Modifiers are striving diligently to integrate an NVMe SSD into the Switch 2, an attempt that's remarkably commendable but something I personally won't be undertaking.
Modding the Nintendo Switch 2: Installing an NVMe SSD - Challenges and Solutions
Attempts have been made to upgrade the storage of the Nintendo Switch 2 by installing an NVMe SSD using an open-source project from NV&T Labs. However, the process faces numerous challenges due to the console's requirement for a specific microSD card controller that is not natively present in NVMe SSDs.
To modify the Nintendo Switch 2 to accept an NVMe SSD, a custom adapter PCB needs to be soldered and modified, converting the microSD Express slot (which physically supports PCIe Gen 3 x1 and NVMe protocol) into an M.2 NVMe 2230 SSD port. The Corsair MP600 Mini 1TB drive has been tested with this setup.
Once the SSD is installed, it needs to be formatted as exFAT to be recognised by the console. Unfortunately, despite the Switch 2 hardware supporting NVMe protocol over the microSD slot, the console expects a microSD card with a specific controller. The NVMe SSD does not natively emulate this controller, causing the system to throw errors like "Unable to access microSD card" when trying to use the SSD.
The main issue is the lack of proper emulation or translation between the NVMe SSD and the microSD controller expected by Nintendo. Currently, there is no widely available or straightforward firmware or software hack that can make an NVMe SSD masquerade as a microSD card controller. Modders have tried hardware adapters but the problem remains at the controller/protocol level, which is embedded in the microSD card firmware and recognised by the Switch 2.
One workaround discussed in modding communities involves using the Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express slot as-is for compatible microSD Express cards (which support PCIe Gen 3 x1 NVMe speeds but with the proper microSD controller). Until there's a custom firmware or controller chip emulation solution, the practical recommendation is to use large-capacity microSD Express cards (up to 2TB supported) rather than trying an SSD.
Despite these challenges, modders like Better Gaming have made attempts to connect a custom PCB and connectors, but encountered errors when trying to use the 1TB drive. The microSD Express slot in the Nintendo Switch 2 is located on the bottom of the device, which may cause concerns about data hanging off the bottom and potential damage from movement.
In summary, modding the Nintendo Switch 2 to install an NVMe SSD requires complex hardware and faces controller compatibility roadblocks. The current feasible expansion path remains through microSD Express cards, which provide PCIe/NVMe speeds compatible with the system's expected microSD controller.
References:
- Nintendo Switch 2 Modding: NVMe SSD Attempts and Challenges
- Nintendo Switch 2 MicroSD Express: The Best Storage Solution
- Nintendo Switch 2: The Controller Conundrum with NVMe SSDs
- Modders are finding it difficult to win the bet of modifying the Nintendo Switch 2 to accept an NVMe SSD, as the process is fraught with challenges, particularly due to the console's requirement for a specific microSD card controller.
- In an attempt to overcome the challenges, some modders are considering using the microSD Express slot in the Nintendo Switch 2 for compatible microSD Express cards, instead of trying to install an NVMe SSD.
- Despite the initial success in testing the Corsair MP600 Mini 1TB drive with the custom adapter PCB, distributing proper data-and-cloud-computing solutions like gaming saves and game updates remained a problem due to the lack of appropriate gadgets, such as an emulator or a controller chip.
- With the current state of technology and lack of a widely available or straightforward firmware or software hack, the most practical solution for seasoned modders lies in utilizing large-capacity microSD Express cards.
