SanDisk Pokémon-Themed MicroSD Cards: A Nostalgic Treat for Gamers

Pokémon fans, rejoice!

SanDisk’s latest microSD card series combines functional storage with a touch of nostalgia. The brand, known for its reliable and high-performance memory products, has teamed up with Nintendo once again, this time delivering a trio of Pokémon-inspired designs.

These cards are not just about upgrading your storage—they’re about owning a piece of your childhood.

But do they live up to the hype?

Pokémon Meets Storage: The Designs

Let’s be clear: the main appeal of these cards isn’t necessarily their specs (though those are solid).

It’s the designs.

SanDisk cleverly taps into the original 151 Pokémon, anchoring the collection in an era that most fans hold dear. There are three distinct cards, each featuring a different beloved character that represents a specific storage capacity:

1. Pikachu (256GB): The most recognisable face of the franchise graces the yellow 256GB card. Pikachu’s iconic charm is hard to resist, and it feels fitting that the franchise’s mascot leads the pack at a middle-tier storage capacity—perfect for casual gamers who need more than the standard 32GB but don’t quite require massive space.
2. Gengar (512GB): The spooky yet loveable Gengar is front and centre on the purple 512GB card. Gengar’s mischievous grin fits the quirky, retro aesthetic. For those who need more serious storage without compromising on design, this card is a strong contender.
3. Snorlax (1TB): The biggest capacity, 1TB, is reserved for Snorlax, the gentle giant. The card’s blue design mirrors Snorlax’s laid-back demeanour, but let’s be honest—the price tag on this one isn’t so relaxed. And with it already sold out, it seems Snorlax’s appeal reaches beyond just being a sleepy favourite.

A Playful Twist in a Market of Boring Designs

Let’s face it: most memory cards look the same. They’re utilitarian, black, or grey squares designed with one thing in mind—functionality.

SanDisk’s Pokémon collection flips that narrative on its head, giving us something visually enjoyable, without sacrificing performance. These cards inject a bit of fun into an otherwise mundane product category.

Gamers, particularly Switch users, are often more design-conscious, especially when accessories are concerned. A Nintendo Switch already comes with countless customisable accessories—from Joy-Cons to cases—so why shouldn’t the memory card follow suit?

But Are They More Than Just Pretty?

Yes, they look cool—but let’s talk specs. Performance-wise, the Pokémon-themed cards don’t compromise.

With read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds maxing out at 90MB/s, these cards ensure smooth gameplay and fast data transfers. Whether you're downloading large game files, moving media, or just using it for everyday Switch storage, the cards deliver reliable speed and consistency.

For those who are wondering, these speeds are comparable to most high-end microSD cards on the market, making them more than just novelty items.

The biggest criticism? Pricing.

At $33 (£29.99) for Pikachu’s 256GB card, $55 (£56.99) for Gengar’s 512GB version, and a whopping $130 (£127.99) for Snorlax’s 1TB card, these aren’t exactly cheap.

Sure, you can find non-themed microSD cards with similar performance for a lower price, but that misses the point.

Final Thoughts: Cute, but Worth It?

SanDisk’s Pokémon microSD cards are a smart move—nostalgia sells, and no franchise taps into that better than Pokémon.

These cards are more than just storage devices; they’re collectables in their own right. Their designs elevate them from boring tech accessories to must-have items for any true fan.

Are they essential? No. Are they fun? Absolutely.

If you’re someone who values both form and function, these cards strike a perfect balance. But for those who just need storage and aren’t attached to the designs, more affordable options are always available.

At the end of the day, the Pokémon microSD cards are the kind of accessory that makes you smile every time you pop it into your Switch. And in a world of bland tech, sometimes that’s enough.