Samsung P9 microSD Express for Switch 2 hits $120 (40% off)

Key Takeaways

• Samsung's 512GB P9 microSD Express card is 40% off at $119.99 at B&H, valid today only
• The 256GB version is 50% off at $39.99 on Amazon
• Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for game storage expansion, not standard microSD

Samsung's 512GB P9 microSD Express card is selling for $119.99 at B&H today, down from $199.99. That's 40% off one of the few storage cards that actually works with the Nintendo Switch 2's game expansion slot.

The deal is time-limited. If 512GB is overkill for your library, Amazon has the 256GB version at half price: $39.99, down from $79.99.

Why can't you use your old Switch microSD cards?

Nintendo's Switch 2 ships with 256GB of internal storage. That sounds reasonable until you consider that modern AAA titles routinely exceed 50GB. Three or four big games, and you're shopping for expansion.

Here's the catch: your old microSD cards from the original Switch won't cut it. The Switch 2 requires the newer microSD Express standard to play games directly from external storage. Standard microSD UHS-I cards max out around 100 MB/s. microSD Express cards use PCIe and NVMe protocols, hitting theoretical speeds up to 800 MB/s.

Faster is better, but faster costs more. microSD Express remains a niche standard, and prices reflect that scarcity.

How does the Samsung P9 compare?

Tom's Hardware tested the P9 and ranked it as the best 256GB budget microSD Express card for Switch 2. It's not the absolute fastest option, but the difference amounts to a few extra seconds when transferring files between your console and storage.

Samsung backs the P9 with a three-year warranty, longer than the one-year coverage most competitors offer. At $119.99 for 512GB, you're paying roughly $0.23 per gigabyte. That's competitive for microSD Express, a format where prices often stay above $0.30 per gigabyte.

The timing matters more than usual

Memory and storage chip prices are climbing. The current shortage, described by industry watchers as one of the worst in recent history, is now affecting consumer products like memory cards and flash drives. Waiting for prices to drop further is a gamble that might not pay off.

Both deals are marked as limited-time offers. The B&H discount on the 512GB model expires today. Amazon's 256GB deal carries similar urgency, though exact timing isn't specified.

Which capacity should you buy?

The math depends on your gaming habits. If you play primarily indie titles and Nintendo first-party games, the 256GB card at $39.99 adds meaningful headroom to your console's 256GB internal storage. That's half a terabyte total for under $40.

Heavy players who want several AAA third-party titles installed simultaneously should consider the 512GB option. At $119.99, you're getting three times the storage of the 256GB card for three times the price. No volume discount, but no penalty either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my old Switch microSD card work with Switch 2?

Standard microSD cards will work for general storage, but you need microSD Express cards to play games directly from the expansion slot. The Switch 2 requires the faster standard for game storage.

How fast is the Samsung P9 microSD Express?

microSD Express cards like the P9 can reach theoretical speeds up to 800 MB/s, compared to roughly 100 MB/s for standard microSD UHS-I cards.

Is 256GB enough storage for Switch 2?

It depends on your game library. AAA titles often exceed 50GB each, so the Switch 2's built-in 256GB fills quickly if you play large third-party games.

How long is the Samsung P9 warranty?

Samsung provides a three-year warranty on the P9, which is longer than the one-year warranty typical of competing brands.

Where can I buy the Samsung P9 on sale?

The 512GB model is $119.99 at B&H. The 256GB version is $39.99 at Amazon. Both are limited-time deals.

Source: Latest from Tom's Hardware