Samsung P9 microSD Express cards drop to $48 as Switch 2 storage crunch intensifies

Key points

• The 256GB Samsung P9 card is priced at $47.99, down from a recent $80 average, while the 512GB version costs $99.
• The cards feature sequential read speeds up to 800MB/s and are compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II devices, including the Switch 2 and Asus ROG Ally X20.
• The 256GB price is below its original launch cost, but the 512GB price remains higher than its initial release due to ongoing memory shortages.
• First-party Switch 2 games typically range from 10 to 30GB, while third-party titles like Cyberpunk 2077 can reach 60GB, necessitating expansion for large libraries.
• The deal is available at Amazon and B&H Photo, offering a 36-40% discount compared to recent retail prices.

Background

The current pricing reflects a broader market trend where memory shortages have inflated storage costs since early 2026. Earlier reports indicated that 1TB cards exceeded $300, and a leaked 2TB card from Suneast remains unpriced and unreleased. Additionally, the surge in physical game-key card sales in 2026 suggests a shift in consumer behavior, but digital storage remains critical for the Switch 2’s performance. The upcoming 2027 release slate, including titles like Metroid Ravenous and Final Fantasy VII Revelation, is expected to strain the console’s 256GB internal storage, making external expansion a likely necessity for many users.

How outlets are covering it

The Verge emphasizes the immediate value of the discount, noting the 256GB card is now cheaper than its launch price, while 9to5Toys highlights the 40% reduction from recent highs, framing it as a rare opportunity amid price hikes. Shattered.io provides a technical perspective, arguing that while the 256GB card is affordable, the 2027 release schedule may require larger capacities, with 1TB cards costing nearly $300. The outlets agree on the card’s speed and compatibility but differ on urgency: The Verge and 9to5Toys focus on the deal’s immediate savings, whereas Shattered.io suggests users should plan for larger capacities due to upcoming large-scale titles. All sources acknowledge the memory shortage as a key driver for elevated prices, but only Shattered.io details the specific 2027 release dates that could impact storage needs.

Why it matters

The discount provides a cost-effective solution for Switch 2 users facing storage limits, especially as the 2027 game lineup includes large titles that may exceed the console’s 256GB internal capacity. The price drop counters the recent memory shortage-driven hikes, making expansion more accessible. For users planning to play multiple large games, the 512GB option, though still above launch prices, offers a balance between cost and capacity. The deal also highlights the growing importance of microSD Express standards in gaming hardware, as the Switch 2 and other devices like the Asus ROG Ally X20 rely on these speeds for optimal performance.

What to watch

Prices for microSD Express cards may continue to fluctuate due to the global memory shortage, but the current discount offers a temporary reprieve. Users should monitor the 2027 release schedule, as titles like Metroid Ravenous and Final Fantasy VII Revelation could push storage needs beyond 256GB. The SD Association’s announcement of SD 9.1 technology, with speeds up to 2GB/s, may eventually impact pricing and compatibility, but no Switch 2 support is confirmed yet. For now, the Samsung P9 remains a viable option for those needing immediate expansion, with the 256GB card being the most cost-effective choice for moderate libraries.