Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express to M.2 2230 SSD adapter under development

Unlike most handheld consoles on the market, like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, MSI Claw and Lenovo Legion Go, the Nintendo Switch 2 does not offer expandable M.2 SSD storage. For that, you have to use the included microSD Express slot with an appropriate card.

A modder aims to rectify that with some hardware and software trickery. NVNTLabs over at GitHub has started work on a converter that can convert a microSD Express card to an M.2 2230 SSD. On paper, it is possible because the microSD Express can be translated to an SD Express PCIe Gen3 x1 interface. The project is still in its early stages and might require some time before completion.

A Bilibili user (8:15 mark) attempted to use the adapter on their brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 only to be greeted with an error message (2016-0641). Nintendo's support website says this code corresponds to an error with the SD card, further confirming the project is far from complete.

If successful, a simple dongle allows for even greater expansion options for the Nintendo Switch 2. Currently, a 256 GB microSD Express card costs about $56 (~4.5 GB per dollar) on Amazon. For $99, you can get a 1 TB WD Black M.2 2230 NVMe SSD (~10.10 GB per dollar), which works out to be much cheaper. And, the PCIe Gen 3 interface could also help reduce loading times.