Ongoing Memory Shortages in Japan: The Impact on MicroSD Cards and Gaming Consoles

Japan is experiencing significant shortages of high-capacity microSD cards, particularly those with storage capacities of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. This scarcity is attributed to a surge in demand driven by data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, which are consuming vast amounts of memory resources. As a result, consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase these cards, leading to empty shelves and inflated prices. Technohouse Toei, a computer vendor in Tokyo, noted, "The larger versions of the popular series keep running out of stock. This might drag on for a while."

Ongoing MicroSD Shortages Could Have A Knock-On Effect For Switch 2 Storage Availability

The shortage of microSD cards is part of a larger trend affecting various storage devices, including hard disk drives (HDDs) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). Retailers report that large-capacity HDDs are being rapidly purchased, with remaining stock often overpriced. One shopkeeper remarked, "It looks like large-capacity models are getting sucked up for AI use, so we aren't getting any stock at all." The situation is exacerbated by rising costs; for instance, the price of a 64 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR5 memory kit has nearly doubled in just a few weeks.

Large-capacity microSD cards are now regularly out of stock in Japan as storage crunch claims another victim — high-capacity HDDs are also vanishingGizmodoIf You Were Planning On Expanding Your Switch 2 Storage, You Might Want To Do It ASAPOngoing MicroSD Shortages Could Have A Knock-On Effect For Switch 2 Storage Availability

The ongoing shortage of microSD cards poses a potential challenge for gamers, particularly those looking to expand the storage of the Nintendo Switch 2. The console, which comes with 256 GB of internal storage, requires microSD Express cards for additional capacity. As the availability of standard microSD cards diminishes, consumers may be forced to turn to the more expensive Express versions, complicating storage upgrades for the Switch 2. Analysts predict that the situation will not improve soon, with flash storage prices expected to rise further in early 2026.

If You Were Planning On Expanding Your Switch 2 Storage, You Might Want To Do It ASAPOngoing MicroSD Shortages Could Have A Knock-On Effect For Switch 2 Storage AvailabilityLarge-capacity microSD cards are now regularly out of stock in Japan as storage crunch claims another victim — high-capacity HDDs are also vanishingGizmodo

Critics argue that the AI industry's insatiable demand for memory is creating an artificial scarcity that negatively impacts consumers. The ongoing shortages are seen as a direct consequence of prioritizing AI data centers over regular consumer needs. This has led to frustration among gamers and tech enthusiasts who rely on accessible storage solutions for their devices.

Ongoing MicroSD Shortages Could Have A Knock-On Effect For Switch 2 Storage Availability

Retailers and analysts have expressed concern over the current state of the memory market. Technohouse Toei highlighted the ongoing difficulties in acquiring large-capacity microSD cards, while analysts from TrendForce noted that major flash storage manufacturers like Samsung and SK Hynix have reduced supply in response to market conditions. This has led to speculation about future price hikes, with Samsung reportedly reviewing potential increases of 20% to 30%.

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While the consensus indicates a severe shortage of microSD cards and other memory types, there are discrepancies regarding the extent of the price increases and availability. Some sources suggest that the situation is more dire in Japan compared to Western markets, while others indicate that the global memory market is facing similar challenges.

Large-capacity microSD cards are now regularly out of stock in Japan as storage crunch claims another victim — high-capacity HDDs are also vanishing

• "The larger versions of the popular series keep running out of stock." — Technohouse Toei, Computer Vendor

If You Were Planning On Expanding Your Switch 2 Storage, You Might Want To Do It ASAP

• "It looks like large-capacity models are getting sucked up for AI use, so we aren't getting any stock at all." — Anonymous Shopkeeper

Ongoing MicroSD Shortages Could Have A Knock-On Effect For Switch 2 Storage Availability

• "Even when we finally get a shipment, the wholesale price has gone up by tens of thousands of yen." — Tsukumo eX, Retailer

Large-capacity microSD cards are now regularly out of stock in Japan as storage crunch claims another victim — high-capacity HDDs are also vanishing

The ongoing memory shortages in Japan, driven largely by the demands of AI, are reshaping the landscape for consumers and gamers alike, with significant implications for storage availability and pricing in the near future.

Large-capacity microSD cards are now regularly out of stock in Japan as storage crunch claims another victim — high-capacity HDDs are also vanishing