express FAQ and Nintendo's microSD compatibility page.
Switch 2 storage at a glance
| Memory card in the box | No. Nintendo says microSD Express cards are sold separately |
|---|---|
| Built-in storage | 256 GB, with part of it reserved for the system |
| Card slot | microSD Express cards only, up to 2 TB |
| An old Switch microSD card | Can't save or load Switch 2 games; only copies screenshots and videos from a Nintendo Switch |
| What a card can hold | Downloaded games, software updates, DLC, screenshots and videos |
| Game save data | Always in the console's system memory, never on the card |
| Game card slot | Takes Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch game cards |
Why your old microSD card won't work
The Switch 2 uses a newer, faster kind of memory card called microSD Express. Nintendo says it chose it because games need the faster speed to run smoothly. A regular microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC card from a Nintendo Switch can't save or load digital games or save data on Switch 2. The one thing it can still do: you can insert it and pick Import from a Nintendo Switch microSD Card to copy your old screenshots and videos into the Switch 2's system memory (Nintendo's microSD compatibility page).
When you shop for a card, check that the packaging says microSD Express, not only microSD or microSDXC. Any card that meets the microSD Express standard, up to 2 TB, works on Switch 2, and Nintendo points buyers to licensed microSD Express cards for Switch 2 on the Nintendo Store. The first time you insert one, the console needs a system update over the internet.
Do you need a card on day one?
Not to start playing. What takes space is downloaded games, software updates and DLC; those are exactly what Nintendo lists as things you can keep on a microSD Express card. Game save data always stays in the console's system memory and can't go on a card.
- If you mostly buy downloaded games, plan on a microSD Express card, because the built-in 256 GB is shared with the system.
- If you're not sure, start with the built-in storage and add a card when it fills. Once you insert a card, Nintendo says it becomes the default place downloaded games are saved, and you can move downloaded games and captures between the card and the system memory.
- Buy one bigger card, not several small ones. Nintendo recommends a single card per console: games spread across several cards can't be combined onto one card later.
Manufacturer image shown for reference; not a photo of the individual item.
What you get from VoltVault
- Nintendo Switch 2, open-box, never used, in stock at $349 USD
- The console, dock, Joy-Con 2 controllers and cables; no memory card (see what's included)
- Ships from Utah, USA within 2 business days of confirmed payment; US transit is about 2–5 business days, with tracking emailed when the label is made
- 30-day money-back guarantee from delivery
- Questions before you pay: email orders@shopvoltvault.com
Moving from an original Switch? Does the Switch 2 play Switch games? covers your game library, and Switch 2 vs Switch OLED compares the two consoles. Still deciding? Read Is the Switch 2 worth it? or see Switch 2 in stock.
See the Nintendo Switch 2, $349 →
Common questions
Does the Nintendo Switch 2 come with an SD card?
No. Nintendo says microSD Express cards are sold separately. The console has 256 GB of storage built in, with part of it reserved for the system.
Can I use my old Switch microSD card in the Switch 2?
Not for games. Nintendo says a regular microSD card used on a Nintendo Switch will not let you save or load digital games or save data on Switch 2. You can use it only to copy your old Switch screenshots and videos into the Switch 2.
What kind of memory card does the Switch 2 take?
microSD Express cards only, up to 2 TB. Nintendo says any card that meets the microSD Express standard works. The first time you use one, the console needs a system update over the internet.
How much storage does the Switch 2 have?
256 GB built in. Nintendo notes that a portion of it is reserved for the system, so the space you can use is less than 256 GB.
Do I need a microSD Express card right away?
Not to start playing. Downloaded games, updates and DLC are what fill the storage. If you're not sure, start with the built-in 256 GB and add a card later: once you insert one, Nintendo says it becomes the default place downloaded games are saved.
Can I save my game progress on the card?
No. Nintendo says game save data stays in the system memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD Express card.
What comes in the VoltVault Switch 2 box?
The console, the dock, the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the cables. No memory card is included. It is open-box and never used, $349 USD, and ships from Utah, USA within 2 business days of confirmed payment.