PNY microSD Express Cards: Primed for Nintendo Switch 2 Speeds
So we've heard the whispers about the Nintendo Switch 2, and maybe you're already in pre-order consideration mode. One of the key differences is the move to microSD Express for storage – quicker, but maybe pricier, memory cards. Well, PNY is jumping in headfirst with their latest microSD Express Flash Memory Cards, designed to make your game loading times snappy.
Blazing Fast Speeds for a New Generation of Gaming
What kind of speed are we talking about. PNY says these new cards can hit read speeds of up to 890MB/s and write speeds of up to 750MB/s. To put that into context, that's roughly 4.4 times faster than the performance of the regular UHS-I microSD cards your original Switch might have been wearing. This performance boost courtesy of PCIe Gen3x1 microSD tech should mean less waiting around and more gaming with those new hot Switch 2 titles.
While the Nintendo Switch 2 is said to include a respectable 256GB of internal storage, most of us will need additional room for our expanding collections of games. That's where these microSD Express cards from PNY enter the scene.
More Than Speed: Durable and Intelligent
PNY is not only concerned with pure speed. They've included some intelligent features in these cards:
- Backwards Compatibility: Don't worry if you still have old devices. USH-I and USH-II host devices will be supported by these cards, just at the respective speed of those devices.
- Cool Under Pressure: They feature specialized heat dissipation technology and built-in thermal monitoring. PNY says this enables maximum temperature control and keeps things humming along even under heavy gaming loads.
- Adventure-Proof: These cards are made to withstand the elements and a bit of rough handling. They are magnet proof, shock proof, temperature proof, waterproof, drop proof, X-Ray proof, and humidity proof, as well as wear-out proof. And they come backed with a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.
Quick Look: PNY microSD Express Card Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity Options | 128GB, 256GB |
| Format | microSDXC |
| Interface | PCIe Gen3x1 UHS-I |
| Speed Class | Class 10, U3 |
| Video Speed Class | V30 |
| App Performance | A1 |
| Max Read Speed | Up to 890MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | Up to 750MB/s |
| Primary Compatibility | microSD Express devices (e.g., Nintendo Switch 2) |
| Backwards Compatibility | microSD UHS-I and UHS-II devices |
Price and Availability: How to Get Your Hands on Them
PNY's microSD Express Flash Memory Cards are now available on PNY.com and Amazon.com. Here's the price:
- 128GB model: $44.99
- 256GB model: $55.99
It is interesting that such a price seems reasonable, perhaps a lower-cost alternative than some licensed Nintendo cards or others like SanDisk of similar sizes.
While the Switch 2 itself is a tad of a splurge at its purported $449.99, and potentially more expensive accessories and games on the way, at least having reasonably priced, high-performing storage on hand like these from PNY is definitely a positive for gamers.
Naturally, however, PNY is not the only one who offers microSD Express cards. Lexar, Samsung, and SanDisk also have microSD Express cards on their shelves. Some of them, like Lexar's 1TB Play PRO, might have slightly faster read speeds, but PNY's line does seem to get a good balance between performance and cost, especially with the 128GB and 256GB capacities. If you're looking for capacities higher than 512GB or 1TB, however, you might be forced to look elsewhere for now.
These cards are not only available on the Switch 2, though. They will also be able to give a speed boost to compatible smartphones, tablets, action cameras, and other devices with microSD Express support.
