Best microSD Cards for Switch 2 and Action Cameras
The Switch 2 only takes microSD Express cards. GoPro cameras want regular V30 UHS-I cards. Don’t mix them up.
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Quick answer
The Switch 2 only takes microSD Express cards. GoPro cameras want regular V30 UHS-I cards. Don’t mix them up. Best for Switch 2: Samsung P9 microSD Express, $47.99. Nintendo-licensed for Switch 2: SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2, $98. Best for GoPro: SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Key facts at a glance
| Pick | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Switch 2 | Samsung P9 microSD Express | Switch 2 value | 256GB seen at $47.99–$59.99 |
| Nintendo-licensed for Switch 2 | SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 | officially licensed Switch 2 storage | 512GB seen at $98 |
| Best for GoPro | SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I | GoPro and action cameras | Check current price |
The Nintendo Switch 2 and GoPro-style action cameras need very different microSD cards.
Which should you buy? Our quick picks
How do they compare?
| Card | Type | Rated read | Use in | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung P9 Express | microSD Express | Up to 800MB/s | Switch 2 | Switch 2 value |
| SanDisk microSD Express for Switch 2 | microSD Express | 880MB/s | Switch 2 | Officially licensed Switch 2 storage |
| SanDisk Extreme | UHS-I, V30, A2 | 245MB/s | GoPro, drones, action cams | GoPro and action cameras |
| Lexar Silver Plus | UHS-I, V30, A2 | 205MB/s | GoPro (64–256GB) | GoPro alternative |
| Samsung PRO Plus | UHS-I, V30, A2 | 180MB/s | GoPro, action cams | Samsung fans |
The picks in detail
1. Samsung P9 microSD Express
Best for: Switch 2 valueSamsung’s P9 Express is rated up to 800MB/s in microSD Express devices like the Switch 2. It drops to UHS-I speeds (about 90MB/s) in older devices. The 256GB card has a $79.99 list price but has been seen at $47.99 (The Verge[3]) and $59.99 (Android Authority[4]).
Price (Oct 2026): 256GB seen at $47.99–$59.99 Source
Pros
- Often discounted
- Works in older devices at UHS-I speed
Cons
- Slower than UHS-I cards in non-Express devices
2. SanDisk microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2
Best for: officially licensed Switch 2 storageSanDisk’s Nintendo-licensed microSD Express card is rated at 880MB/s read and 650MB/s write. 9to5Toys[5] reported the 512GB version at $98 at Walmart, a 2026 low, after selling for up to $150.
Price (Oct 2026): 512GB seen at $98 Source
Pros
- Nintendo licensed
- Fastest rated read here
Cons
- Price swings a lot
3. SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I
Best for: GoPro and action camerasThe SanDisk Extreme is on GoPro’s recommended list. havecamerawilltravel names it a top pick for GoPro, at up to 245MB/s read.
Price (Oct 2026): Check current price Source
Pros
- On GoPro’s list
- Widely available
Cons
- Not for Switch 2 games
4. Lexar Professional SILVER PLUS microSDXC
Best for: GoPro alternativeLexar rates the Silver Plus at 205MB/s read and 150MB/s write. GoPro recommends the 64–256GB sizes but not the 512GB or 1TB versions.
Price (Oct 2026): Check current price Source
Pros
- Fast writes
- Recommended by GoPro (64–256GB)
Cons
- Stick to 256GB or smaller for GoPro
5. Samsung PRO Plus microSDXC
Best for: Samsung fansThe Samsung PRO Plus is on GoPro’s recommended list and is rated up to 180MB/s read.
Price (Oct 2026): Check current price Source
Pros
- On GoPro’s list
Cons
- Slowest rated read of the three GoPro picks
Also considered
GoPro also lists SanDisk Extreme Plus and Extreme Pro, Samsung EVO Plus, EVO Select and PRO Ultimate, Kingston Canvas Go! Plus and PNY PRO Elite. For full-size SD cards, see best SD cards for video.
Switch 2 rules
Nintendo says the Switch 2 only accepts microSD Express cards, up to 2TB. Save data always stays in system memory. Regular microSD cards can only be used to copy screenshots and videos. A microSD Express card also works in the original Switch, but at normal microSD speeds.
Action camera rules
GoPro recommends brand-name V30 cards rated A2, up to 1TB, for the HERO10 through HERO13. havecamerawilltravel notes that UHS-II brings no benefit in these cameras and that microSD Express and microSDUC cards aren’t compatible with the HERO13. For backups, see best portable SSDs for creators, and for vlogging cameras, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vs Sony ZV-E10 II.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my old microSD card in the Switch 2?
Can I use a microSD Express card in a GoPro?
What’s the largest card the Switch 2 supports?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- Nintendo Support: microSD Express card FAQ (en-americas-support.nintendo.com)
- Nintendo Support: Switch 2 microSD cards (en-americas-support.nintendo.com)
- The Verge: Samsung P9 256GB deal (theverge.com)
- Android Authority: Samsung P9 Express deal (androidauthority.com)
- 9to5Toys: SanDisk 512GB microSD Express for $98 (9to5toys.com)
- GoPro: microSD card considerations (community.gopro.com)
- havecamerawilltravel: GoPro SD card recommendations (havecamerawilltravel.com)
- Lexar: Professional Silver Plus microSDXC (americas.lexar.com)
- SanDisk: Extreme microSD (sandisk.com)
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