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The Verge
3 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
Here's where you can buy microSD Express cards for the Nintendo Switch 2
All microSD cards look pretty much the same, but when it comes to buying the right one for your Nintendo Switch 2, only microSD Express cards will work for storing and playing games. The microSD card you used in your original Switch or Switch Lite will offer limited functionality with Nintendo's new handheld, as it will only let you view screenshots or video clips you captured previously — that's it. That's because Nintendo opted for a significantly faster spec in its new handheld console, which boasts an advertised 4.4x improvement in terms of transfer speeds over the microSD cards you might already have lying around. That improvement is signified by a small, easy-to-miss 'EX' emblem etched onto the front of the card. What's harder to miss is how much more expensive Express cards are, with some costing more than $50 for just 256GB of storage. The Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards up to 2TB in size, although 1TB is the largest capacity widely available (that's an overstatement, as many are sold out currently), with some cards selling for up to $200 a pop. Phew. I suppose it makes sense that they're pricier since they're classified as bonafide PCIe NVMe SSDs by the SD Association. Walmart's Onn label is a beacon of light, as its microSD Express cards are significantly cheaper than the competition, with its 512GB model costing $65.88 when it's in stock. Thankfully, since the Switch 2 has 256GB of built-in storage, you most likely won't need a microSD Express card immediately upon receiving your console. Getting a microSD card was a rite of passage with the original Switch since all versions, aside from the newer OLED edition that launched in 2021, came with just 32GB. If you're in the market for one of these pricier storage expansion cards ahead of the console's launch, we've listed the available options below.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Here's How the Switch 2 Specs Compare to the Original
Nintendo Switch 2 preorders are currently underway (if you can manage to find a store with inventory, that is). As we approach the console's June 5 launch date, it's worth getting a bit reflective: The Switch as a product line is now more than eight years old, and Nintendo has made some significant changes with this latest device. If you have a Switch and are thinking about picking up a Switch 2, you might be wondering how these two generations of consoles compare. Now, Nintendo didn't just release one console during the Switch era: It released three. There's the original Switch, the Switch OLED, and the Switch Lite. I'm taking a look at all three and comparing their specs to the new Switch 2. While we'll need to wait for reviews to directly compare the overall experience of these different devices, we can at least get a sense for them on paper. Dimensions Right off the bat, all of Nintendo's Switches feel very different. The Switch 2 is the largest, coming in at 4.5 inches tall by 10.7 inches wide by 0.55 inches thick. That's with the Joy-Con 2s attached, mind you. Nintendo says the thickness from the tip of the joysticks to the ZL/ZR buttons is 1.2 inches. It weighs 0.88 lbs on its own, or 1.18 lbs with the Joy-Cons attached. The original Switch is smaller: It's 4 inches by 9.4 inches by 0.55 inches. (The joysticks to the ZL/ZR buttons is 1.12 inches.) It also weighs a little less: 0.66 lbs without Joy-Cons, or 0.88 with. It's interesting to note that the Switch 2's display is equal to the weight of the original Switch with Joy-Cons attached. The Switch OLED is quite similar to the original Switch in footprint: It's 4 inches by 9.5 inches by 0.55 inches, with the same Joy-Con dimensions as the OG Switch. However, it's right in the middle when it comes to weight: 0.71 lbs without Joy-Cons, and 0.93 with. The Switch Lite is the smallest of all: The handheld is 3.6 inches by 8.2 inches by 0.55 (the joysticks and ZL/ZR buttons add the same 1.12 inches, despite being built into the unit) and it weighs 0.61 lbs. Display The Switch 2 has the largest screen of any Nintendo device ever. It comes with a 7.9 inch LCD, with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. It supports HDR10, and has a VRR (variable refresh rate) of up to 120Hz. The original Switch also uses LCD for the screen, but its display is much smaller: The OG has a 6.2-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 x 720. There is no HDR support, and the display supports a refresh rate of 60Hz. It's the same situation with the Switch Lite, only it has an even smaller 5.5-inch LCD (this is the most portable Switch, after all). The Switch OLED, of course, has an OLED display. That means that each of the pixels on this Switch's display can be shut off individually, which allows for much deeper blacks than an LCD can reproduce. Still, the Switch OLED's display is 7 inches, nearly a full inch smaller than the Switch 2, with no HDR support. It's also the same 720p resolution as the original Switch, so you won't see as much detail as compared to Nintendo's latest console. Video output and dock Nintendo limits the Switch's resolution in handheld mode, likely for battery reasons. But when docked, you can push the console further. For example, the Switch 2 supports a maximum resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160) at 60 fps when connected to a TV. If you want to boost your game's frame rate to 120 fps (assuming the game supports it) you'll need to drop the resolution to at least 1440p, but you can also use 1080p if you like. The OG Switch and Switch OLED both support the same 1080p maximum resolution when docked. The Switch Lite doesn't support video output, since it's meant to be played exclusively in handheld mode. In order to output to a TV, you need a dock. The Switch 2 dock is quite similar to the OLED Switch dock: It's slightly larger, but comes with the same dual USB 2.0 ports, as well as a LAN port. The original Switch dock came with an extra USB 2.0 port, but no LAN port. The biggest difference here, however, is the Switch 2's dock now has a fan for active cooling, which makes sense for some of those more intense game play modes. Joy-Cons The Switch's detachable controllers are called "Joy-Cons," and they're an iconic component of this particular Nintendo era. The new Joy-Cons, called Joy-Con 2, are 4.57-inches tall, 0.56 inches wide, and 1.2 inches thick. The left Joy-Con is 2.3 ounces, while the right is 2.4 ounces. That might have something to do with the right Joy-Cons "C-Button," which you can use for the new GameChat feature. Nintendo's official spec page for its devices appears to be wrong for the original Joy-Cons, so I've sourced it from this specific Joy-Con page: The original Joy-Cons are 4.02 inches by 1.41 inches by 1.12 inches. The left Joy-Con is 1.73 ounces, while the right is 1.84 ounces. While all Joy-Cons support HD Rumble (Nintendo's brand name for haptic feedback), the new Joy-Cons support HD Rumble 2, a newer standard. Most notably, however, the Joy-Con 2s support Mouse Mode, a feature that lets you use the Joy-Cons on a flat surface like a computer mouse. You also don't connect the Joy-Con 2s to the Switch 2 the same way as you do the originals: These connect magnetically (yes, they're strong magnets.) While you don't slide the Joy-Cons into rails like you do on the OG Switch, you do still release them via buttons on the back of the controllers. All Joy-Con models use Bluetooth 3.0, support NFC, and have the same battery stats: It takes three and a half hours to fully charge them, and you get 20 hours of play time on one charge. Battery Surprisingly, the Switch 2 does not make improvements to the Switch family's battery life—despite having the largest battery of all. The Switch 2's 5220mAh battery can run anywhere from two to 6.5 hours. (Nintendo warns that these are rough estimates and that battery life depends on the specific games you play.) Compare that to the original Switch and Switch OLED, both of which have a 4310mAh battery, and can run from 4.5 hours to nine hours. The Switch Lite (3570mAh) beats it too, with a range of three to seven hours. This isn't wholly surprising: The Switch 2 is quite a bit more powerful than the original Switches, so running a high-performing game at 120 fps is going to consume much more power than a 720p game running at 60 or 30 fps, or below. All consoles charge in about three hours when they're in sleep mode. Storage and communications The Switch 2's games are likely the largest Nintendo has ever made, since the console is capable of much higher resolutions and frame rates than past generations. As such, it makes sense for Nintendo to pack more internal storage here: 256GB to be exact. The OG Switch and Switch Lite, on the other hand, only ship with 32GB of internal storage, while the Switch OLED offers 64GB. If you need more space, you can expand that storage with a microSDHC or microSDXC card on these models. Switch 2 also supports expanded memory, but specifically MicroSD Express cards, which limits the flexibility here. Switch 2 supports Wi-Fi 6, a step up from Wi-Fi 5 on the original Switches. Those Switches support Bluetooth 4.1, while Nintendo says the Switch 2 supports "Bluetooth" without any additional information. It likely supports a newer standard than that, seeing as it's launching eight years after the original, but we don't know for sure at this point. The Switch 2 also has a second USB-C port on the top of the unit. This is a great change that makes it possible to charge your Switch with the kickstand out. Audio and video chat For the first time, a Nintendo console has camera support. The Switch 2 lets you connect a webcam for use with GameChat, so you can see your friends while playing games—and they can see you. Nintendo sells a camera of its own, but you can use some third-party webcams as well. The Switch 2 also has a built-in microphone for voice chat. That way, you can talk to your friends over GameChat with or without a camera—though I'm not sure how well they'll be able to hear you if your console and TV are across the room. Speaking of audio, the Switch 2 supports "3D Audio," which the company advertises as a more immersive audio experience. Essentially, sounds should seem like they're coming from where they originate in the game. (If a Mario Kart racer is on your tail, you should hear their engine "behind" you.) Games When it comes down to it, the most important element of any console is its library of games. The Switch 2, like any new console, does have exclusives, though there aren't as many as you might think—at least not at launch. Some of the notable upcoming titles you will only be able to play on Switch 2 at this time are Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Drag X Drive, Hyrule Warriors Age of Imprisonment, Kirby Air Riders, and Elden Ring Tarnished Edition. There are also the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition titles—original Nintendo Switch games with graphical boosts thanks to the upgraded hardware. That includes both Switch Zeldas (Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom), Super Mario Part Jamboree + Jamboree TV, Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star Crossed World, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, and Pokémon Legends ZA. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, Switch 2 also supports GameCube titles. At launch, that includes The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur II, and F-Zero GX, but more are on the way. You can buy Switch 2 games physically or digitally, but not all physical games are going to ship with the game itself. That's because some of these titles are "game-key cards," which contain the "key" to let you download the game from the internet. Then, you can play the game—as long as you have the game-key inserted in your Switch. It's peculiar, but worth mentioning here, since the original Switch doesn't operate that way. As you might expect, the Switch 2 can play Switch 1 games, but you might not consider this truly backwards compatible. That's because the Switch 2 uses emulation to play Switch 1 games, and not all games play well via this emulation. Hopefully, Nintendo irons out the issues here, but in case they don't, you might not want to trade-in your old Switch to pay for a Switch 2 if you want to continue playing Switch 1 games. Kickstand Nintendo continues to advance the kickstand with each Switch model. The original features a small, skinny stand that was prone to snapping off (though easily reattached via magnets). The Switch OLED greatly improved upon this design, by making the kickstand take up the full width of the console, and support more angles. The Switch 2 has a kickstand that allows for even greater variety of play angles. It's not a huge change, but worth a nod. Price The Switch 2 was spared a price increase from the tariffs: The console runs for $449.99, or $499.99 if you want Mario Kart World bundled in. You probably want that deal, as the game costs $79.99 on its own. Not all Switch 2 games cost $80: Donkey Kong Bananza costs $69.99, but Nintendo is no longer the company for $60 games across the board. The original Switch retails for $299.99, while the Switch OLED goes for $349.99. The Lite originally launched for $199.99, but you can frequently find it on sale.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Best Nintendo Switch Deals: Grab the Switch OLED and Get Super Mario Bros Wonder for Free
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been revealed by Nintendo, and we're expecting it to launch later this year. That means we'll finally be getting an upgrade to the excellent Switch, but it doesn't mean the original model is useless. It's still a great console for family or younger users, and you can save some decent money on it if you know how. And since the Switch 2 isn't expected to arrive now until the summer, it's a good time to expand your gaming setup without breaking the bank by taking advantage of online offers from Nintendo and other retail outlets. CNET's resident gaming expert, Scott Stein, along with our dedicated deals team, has scoured the web to bring you the best bargains on games and accessories -- and even a few bundle deals that can help you save some cash on a Switch console. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. We'll continue to update this page as offers come and go, so you can check back anytime for the latest slate of savings. The best Nintendo Switch deal right now is Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for $45 at Woot. The delightful 2D platformer only launched in the middle of January and is already down by $15. It might be a remaster of the 2010 game that was originally made for the Nintendo Wii but it still holds up well. It's colorful, inventive and a fun adventure for kids and adults. The Nintendo Switch OLED is an incredible upgrade over the original model for those who love the handheld side of things. The screen is just better in every possible regard, and it still has all of the great games, too. This is a Singapore version of the console, but it will work in the exact same way as a US model, according to Woot, and has only been opened to swap out the power adapter for a US-compatible one. See at Woot Similarly, Woot has this Singapore version of the excellent Switch Lite, which will work in exactly the same way as a US model. You can choose from a few different colors at this price and save $35 versus buying from somewhere like Amazon or Best Buy. See at Woot This refurbished bundle includes a Switch OLED with its stunning screen, and the excellent Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The standard its refurbished to means it's got minimal cosmetic damage that shouldn't be noticeable at arm's length. See at Woot The Switch OLED boasts a substantially nicer screen than the original that's capable of brighter colours and agenerally crisper feel. This bundle not only nets you that model for its normal price but also comes with the excellent Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the latest Mario game, and a three-month subscription to Nintendo Online as well. See at Best Buy While no direct discounts are up for grabs on a Nintendo Switch Lite at the moment, the best option out there is to pick up the Zelda-themed Switch and get 12 months of Switch Online thrown in for free. This is a saving of $40 with the expansion pack costing $50 for a year and the Switch Lite usually going for $200. See at Best Buy This case can fit just about any version of the Switch device including the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch OLED. This case also features two game card cases that each hold 4 games and two microSD card cases that each hold 2 cards. This way you can bring everything you need in this one case. It also has a carrying handle for comfortable transportation. See at Target The PowerA enhanced controller is built to mimic the feel of the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, which earned it a top spot on our list of the best Switch controllers for 2024. Along with having a decent battery life and a rechargeable battery built-in, it also has motion controls and special thumbsticks that prioritize comfort and control. See at Amazon Memory upgrades might not be the fanciest thing you can buy, but you'll appreciate them in the long run. This microSD card from Lexar has a massive 1TB capacity, which is enough for a lot of Switch games, and it even has Mario colors. See at Amazon This excellent platformer is a remaster of a 2010 game, but it translates brilliantly onto Switch. It also only came out in January, so saving 25% on it already is excellent value. See at Woot Super Mario Odyssey: $40 (save $20) Princess Peach Showtime: $45 (save $15) Pokemon Scarlet/Violet: $43 (save $18) Luigi's Mansion 3: $45 (save $15) Kirby and the Forgotten Land: $40 (save $20) Just Dance 2025: $25 (save $25) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: $42 (save $18) Super Smash Bros Ultimate: $43 (save $17) The Legend of Zelda - Echoes of Wisdom: $45 (save $10) Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: $20 (save $20) Paper Mario - The Thousand Year Door: $43 (save $17) The Nintendo Switch 2 has now been announced. However, don't expect any major discounts on the original Switch model. Eight years may have passed since the console first hit store shelves, but Nintendo likes to keep its hardware and first-party games as close to their standard costs as possible. That said, it's still possible to score some savings if you get a little creative. We tend to round up the best console bundles out there, which come with free games or a Nintendo Switch Online subscription that saves you money overall. If you find one with a game you already know you want to buy, these bundle deals are a fantastic way to keep costs down. It's possible that a price cut might happen in April when the Switch 2 is unveiled in full, though in the meantime this is the best you'll get outside of major holiday events.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nintendo boss says it's not Switch 2's fault that Switch sales are "below expectations," and the company will keep selling the old console "as long as there is demand"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Nintendo acknowledges in a new financial highlights report that its Switch sales are currently underperforming, but president Shuntaro Furukawa insists the company will continue to sell the 2017 console as long as there's anyone out there to buy it. "Although Nintendo Switch hardware and software sales through the third quarter were below expectations, Nintendo Switch continues to be enjoyed by many people," Nintendo says in its report. "Going forward, we will continue to release new offerings so even more consumers keep playing Nintendo Switch." Furukawa echoed the point to Japanese newspaper The Sankei Shimbun, saying, according to a DeepL translation, that Nintendo will keep the Switch on the market "as long as there is demand." So you'll be able to purchase the console even after the Switch 2 releases some time this year. That is, if you aren't already facing Switch fatigue, which Nintendo's recent financial results reveal many people are coming down with. The company specifies in additional financial material that its net sales are down 31.4% from the end of 2024, and that its net profit has likewise sunk 41.9%. Switch sales – including Switch Lite and OLED models – have dropped from 13.7 million units sold to 9.5 million year-on-year. But The Sankei Shimbun reports that Furukawa doesn't think that the Switch 2's looming release is to blame or, at least, "we don't think the impact of reluctance to buy [the Switch because of the Switch 2] is that great." After nearly eight years on the market – earning it the honor of being Nintendo's longest-lasting console – the Switch was always bound to face a sales slump. Ex-PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida says Switch 2 "could have been a larger reveal" and "the only surprise to me was that mice thing that they showed." Sign in to access your portfolio
