Samsung P9 Card for Switch 2 Under $50

The Nintendo Switch 2's storage fills up faster than many gamers expect, especially given the size of modern games, which have long since outgrown a few gigabytes. That's why the current deals on the Samsung P9 MicroSD Express card look like a practical opportunity for anyone looking to expand their storage without spending a fortune. The 256GB model has dropped to around $48, while the 512GB version has hit $99 at several major retailers including Amazon and B&H Photo.

How good is this deal, really?

For comparison, the smaller model typically sold for around $80, while the 512GB capacity ranged between $150 and $200. That said, it's worth noting that both current prices are still above the cards' original launch prices — a direct result of the memory chip shortage that's squeezing the global market and driving up the cost of storage of every kind.

In other words, this isn't a return to pre-crisis pricing, but it's far better than the average we've seen in recent months, which makes it a sensible buying point for anyone who needs the space now and doesn't want to gamble on waiting for a bigger drop.

Why MicroSD Express specifically?

The Switch 2 doesn't accept conventional microSD cards for expanding game storage; it requires cards that follow the newer MicroSD Express standard. That standard relies on a far faster interface than its predecessor, and sequential read speeds on the P9 reach roughly 800 MB per second — a noticeable difference in load times and in performance stability when running games directly from the card.

But there's an important caveat: these peak speeds are only achievable on devices equipped with a MicroSD Express slot. Devices with a traditional microSD UHS-I slot — including many cameras, tablets, and drones — will still work with the card, but performance will be capped by the slot itself rather than the card.

How many games fit in these capacities?

To figure out the right size, it helps to look at actual game sizes:

• First-party Nintendo games usually range between 10 and 30GB each.
• The remastered version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time comes in at close to 27GB.
• Third-party games can be far larger; Cyberpunk 2077 alone takes up around 60GB.

On that basis, a 256GB card is enough for a respectable number of mid-sized games — roughly ten large titles, or far more if your library leans toward smaller indie games. The 512GB capacity, meanwhile, is the better fit for anyone who buys games digitally as a rule and doesn't want to delete older titles with every new release.

Compatibility beyond the Switch 2

Until recently, the Switch 2 was one of very few devices capable of taking full advantage of the MicroSD Express standard, which kept the market for these cards relatively limited. That picture has started to change, though, with support added to the Asus ROG Ally X20 this year. That handheld runs Windows 11, giving it considerable flexibility in running different game libraries — though its price is noticeably steep.

A wider circle of supported devices means two things: first, that your investment in a MicroSD Express card won't remain tied to a single device, and second, that competition in this card category is likely to grow, which should ultimately work in consumers' favor in terms of both price and choice.

Tips before you buy

• Make sure the card carries the MicroSD Express logo, not just conventional speed ratings like UHS-I or V30.
• Compare the price per gigabyte between the two capacities; the larger capacity is usually the better value over the long run.
• Buy from a trusted seller to avoid the counterfeit cards that are common in this category.
• Remember that memory prices are volatile right now, so these discounts may not last long.

All told, the Samsung P9 strikes a balanced compromise between speed, capacity, and price at a difficult moment for the market. Anyone who owns a Switch 2 and keeps running into the "not enough space" message will find this deal a direct and effective fix.

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