Hook: Double your Switch 2 storage without breaking the bank
If you picked up a Nintendo Switch 2 and already feel the squeeze of downloads and day-one patches, there’s a refreshingly affordable fix: Samsung’s new P9 microSD Express cards are on sale, and the discounts make them an excellent way to more than double your console’s storage for a very reasonable price. This feels like the kind of upgrade every Switch 2 owner will appreciate — fast, future-ready, and finally affordable.
Why this matters right now
- The Switch 2 ships with a finite amount of internal storage, and big third‑party titles or lots of downloadable content can fill it quickly.
- Nintendo embraced the newer microSD Express standard for the Switch 2 to allow much faster external storage performance than the original Switch’s UHS‑I microSD cards.
- Samsung’s P9 cards are built specifically for microSD Express devices (with sequential read speeds up to 800 MB/s), so they’re designed to give the Switch 2 snappy load times and quicker installs compared with older cards. (semiconductor.samsung.com)
The deal (what The Verge reported)
- Samsung’s P9 microSD Express 256GB model has been discounted — the price starts at roughly $39.99 after a $15 reduction, making it a very affordable way to double some Switch 2 configurations’ available space. The 512GB model was also discounted (about $79.99 after a $40 reduction), which is close to its best price on record. These sale prices were highlighted in coverage of holiday/Cyber Monday promotions. (theverge.com)
How the P9 compares to older microSD options
- Speed: The P9’s PCIe-based microSD Express performance (reported up to 800 MB/s sequential reads) is several times faster than typical UHS‑I cards used with the original Switch. That helps with game installs, patch downloads and asset streaming. (tech.yahoo.com)
- Compatibility: Samsung notes the P9 is compatible with Switch 2 and also backward compatible with devices using UHS‑I slots — though on older devices speeds will be limited by the host. (semiconductor.samsung.com)
- Durability and warranty: Samsung advertises 6-proof protection (water, temperature, X-ray, magnet, drop, wear) and a limited warranty for the P9 line, which is reassuring for users who carry cards between devices or travel with their handheld. (samsung.com)
Who should buy one (and who might wait)
- Great fit:
- Switch 2 owners who primarily buy digital games and want to avoid juggling installs.
- Gamers who want faster load times and a future‑proof card that won’t bottleneck the console.
- Anyone who likes having a dedicated card for console libraries and backups.
- Maybe wait:
- Users who rarely buy digital games and prefer physical cartridges.
- People who already own a very large (1TB+) microSD Express card or who don’t need the additional speed.
- Buyers who can wait for deeper discounts (sales often return around major shopping events).
Price perspective
- A cheap 256GB P9 at around $40 is compelling because it effectively doubles storage for many Switch 2 configurations at a modest cost.
- The 512GB SKU at roughly $80 gives you more breathing room for an entire digital library and sits near the card’s historic low — if you want to avoid swapping cards frequently, the 512GB is worth the extra outlay. Pricing can fluctuate across retailers, so it’s worth checking multiple stores if you’re hunting for the lowest price. (theverge.com)
Practical tips for buyers
- Confirm your console: The Switch 2 specifically supports microSD Express — older Switch microSD cards won’t get that full performance boost on the new hardware.
- Think capacity by game habits: Many Nintendo-published games remain modest in size, but some third‑party AAA titles can be large; if you buy lots of big third‑party games, lean toward larger capacities.
- Check return policies and warranties: Buy from reputable retailers and keep receipts in case you need warranty service; Samsung lists a limited warranty and 6-proof durability for the P9. (news.samsung.com)
My take
This sale rounds the P9 into a genuinely practical upgrade for most Switch 2 owners. The microSD Express standard unlocks the console’s faster external storage potential, and Samsung’s price cuts make the performance accessible rather than premium-only. If you’re filling up the console or prefer to keep a large library on hand, the 256GB at about $40 is a low-friction, high-value buy — and the 512GB at roughly $80 is the sweet spot if you want to avoid juggling cards. Either way, these discounts turn an obvious accessory into a must-have.
Sources
Related update: We recently published an article that expands on this topic: read the latest post.
Related update: We recently published an article that expands on this topic: read the latest post.
Sick of smart TVs? Here are your best options
You’re not alone. If the idea of a TV that spies on your viewing habits, nags you with ads, or slows to a crawl after a few years sounds terrible, welcome to the club. Smart TVs are brilliant when they work, but they also bundle an always-on computer — complete with telemetry, bloatware, and vendor lock-in — right into your living room. The good news: you don’t have to live with it. Here’s a friendly, practical guide to escaping the smart-TV treadmill without sacrificing picture quality.
Why “dumb” TVs are suddenly a thing again
Over the last decade, manufacturers jammed internet-capable software into every screen. That convenience came with trade-offs:
- Privacy concerns from telemetry, voice assistants, and ad targeting.
- Software that ages faster than the hardware — manufacturers often stop updating TV OSes after a few years.
- Preinstalled apps, ads, and sluggish interfaces that degrade the experience.
- Repair and longevity problems when a TV’s software becomes a liability.
Ars Technica recently put this tension into sharp focus and asked a simple question: how can you get a great display without the smart-TV strings attached? The answers fall into a few practical categories — each with pros and cons depending on your budget, technical comfort, and tolerance for tinkering. (arstechnica.com)
Choices that work (and what to expect)
1. Buy a genuinely non-smart TV (yes, they still exist)
- What it is: A basic television that lacks an internet-capable OS.
- Pros: No telemetry, no ads, simpler UI, sometimes cheaper.
- Cons: Fewer models available; often lower-tier panels or fewer modern features (HDR, HDMI 2.1) at the same price points.
- Who this fits: Minimalists, people who watch via antenna/cable or dedicated devices and want a no-friction display.
2. Buy a smart TV and never connect it to the internet
- What it is: A modern TV with excellent panel tech whose network functions you never enable.
- Pros: Access to high-quality displays (brightness, color, HDR, HDMI 2.1), longevity of hardware, and you can still use external devices for streaming.
- Cons: Some TVs force-sign-in screens or firmware checks on boot; internal apps remain dormant but present.
- Practical tip: Disable Wi‑Fi, don’t plug an Ethernet cable in, and set up your streaming box, game console, or antenna to handle content. Many reviewers say this gives the best balance of picture tech and privacy. (howtogeek.com)
3. Buy a smart TV but strip or lock down its software
- What it is: Use privacy settings, remove (or hide) accounts, block telemetry, or use router-level DNS/firewall blocks for tracking domains.
- Pros: Keeps built-in features if you occasionally want them; maintains a single remote experience.
- Cons: Not foolproof — firmware updates can re-enable things, and it takes technical know-how to manage network-level blocks.
- Who this fits: Tech-savvy buyers who want the convenience but refuse to be tracked.
4. Use an external streaming box or stick (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast)
- What it is: Pair any display with a small, replaceable streaming device.
- Pros: External devices are updated more regularly, are easier to replace, and centralize streaming under platforms you control. Swap them when they age or you don’t like them.
- Cons: More boxes/remotes to manage; the external device vendor may still have tracking (so pick one whose privacy stance you like).
- Note: This is the most future-proof approach — upgrade the streamer, not the display. (arstechnica.com)
5. Consider projectors, computer monitors, or commercial signage
- What it is: Alternatives that can function as TV displays without consumer smart features.
- Projectors:
- Pros: Huge screen for the price; many models remain “dumb.”
- Cons: Require dark rooms, careful placement, and usually external audio.
- Computer monitors:
- Pros: Great pixel density, low latency for gaming.
- Cons: Cheaper 4K monitors often lack TV features (tuner, speakers).
- Digital signage displays:
- Pros: Built for long uptime and durability.
- Cons: More expensive and sometimes not optimized for home viewing.
- Who this fits: Home theater enthusiasts, gamers, or anyone willing to accept trade-offs for a non-smart display. (arstechnica.com)
Shopping tips — what to look for when you want a dumb experience
- Prioritize the panel: contrast ratio, peak brightness (for HDR), color gamut, and refresh rate (for gaming).
- Count HDMI ports and check HDMI version (HDMI 2.1 matters for modern consoles).
- If you buy new, read the manual or spec sheet to confirm whether Wi‑Fi or smart features can be completely disabled.
- Consider warranty and supported hours (especially for signage displays or commercial panels).
- If buying used, local classifieds or refurb sellers can be gold mines — but test the unit and ask about network features.
Privacy and network-level tricks to keep smart features quiet
- Put the TV on its own VLAN or guest network and block outbound connections you don’t want (router-level DNS filtering or Pi-hole).
- Disable automatic firmware updates unless you need a patch.
- Avoid signing into vendor accounts on the TV; use an external device for services and log in there.
- Regularly audit permissions for voice assistants or external microphones/cameras.
Alternatives and trade-offs summarized
- Best for ease: Smart TV kept offline or with an external streamer.
- Best for minimalism: New non-smart TV (if you can find a good one).
- Best for picture tech: Modern smart TV used as if it were dumb (disable networking).
- Best for scale: Projector + external streamer for big-screen enthusiasts.
- Best for longevity: Commercial signage displays for durability, but watch energy/noise and cost.
What reviewers and testing labs say
Writers and reviewers agree that the simplest, most future-proof choice is to decouple software from hardware: buy the best display you can afford and route streaming through a separate, replaceable device. That way, you update the part that ages fastest (the software/streamer) without tossing the whole screen. Tom’s Guide, How-To Geek, and other outlets echo that trade-off between display quality and embedded software, and Ars Technica’s recent guide lays out the practical options for avoiding smart-TV pitfalls. (tomsguide.com)
What many folks forget: a cheap workaround is often the most durable. Want Netflix and none of the spying? Plug in a streaming stick and never connect the TV itself to the internet.
A few recommended scenarios
- You want the best picture and low effort: buy a modern TV, keep its network off, and plug in a Roku/Apple TV/Chromecast.
- You want a pure, simple display: hunt for a non-smart TV model or a refurbished commercial panel.
- You want a cinematic, big-screen feel: consider a projector with an external streamer and a soundbar.
- You’re privacy-focused and comfy with networking: block the TV’s telemetry at the router level.
Quick checklist before you buy
- Does the TV allow disabling Wi‑Fi/Ethernet in settings?
- Are firmware updates optional or forced?
- How many HDMI ports and what version?
- Does the TV have a microphone/camera that can’t be physically disabled?
- If used, can you test network features before committing?
Parting thoughts
My take: “Dumb” TVs aren’t just nostalgia — they’re a sensible reaction to an ecosystem that too often prioritizes ads and data over user experience. The cleanest, most sustainable path for most people is to buy the best display you can and separate the software with a dedicated streamer. That gives you high-quality picture tech, the ability to swap streaming platforms as they evolve, and a lot more control over privacy without sacrificing convenience.
If you’re truly allergic to anything smart, used markets and budget non-smart models still exist — but be ready to trade some modern features for that peace of mind. Ultimately, the smart move is to choose the approach that keeps upgrades modular: replace the brains, not the TV.
Useful takeaways
- Keeping a TV offline and using an external streamer is the most practical way to avoid smart-TV tracking without sacrificing modern display tech.
- Pure non-smart TVs are rare but still available; consider them if you want zero network features.
- Projectors, monitors, and commercial panels are valid alternatives with unique trade-offs.
- Network-level blocking and privacy hygiene can significantly reduce telemetry even if you keep smart features available.
Sources
Related update: We recently published an article that expands on this topic: read the latest post.
Related update: We recently published an article that expands on this topic: read the latest post.