Modders are working on MicroSD Express to M.2 adapters for Switch 2
Modders aim to lower Switch 2 storage costs with M.2 to MicroSD Express adapters
Nintendo’s Switch 2 console is now available, and gamers are quickly learning that storage expansion for this system is expensive. Nintendo’s new console requires fast MicroSD Express storage to run its games, and a 256GB card will set you back around £50. Now, the modding community is working on a less expensive solution, aiming to add M.2 storage support to Nintendo’s Switch 2 console.
1TB M.2 SSDs are available for around £50, giving Switch 2 users a much better value proposition. However, using such an SSD requires a MicroSD Express to M.2 adapter, which is something that NVNTLabs is working on, as documented on GitHub.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 console uses the SD Express 7.1 standard, which utilises PCIe lanes for storage connectivity. Since M.2 storage uses PCI Express, this can allow signals from M.2 SSDs to be sent to Nintendo’s Switch 2 console. Since the Switch 2’s MicroSD Express slot only uses one PCIe 3.0 lane, maximum SSD speeds will be limited by this interface. Regardless, this solution would still be faster than a MicroSD Express card. After all, PC-grade M.2 SSDs would saturate this interface.
(Nintendo’s Switch 2 requires expensive MicroSD Express cards for added storage)
Is M.2 storage for Switch 2 a good idea?
While the idea of having M.2 storage on Nintendo’s new console is attractive, it has its drawbacks. For starters, a full-sized PC SSD will likely use more power than a MicroSD Express card. Furthermore, an M.2 SSD would need to be installed somewhere. This means that Nintendo’s Switch 2 may need to be placed inside a case with a compatible adapter. Alternatively, the adapter could be an add-on that protrudes from the system. The M.2 SSD has to come somewhere. This could make installing a Switch 2 inside its dock a challenge. Would the add-on need to be removed before docking your Switch? Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of extra storage if you can’t access it while docked?
PC SSD support on Switch 2 presents many problems. While the idea is a good one, its implementation will be a challenge.
You can join the discussion on the modders working on MicroSD Express to M.2 adapters for Switch 2 on the OC3D Forums.
