Full Breakdown
Samsung P9 MicroSD Express Cards Offer Discounted Storage for Nintendo Switch 2
By Drooid · · How we work
Deal Overview
Both The Verge and IGN report that Samsung’s P9 MicroSD Express cards are currently discounted across major retailers. The 256 GB model is listed at $47.99 on Amazon and B&H Photo, while the 512 GB version sells for $99 and Amazon’s price drop to $99.99 is highlighted by IGN. These prices are lower than the cards’ typical market range of $80 for 256 GB and $150-$200 for 512 GB, a reduction attributed to the ongoing global memory shortage.
Storage Demands of the Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 ships with 256 GB of internal storage, a capacity that can be exhausted quickly. First-party titles average 10-30 GB each; the upcoming *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time* remake is about 27 GB. Third-party releases are larger, with *Cyberpunk 2077* at 60 GB, *Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade* at 90 GB, and *Final Fantasy 14* requiring roughly 117 GB—half of the console’s built-in space. Consequently, users often need multiple high-capacity cards to accommodate a modest library.
Pricing and Availability Context
The discounted pricing appears across Amazon and B&H Photo, with both outlets offering free shipping on the 512 GB card. Although the deals are temporary, the lower prices contrast with the cards’ launch costs, which were higher than current offers. The articles note that the discounts coincide with the lead-up to Black Friday, suggesting a promotional timing.
Performance and Compatibility
Samsung’s P9 cards support the MicroSD Express standard, delivering sequential read speeds up to 800 MB/s. Full speed benefits are limited to devices equipped with a MicroSD Express slot; the Switch 2 is among the few consoles that can utilize this standard, alongside select cameras, tablets, drones, and the Asus ROG Ally X20 handheld running Windows 11. Standard MicroSD cards from earlier Switch models are incompatible with the Switch 2’s slot.
Implications for Gamers
The combination of reduced prices and high transfer speeds makes the P9 cards a compelling option for Switch 2 owners facing rapid storage depletion. While the cards are pricier than conventional MicroSD options, the performance advantage and capacity align with the growing size of modern games, offering a practical solution for players who wish to maintain a sizable digital library without relying on external storage or frequent game deletions.