Summary

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 will require an update before the system can support microSD Express cards.
  • An update will also be needed to activate the Switch 2's new surround sound effect in its built-in speakers.
  • It's unclear when these updates will be released, though many are hoping they will be available on launch day.

The recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct unveiled a lot about the upcoming console, but some of the features revealed in the presentation will require a system update before being available for use. While the Direct answered a lot of lingering questions, it still left some details unclear. Now that more specifics on the Nintendo Switch 2 are available on the company's website, fans have realized that some of the announced upgrades come with a catch.

Nintendo's much-hyped April 2 Direct was full of surprising Switch 2 reveals on top of the details that audiences already expected. The June 5, 2025, release date and $450 price tag were largely in line with previous rumors and expectations, but there was plenty of unexpected information, too. In addition to a slew of third-party games and surprise Nintendo titles, the Switch 2 will come with some hardware functionality that the rumor mill didn't catch wind of, but some of these won't be available from the get-go.

nintendo switch 2 hands on preview
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Nintendo has confirmed the specifics of all the features and specs announced during the Direct. One of the biggest takeaways the presentation did not go over is that the console will require an update to support microSD Express cards. While the Switch 2 has 256GB of internal storage, many fans will want more, but they can't expand it with the same microSD cards they may have used on the original Switch. Regular microSD cards won't work, as the new system requires the faster read/write speeds of the Express standard. Even if someone already has compatible expandable storage, though, they'll need to update their console before they can use it, and it's unclear if this will be available on day one.

Nintendo Switch 2 Requires Update for Expandable Storage and Surround Sound Effects

Similarly, the Switch 2's new surround sound effect in its built-in speakers won't be available until after users update their consoles. People playing in Docked mode or taking advantage of the new headphone jack on the Switch 2 Pro Controller won't notice that missing feature, but it is worth noting for those who mainly play in handheld or tabletop mode. Like with the microSD Express support, Nintendo did not specify when this update would come out.

The wait for these features will likely not be long. Nintendo could very well address both in a day-one update, but for now, the timeline remains uncertain. Whenever the update does come, fans can test out all the new features in its newly announced tech demo, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, although Nintendo is making the odd choice to sell Switch 2 Welcome Tour as a paid game, not a free download, so it may not be worth it to everyone.