Nintendo has just announced a new global partnership deal with Western Digital, a leading manufacturer of storage and memory solutions.
Since the advent of the New Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo introduced support for microSD flash memory to their beloved handheld system. The Nintendo Switch, which released earlier this year happens to also support flash memory in the form of microSD media.
Nintendo has decided to capitalize on the inherent need of expandable storage by teaming up with Western Digital, the manufacturer of the SanDisk brand of flash storage — the joint venture between the two companies aims in bringing Nintendo Switch branded MicroSD cards to market.
The Nintendo licensed SanDisk MicroSD cards will be available in two sizes, a 64GB variant, and a larger 128GB. Both cards will support read speeds up to 100mb/s and write speeds up to 90mb/s. In terms of aesthetics, the cards themselves look like your typical SanDisk fare, with an added and prominent Nintendo Switch logo right under the SanDisk branding.
The outer packaging of the forthcoming Nintendo Switch branded cards are much more interesting — with the 64GB card featuring key art from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, where as the 128GB sports packaging that features key art from Mario Kart 8 (specifically, art from the Wii U version of the game for whatever reason).
Nintendo promises that the upcoming MicroSD cards will be available at select retailers starting this October. Additionally, Nintendo will be encouraging retailers to place the special Nintendo Switch branded MicroSD cards next to other Nintendo products and Switch accessories, making it easier for consumers to find them.
“As more and more amazing games and related content become available for download on Nintendo Switch, our licensed memory cards allow users to quickly and easily expand their storage,” said Sven Rathjen, Vice President of Product Marketing, Client Solutions, Western Digital. “Nintendo Switch has generated tremendous momentum, and we are thrilled to partner with Nintendo to offer consumers a trusted card for their system.”
Currently, no price point has been announced for the upcoming Nintendo Switch branded MicroSD cards.
