As of Oct 27, 2026, The Verge’s retail report highlights promotions on Samsung’s P9 Express in both 256GB and 512GB capacities. Its article was published October 26. Check the current listing before ordering; the report does not guarantee that an offer or a particular seller remains available.
Nintendo’s compatibility guidance confirms that Switch 2 needs microSD Express for expandable game storage. A familiar-looking UHS-I microSD card is not a substitute, even when its capacity looks right.
What to check before you buy
- Find the Express marking. Check the product name, packaging, and exact capacity. Samsung’s US 256GB model is MB-MK256T/AM; the 512GB version is MB-MK512T/AM. Avoid listings that mix P9 Express images with a different card in the selected variant.
- Check space on the console first. Look at the games you want to keep installed and their download sizes. Choose 256GB if you regularly remove finished games; consider 512GB if you want more downloads available without that housekeeping. Formatted, usable space is lower than the advertised capacity.
- Prepare for the first-use update. Nintendo requires an internet-connected system update the first time you use a microSD Express card. Complete that before relying on the extra storage away from home.
- Inspect the seller and return terms. Confirm who sells and ships the selected card, retain the purchase receipt, and check the packaging and model when it arrives. A product photo or a high speed claim alone cannot establish authenticity. If the item or reported capacity does not match the order, use the seller’s return process.
Check price at Amazon for the Samsung P9 Express 256GB.
256GB vs 512GB: Capacity is the useful difference
| Check | P9 Express 256GB | P9 Express 512GB |
|---|---|---|
| US model | MB-MK256T/AM | MB-MK512T/AM |
| Advertised capacity | 256GB | 512GB |
| Suggested fit | A smaller library you rotate | More downloads kept installed |
| Samsung sequential read rating | Up to 800 MB/s in Express mode | Up to 800 MB/s in Express mode |
| Switch 2 game storage | Compatible, after required update | Compatible, after required update |
The Samsung data sheet lists both capacities at the same maximum sequential read speed. Its brochure says the headline performance comparison uses a 512GB card on a PCIe test board. Host hardware and usage affect results, so neither that number nor the capacity choice establishes Switch 2 loading times. This is a source-based buying check; we have not benchmarked either card.
What happens to your old microSD card and game saves?
An ordinary microSD card can be used to import screenshots and videos captured on an original Switch. It cannot serve as Switch 2 game storage. Nintendo also says game save data stays in system memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD Express card. The new card holds downloadable software, updates, DLC, and captures, rather than providing a save-file backup.
If you are upgrading a different gaming device, use our NVMe SSD guide for PC and PS5 storage; those drives are a separate format and do not fit the Switch 2 card slot. For a wider console setup, the PC and console headset guide covers a different purchase, and our deals hub collects further buying checks.
Our recommendation: Buy only if you need more game storage
Buy the P9 Express only if your Switch 2 needs room for downloads and the selected listing is the correct Express model from a seller whose return terms you accept. Pick 256GB for a library you rotate, or 512GB if keeping more games installed is worth the extra outlay at checkout. Wait if your existing storage is sufficient. Skip ordinary microSD cards for this job, and do not buy either capacity expecting it to back up game saves.