Players who upgrade from Nintendo Switch to Switch2 will find that the MicroSD memory card used in the old Switch is not compatible with the new console.Switch2 requires a MicroSD Express memory card to expand its 256GB built-in storage space.However, if the current supply shortage of ordinary MicroSD cards continues, this high-speed memory card may face dual pressures of supply shortage and rising prices.

Why does the shortage of ordinary memory cards affect MicroSD Express? The answer lies in artificial intelligence companies.According to an interview with Japan IT Media, although the growth in consumer demand for large-capacity MicroSD cards is part of the factor, the more important reason is that AI companies are snapping up all types of storage products, including mechanical hard drives, solid-state drives, and even ordinary MicroSD cards.

This massive rush to buy has led to tight supply and rising prices in the entire storage market.The MicroSD Express high-speed memory card required by Switch2 uses the same core components and production lines as ordinary MicroSD cards.When the production capacity and raw materials of ordinary cards are largely occupied by AI demand, the production of high-speed cards will naturally be affected, facing the dilemma of shortage of supply and rising prices.

A digital store owner revealed to IT Media: "The large-capacity models seem to have been absorbed by AI applications, and we can't get the goods at all. Everyone is aware of the current situation. Even if the price increases, the supply will be sold out immediately... and the cycle repeats."

When Switch2 was first launched, MicroSD Express cards were hard to come by.Today, as AI companies devour inventory and consumers gradually adopt the MicroSD series as a mainstream storage solution, shortages and price increases of Switch2 dedicated memory cards are inevitable.

Industry experts remind that if you plan to buy Switch2, it is best to include MicroSD Express memory cards in your purchase list in advance while you can still buy them, so as to avoid facing the situation of "hard to find a card" in the future.