🔥 The Secret Nintendo Doesn’t Want You to Know: Unlock NVMe Speeds on Your Switch 2 with This DIY Adapter!

12 Jun, 2025

If you're searching for a faster, more affordable way to upgrade storage on your Nintendo Switch 2, your answer might just be here. Thanks to NVNTLabs, the SDEX2M2 adapter unlocks the hidden potential of the Switch 2’s microSD Express slot—allowing users to connect full-blown M.2 NVMe SSDs via a small adapter. That means massive performance boosts and cheaper storage—without hacking the console’s firmware.

SDEX2M2 Adapter

Let's explore what this adapter does, how it works, what to watch out for, and which SSDs are best suited for it.

⚙️ What Is the SDEX2M2 Adapter?

The SDEX2M2 is a hardware adapter that connects an M.2 2230 NVMe SSD to the Nintendo Switch 2 using the microSD Express slot. SD Express (spec 7.1) includes PCIe Gen3 x1 lanes and NVMe protocol, and the Switch 2 supports this interface out of the box.

Instead of using a pricey SD Express memory card, this adapter lets you install a standard NVMe drive—essentially tricking the console into treating it like ultra-fast external storage.

🚀 Why Use NVMe Storage?

✅ Performance Boost

Standard microSD UHS-I: ~80–100 MB/s
SD Express / NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x1): up to 985 MB/s

That’s up to 10x faster load speeds, with smoother streaming and shorter install/update times.

✅ Better Value

512GB SD Express card: ~$100–120
1TB M.2 2230 SSD: as low as $80–90
2TB M.2 2230 SSD: ~$130

📋 Best Compatible SSD Models (M.2 2230)

Since the adapter draws power from the Switch’s microSD slot, power consumption is critical. You’ll want SSDs that are both compact and power-efficient—ideally drawing under 2W idle / ~3W peak.

🔹 Top Picks for Compatibility:

SSD Model	Capacity	Notes
WD SN740	256GB – 1TB	One of the most power-efficient SSDs available. 3.3V, low idle power.
Sabrent Rocket 2230	256GB – 2TB	Slightly higher power draw, but reported to run cool. Great value.
Kioxia BG5	512GB – 1TB	OEM-focused SSD with ultra-low idle power. Often found in laptops.
Lexar NM620 (2230 variant)	512GB – 1TB	Rare but occasionally available. Needs thermal consideration.
SK hynix PC801 / PC711	512GB – 1TB	Enterprise-grade efficiency, but may be harder to source.
Micron 2400	256GB – 1TB	Very low idle power, good thermal control, but less write endurance.
Samsung PM991a / PM9A1 (2230 OEM)	512GB – 1TB	High efficiency, widely used in ultraportables.

✅ Form Factor: All models listed are M.2 2230 (22mm x 30mm)

✅ Power Draw: Ideal for models under 3.5W peak with sub-1W idle

✅ Interface: PCIe Gen3 x4 (auto-negotiates to x1 in Switch 2)

⚠️ Important: Avoid using high-power SSDs designed for desktops or M.2 2280 form factor (e.g., Samsung 980 Pro, WD Black SN850)—they may not physically fit and can overload the microSD slot power delivery.

⚠️ Known Limitations of the Adapter

While this adapter is innovative, it’s still experimental and comes with some limitations:

No external power yet – The Switch 2 may not deliver enough juice for all SSDs
Error codes possible – Some users have reported error 2016-0641 when trying incompatible SSDs
Awkward form factor – The SSD sticks out the side and may block Joy-Con rails
No routed PCB in GitHub repo (yet) – Schematics and pinouts are available, but the board isn’t ready-to-print

🛠️ How to Build One (Coming Soon!)

The GitHub project includes:

Schematics in KiCad format
MicroSD card edge pinout map
Dummy SD shell STL files for 3D printing
BOM (bill of materials)

Still missing:

PCB Gerber files (design routing still in progress)
Firmware for MCU (optional, if you plan to manage power externally)

Stay tuned—once the routed board is complete, NVNTLabs or the community may begin offering pre-made kits or designs for JLCPCB orders.

🔮 Future Possibilities

This adapter opens the door to some exciting modding concepts:

🔌 Flex-PCB versions: SSDs flush-mounted into custom Joy-Con grips
🔋 External power via USB-C: For higher-performance SSDs
🧠 Co-processor modules: Wild idea—what if we routed PCIe to a USB4 expansion unit?
📦 Dock-compatible enclosures: Slide in a 2TB SSD while docked for instant expansion

✅ Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

If you’re a tech-savvy gamer or hardware enthusiast, the SDEX2M2 adapter is absolutely worth keeping an eye on—or even building yourself. It combines:

⚡ High performance
💰 Massive cost savings
🛠️ Open-source modding potential

But for everyday users? Not yet. Until NVNTLabs or a community vendor releases a plug-and-play version (with power delivery and flush housing), this project is best suited for skilled DIYers.