A groundbreaking third-party project could revolutionize storage expansion for Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console. Engineering collective NVNT Labs is developing an adapter that converts the system’s rumored microSD Express slot into a functional port for blisteringly fast M.2 2230 SSDs—potentially unlocking unprecedented load speeds and affordable high-capacity storage for gamers.
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Concept visualization of the adapter (Image: NVNT Labs)
Why This Matters
While the Switch 2 (codenamed "NG") remains officially unannounced, leaks suggest it will support microSD Express—a format theoretically capable of *PCIe 3.0-level speeds*. Traditional microSD cards max out around 160MB/s, but NVNT’s adapter could enable M.2 NVMe SSDs pushing 3,500MB/s or higher. For gamers, this means near-instant game loads, smoother open-world streaming, and terabytes of storage at PC-grade prices.
Inside the Project
The open-source adapter, now in active prototyping, repurposes the Switch 2’s slot to interface with widely available 2230-sized SSDs (common in Steam Decks and Surface devices). Early tests show promising data-transfer benchmarks, though thermal management and power draw remain key challenges.
🔧 Get Technical: Dive into schematics and contribute to the project on NVNT Labs’ GitHub.
Real-World Demo Surfaces
A proof-of-concept video recently published on Bilibili demonstrates the adapter reading an SSD through modified Switch 2 dev hardware. Watch the prototype in action here:
Bilibili Prototype Demonstration
Caveats and Considerations
- Not Official: This is a community-driven solution, risking potential incompatibility with Nintendo’s final hardware or OS.
- Physical Constraints: The adapter may protrude slightly, impacting portability.
- Power Limits: M.2 SSDs consume more energy than microSD cards—battery life trade-offs are likely.
What’s Next?
NVNT Labs aims to refine the design for consumer-ready 3D printing and PCB manufacturing by late 2025. Follow their progress via this pivotal development thread:
NVNT Labs X/Twitter Update
The Big Picture
If successful, this adapter could democratize elite storage performance for Switch 2 owners, sidestepping Nintendo’s historically pricey proprietary solutions. As one Reddit user quipped: "Finally, a reason to reuse my Steam Deck’s old SSD!"
*Disclaimer: Nintendo has not commented on third-party hardware compatibility. Project success hinges on unconfirmed Switch 2 specifications.*
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