Developers are currently working on an open-source hardware and software solution designed to convert the signal used by MicroSD Express into a format compatible with NVMe SSDs. This would make it possible to connect and operate an NVMe drive through a MicroSD Express interface, potentially opening the door for faster storage options on devices that normally rely on microSD cards.
The entire project is fully open-source, allowing anyone to study the design, contribute improvements, or adapt the technology for their own experiments and devices.
Github repository can be found here: https://github.com/NVNTLabs/switch2-SDEX2M2
Info from their Github Readme
SDEX2M2 (MicroSD Express to M2) is an adapter for the Nintendo Switch 2 which converts the MicroSD Express slot to a NVME M.2 (M-Key) slot. Think MicroSD Express cards are difficult to find or expensive? Looking to expand your storage for cheaper? Just use the NVME M.2 SSD that you have, and/or can easily find! The project is open source hardware under the GPLv3 License.
This project also encompasses the sister-project of "MicroSD Express to SD Express" adapter, which is a pin-to-pin conversion kit allowing full size SD Express cards to be used on the Nintendo Switch 2.
How is this possible?
This is possible because the Nintendo Switch 2's MicroSD Express slot supports the SD Express 7.1 standard, which exposes a true PCIe Gen3 x1 interface and utilizes the NVMe protocol for communication.
This adapter simply maps PCIe x1 from the Switch 2’s MicroSD Express slot to a standard M.2 2230 NVMe SSD. After further research and review from users, an onboard mcu/fpga will be required for the handshake process with the Switch 2.
Currently, we've developed a sniffer board which will be used to facilitate this.
Status
Work in progress. Currently, a prototype with handshake capability with the Switch 2 and also designs for the final product design are being worked on.
An early proof of concept prototype of the SDEX2M2 MicroSD Express to NVMe M.2 SSD Adapter has been made, but it does lack Switch 2 compatibility.
For prototyping, a new MicroSD Express sniffer has been uploaded which is used for capturing the signal/handshake that the Nintendo Switch 2 uses for communicating with the MicroSD Express card. With this, we are one step closer to our goal!
Additionally, production-ready 2-layer PCBs for the MicroSD Express breakout board, NVMe breakout board, and the MicroSD Express to FPC Connector (which may be used in the final design) have been uploaded.
The MicroSD Express to SD Express adapter production ready prototype board has been uploaded as well, for users with full-size SD Express cards.
Basic 3D printable shells have been added too, for convenience.
Warnings
- Use at your own risk. We are not liable for any damage to your drive, Switch 2, or other devices.
- Only use low-voltage, low-power M.2 2230 NVMe drives.
- Do not use this in legacy MicroSD slots (e.g., original Nintendo Switch).
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