Arguably one of the best aspects of modern consoles is the ability to increase its storage capacity, either via a MicroSD card, an HDD or, more recently, an SSD. In other words, there’s an extremely slim chance you’ll ever run out of storage. More storage equals more gaming, and really is there anything better?
Doubtful.
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That said, it appears that we’re headed toward a MicroSD shortage, and if you haven’t already upgraded your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2’s storage capacity, you might want to do it ASAP.
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As first spotted by Nintendo Life, via a new report from Tom’s Hardware, MicroSD cards, specifically high-capacity MicroSD cards, are now the latest type of storage to find itself part of AI-led shortages.
“The larger versions of the popular series keep running out of stock,” Technohouse Toei, a computer store in Tokyo said. “This might drag on for a while.”
This relatively new phenomenon seems to be mostly affecting anything above 512GB, though things could quickly change. When it comes to the Switch 2, the lack of availability of standard MicroSD cards could push people towards the new and improved “Express” variety of cards, making things a lot more difficult for consumers who want to expand their Switch 2’s memory.
Those cards, which are compatible with the Switch 2, have already been the subject of some well-documented price increases, with a 1TB “Express” card often retailing for $200 or as close to it as possible. Things don’t stop there, though, as Tom’s Hardware further notes that Japanese storefronts are finding themselves running low on HDDs. Whatever is left on shelves has been subject to price hikes, too.
“It looks like large-capacity models are getting sucked up for AI use, so we aren’t getting any stock at all,” a shopkeeper said. “Everyone knows what’s going on, so even if the price goes up, the drives sell out immediately… and the cycle repeats.”
Somehow, MicroSD cards are not the only price increase that gamers could find themselves experiencing, as ongoing RAM shortages could soon force Microsoft to once again increase the price of its Xbox Series line of consoles, as it had failed to account for an AI-led shortage. Alternatively, Microsoft could simply stop production and let its console stock further erode.
Normally, I’m not one for hoarding things, especially tech-related things, but if building a PC is something you’d like to do in the future, then getting some RAM now while the price is relatively OK is probably a smart bet. Same thing with getting a MicroSD card or “Express” version if expanding your Switch or Switch 2 is in the cards. AI isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and things figure to only get way more pricey.
- Brand
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Nintendo
- Original Release Date
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June 5, 2025
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$449.99
- Operating System
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Proprietary
- Resolution
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1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- HDR Support
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Yes
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