Key Takeaways
1. The Switch 2 offers various storage options: internal storage, microSD Express cards, and Game-Key Cards, affecting game loading times.
2. Internal storage (256GB UFS) performs the best, booting games in 16.60 seconds, while microSD Express cards range from 19.18 to 19.78 seconds, and cartridges take 23.91 seconds.
3. Slower storage options could impact gameplay performance, especially for games that require loading large amounts of data.
4. Nintendo may be limiting publishers to expensive 64GB cartridges, encouraging a shift towards digital sales over physical media.
5. There are hopes that Nintendo will allow games from Game Cards to be installed in internal storage for faster loading and better game preservation.
The various options for playing or storing Switch 2 games can make it hard for customers to decide. Besides cartridges, there’s internal storage, microSD Express cards, and even Game-Key Cards to think about. Nintendo fans who care about speed can look at a new benchmark that compares these different formats. It might not be surprising that the console’s built-in flash storage comes out on top, but the slower performance of Switch 2 cartridges could catch some gamers off guard.
YouTuber’s Analysis
YouTuber 4416Y took a closer look at the Switch 2 storage options using Mario Kart World for his test. In the video, viewers can see how fast the console boots the game right from the Home Menu. The Switch 2 has 256GB UFS internal storage, which achieves a speedy time of 16.60 seconds. Meanwhile, microSD Express cards from brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar take second place with times ranging from 19.18 to 19.78 seconds. Lastly, the Game Card or cartridge lags behind, clocking in at 23.91 seconds.
Impact on Gameplay
When a game needs to load a lot of data during play, having slower storage could really affect how it performs. The internals of Switch 2 cartridges haven’t been fully examined, but many think they use non-volatile flash memory. While the original Switch Game Cards have the same tech, the newer cartridges do offer quicker read speeds. Sadly, they still can’t match the performance of other storage formats that the handheld supports.
Digital Gaming Shift
Supporters of digital gaming now have a new reason to favor downloads over traditional physical media. There are rumors that Nintendo is restricting publishers to costly 64GB cartridges. Because smaller, cheaper options aren’t available, companies stand to gain more from digital sales. The release of Game-Key Cards tries to cater to both sides by providing physical media that depends on downloaded content.
Some fans are hoping that Nintendo will let users install Switch 2 games from Game Cards into internal storage. This way, game preservation enthusiasts could enjoy faster load times while building up their cartridge collections.
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