We’ve been wondering if Switch 2 games will feature massive file sizes, necessitating the need for its 256 GB internal storage (versus 32 GB and 64 GB on the Switch and Switch OLED). As it turns out, Switch 2 game file sizes are roughly equivalent to regular Switch game file sizes—if first-party Nintendo games are any indication.
First-Party Nintendo Games = Fine
Oddly, Kirby actually weighs 0.1 GB less on the Switch 2, suggesting that the pink puff has gone on a diet for his Switch 2 upgrade. This indicates first-party Nintendo games will be optimized well.
The only major outlier is Mario Kart World, which is a hefty 23.4 GB compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe‘s 11.3 GB. That’s almost half the size of the Switch 2’s kart racer. Yes, it’s a world of difference. I’ll see myself out now.
File Sizes
Mario Kart World – 23.4GB
Donkey Kong Bananza – 10GB
GameCube Nintendo Classics – 3.5GB
Super Mario Party Jamboree – 7.7GB (Switch 1 – 5.3GB)
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – 5.7GB (Switch 1 – 5.8GB)
Third-Party Games May Be Larger
Cyberpunk on the Switch 2 is around 64 GB, so large third-party games that aren’t optimized as well as first-party Nintendo games may be a problem. If you’re a third-party gamer, then you’ll need to seriously consider upgrading the storage.
Do You Need a Large MicroSD Express Card?
Overall, most Nintendo gamers probably won’t need a big microSD Express card, and you might be able to hold off on buying one completely until years down the road. Keep in mind that old microSD cards won’t work on the Switch 2; you’ll need a microSD Express card.
Third-party gamers who love open-world games like Cyberpunk will almost definitely want to buy a large microSD Express card.