Wait, what is a microSD card again? 

A microSD card is a tiny, removable storage card about the size of your thumbnail that’s used to store files, apps, games, photos, videos, and more. You’ve probably used one before in a phone, tablet, digital camera, drone, dashcam, or—most famously—your Nintendo Switch. 

Think of it like a mini external hard drive: it expands your device’s memory so you can store more content without needing to delete old stuff. 

What's microSD Express, and why does it matter? 

Imagine your microSD card just got a mega‑speed upgrade. Though it looks the same, microSD Express cards pack PCIe Gen3 + NVMe‑level performance, just like laptop SSDs, but in the same tiny form factor you’re used to. That jump lets read/write speeds shoot into the hundreds, even close to a gigabyte per second—roughly 10x faster than traditional UHS‑I microSD cards. 

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the first major device to require microSD Express cards for game storage and data saving; standard cards just won’t work for playing your games or saving content. It’s a clear signal the future of portable storage just got supercharged. 

How is it different from regular microSD? 

 Why Gamers and Families Should Care (and Upgrade) 

For Nintendo Switch 2 Users: 

• Play games smoothly without storage lag. New 60–70 GB titles load faster and stream assets better. 

• Store multiple games and DLC without worrying about internal limit. Despite 256 GB built‑in storage, many users will fill it fast. 

• Download game updates, record captures, and save gameplay reliably. Only Express cards support saving in‑game data on Switch 2. 

• Future-proof yourself: as more titles embrace bigger file sizes, Express storage becomes essential. 

For Creators, Students & Families: 

• Quick access to large media files, whether you’re editing video, transferring 4K shots, or handling school projects. 

• Gamers who use handheld PCs like Steam Deck and ROG Ally may not yet take full advantage (they often use older UHS readers), but their next-gen devices will benefit, especially as Express-capable readers spread. 

   

• Portable, reliable upgrade: microSD Express cards can go up to 2 TB in capacity. 

Why Satechi Card-Reader Hubs & Docks Still Have You Covered 

Satechi’s hubs and docks with built-in card readers are designed to support the most widely used memory card formats, offering fast and reliable performance for everyday workflows. 

While the newer microSD Express format boasts significantly higher theoretical speeds, it uses a different interface (PCIe/NVMe) that isn’t supported by our current lineup. To fully benefit from microSD Express transfer rates, users will need a dedicated reader that’s specifically compatible with that format. 

While Satechi products don’t support microSD Express directly, they still deliver industry-leading support for UHS-I/II, the formats most users rely on today: 

• Built-in high-speed UHS-I/II card readers for efficient file transfers 

• USB-C and Thunderbolt connectivity to maximize performance across workflows 

• A trusted ecosystem built for reliability and versatility, even as standards evolve 

Budget & Availability Today 

• MicroSD Express cards cost more than regular ones. Expect ~$60–$80 for 256 GB, up to ~$200 for 1 TB tier cards (e.g., SanDisk, Lexar Play Pro, Samsung). 

• Early availability is limited, but Nintendo-branded and licensed cards are already in select markets, and demand is increasing fast. 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss the Next Wave of Speed 

microSD Express isn’t just a minor boost. It’s the biggest leap in removable storage in years. With the Nintendo Switch 2 already banking on it, and creators and portable gamers demanding ever‑faster media transfer, this shift matters today, and will matter even more tomorrow. 

If you're: 

• A gamer upgrading to Switch 2, 

• A creator or student working with large files on the go, 

• Looking for a card reader or hub to unlock future‑proof speeds— 

then it's time to think Express. And with Satechi's high-speed docks and hubs, you’re already ahead of the curve in supporting this exciting new storage standard.