Switch 2 games load much slower from cartridges than a microSD Express card or internal storage
The number of ways to play or store Switch 2 games can confuse buyers. In addition to cartridges, internal storage, and microSD Express cards, gamers can experiment with Game-Key Cards. For Nintendo fans who prioritize speed, a new benchmark compares these different formats. It's no shock that the console's built-in flash storage ranks first. Still, the fact that Switch 2 cartridges are significantly slower may surprise gamers.
YouTuber 4416Y used Mario Kart World to analyze the Switch 2 storage options. Pictured side by side, viewers see how quickly the console can boot the game from the Home Menu. Switch 2 specs include internal 256GB UFS storage, which wins the checkered flag with a time of 16.60 seconds. SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar microSD Express cards of various sizes finish second between 19.18 and 19.78 seconds. Finally, the cartridge or Game Card finishes in last place at 23.91 seconds.
If a title loads large amounts of data during gameplay, slower storage could impact performance. The inside of Switch 2 cartridges hasn't been dissected, but it's believed that they rely on non-volatile flash memory. Although the original Switch Game Cards use the same technology, the new cartridges have faster read speeds. Unfortunately, they still can't keep pace with other formats that the handheld supports.
Advocates of digital gaming have a new reason to support downloads over traditional mediums. Rumors suggest that Nintendo itself is limiting publishers to pricey 64GB cartridges. Without less expensive, smaller sizes available, companies can profit more from digital formats. Game-Key Card releases attempt to satisfy both camps by using physical media that rely on downloaded files.
Some fans wish that Nintendo would allow for installing Switch 2 games from Game Cards to internal storage. Game preservationists could then enjoy faster speeds while amassing a cartridge collection.
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