New SD Express 8.0 cards double the speed of today's fastest microSDs
1.6GB/s read speeds come as Switch 2 pushes next-gen memory demand
Rarely used microSD Express cards sell out in Japan after Switch 2 unveiling
Nintendo Switch 2 requires microSD Express, which only SanDisk and Lexar currently offer
Bottom line: The SD Express standard for memory cards initially debuted in 2018 but has seen virtually no use because most devices don't meet its bandwidth specifications. The Nintendo Switch 2 might be the first widely available product that requires microSD Express, and its unveiling has already sparked a substantial sales spike for the format.
microSD and SD Card Buying Guide: Speed Classes & What to Buy
Portable flash memory has never been more versatile, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the widespread availability of high-speed, large-capacity microSD and SD cards these days. In this guide, we explain all the speed classes, plus give you handy buying recommendations.
Kioxia develops functional 2TB microSDXC memory card prototype
The microSDXC spec has long supported 2TB capacities
Micron lays claim to the world's largest microSD card at 1.5TB
The roomy microSD card can store up to four months of continuous video footage
Samsung Pro Endurance microSD cards offer up to 16 years of continuous recording
Samsung's "six-proof" durability measures should help these cards stand the test of time
Samsung reveals its latest microSD and SD cards, now faster and more durable
One for pros, one for casual users
Valve's Steam Deck can play games off an SD card just fine, and that's a big deal
Expandable storage shouldn't be a major bottleneck on the Steam Deck
SanDisk 1TB microSD cards up for pre-order at $450
Storing a lot of games for a lot of dollars
SanDisk and Micron unveil 1TB microSD cards at MWC 2019
High capacity for a high price
MicroSD Express allows for "removable SSD" levels of performance
Speeds top out at 985MB/s
microSD Card Buying Guide: Classes, Speeds & What to Buy
If it's been a while since you've bought portable flash memory, you might be surprised by the broad availability and affordability of high speed, high capacity microSD cards. Commonly used to expand the storage in devices ranging from smartphones to drones, microSD cards are becoming more frequently purchased than any other SD form factors, although full sized cards remain popular among digital camera owners.
HyperX launches microSD card line targeting gamers
Available in capacities of 64GB, 128GB and 256GB
SD Express combines PCIe and NVMe for nearly 1GB/s transfer rates
SATA SSDs just gained some unexpected competition
Samsung EVO+ 256GB MicroSD Review: Tiny footprint, big on performance
The Samsung EVO+ 256GB has been rated for read and write speeds of up to 90MB/s. With 256GB at your disposal, users can now record up to 12 hours of 4K UHD video or 33 hours of Full HD video or store up to 55,200 photos without needing to change or replace the memory card.
