The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t just a leap forward in gaming hardware—it’s reshaping how we experience digital adventures and handle storage. As Arc System Works readies its emotionally-charged interactive story Dear me, I was… for launch on July 31, 2025, and Patriot Memory enters the scene with their blazing-fast EP Express microSD cards, it’s clear the Switch 2 era is defining new standards for both artful storytelling and technical performance.
This article dives into what Dear me, I was… offers for narrative lovers, why microSD Express is a must-have for serious Switch 2 users, and how both represent the shifting landscape of portable gaming.
An Emotional Interactive Experience: “Dear me, I was…”
Developed by Arc System Works, known for their work on the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue franchises, Dear me, I was…takes a sharp turn from fighting games into introspective, stylized storytelling. Launching July 31, 2025, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 via digital eShop, this short interactive adventure is priced at $7.99 and promises a unique 40–60-minute narrative journey.
A Short Game with Big Themes
Set against a watercolor, rotoscope-style backdrop, Dear me, I was… tells a personal story about memory, regret, and rediscovery. Directed by Maho Taguchi and brought to life with character designs by Taisuke Kanasaki (Hotel Dusk, Last Window), the game features a predominantly female development team—a notable detail that adds perspective and emotional nuance.
It’s designed as a contemplative experience rather than a gameplay-heavy one. The user interacts with the narrative by choosing dialogue paths and engaging with symbolic visuals rather than solving traditional puzzles or combat sequences. If you’re a fan of titles like To The Moon or Florence, this might hit that same emotional sweet spot.
Multilingual and Global
Arc System Works is giving this game a global push, with full support for English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, and Italian. The PEGI 16 rating suggests some mature emotional content, likely reflecting on themes like loss or trauma. This focus on accessibility means it won’t be just an obscure indie hidden in the eShop—it’s positioned for broad engagement.
Quick Specs:
- Platform: Nintendo Switch 2 (exclusive, digital only)
- Release Date: July 31, 2025
- Price: $7.99 / £850 / €7.99
- Playtime: 40–60 minutes
- Rating: PEGI 16 / ESRB Teen
For narrative-driven gamers, streamers who enjoy visual novel playthroughs, or anyone looking for a bite-sized artistic escape, Dear me, I was… looks like a gem.
Meet the Future of Game Storage: Patriot EP Express microSD
If you plan to install Dear me, I was… or any full-size AAA titles on the Switch 2, you’ll need more than a cute digital library—you need serious storage. Enter Patriot Memory’s new EP Express microSD card line, built specifically with Switch 2 in mind.
Why Express Matters
Unlike the original Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 has stricter demands: you can’t install games on just any microSD. You need a microSD Express card to play full games—standard UHS-I cards only work for screenshots, videos, and game updates.
Patriot’s EP Express cards are among the first high-performance options available for public purchase. Built with sequential read speeds up to 800MB/s and write speeds up to 600MB/s, these cards are not just faster—they’re future-proof.
Card Tiers and Pricing
Patriot offers the EP Express in three capacities:
- 256GB: Best for casual gamers or digital-only indie libraries
- 512GB: A solid middle-ground for average users
- 1TB: The go-to for heavy gamers, streamers, or physical-digital hybrids
Though official pricing varies by region and retailer, expect the 1TB variant to land around $130–$150—a premium price, but necessary if you’re juggling games like Zelda: Echoes of Time, Elden Ring: Umbra, and Call of Duty: Future Frontline.
Broad Compatibility
While these cards shine brightest on Switch 2, they also work seamlessly with older UHS-I devices. That makes them a smart pick even for users planning to hold onto their Switch 1 or transfer cards between devices.
The Bigger Picture: Why It All Matters
Art Meets Tech
Dear me, I was… and the EP Express launch are two sides of the same coin. One represents a leap in storytelling, the other a leap in performance. Together, they reflect a new era of mobile gaming that doesn’t just focus on graphics or gameplay loops, but on emotional impact and seamless accessibility.
Games like Dear me, I was… wouldn’t have found mass appeal five years ago. But today, with platforms like Switch 2 prioritizing digital-first distribution, global language support, and short-form indie titles, there’s room for artistic expression alongside AAA behemoths.
And with memory-heavy games becoming the norm (some reaching 50GB+ install sizes), the rise of microSD Express isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Streamer-Friendly & On-the-Go
Both the game and the card tie into Nintendo’s push toward versatile, mobile-first gaming. Dear me, I was… is perfectly streamable: short, emotional, and likely to drive engagement. Meanwhile, Patriot’s Express card ensures those streams run lag-free and load times don’t drag.
Whether you’re hopping between hotel rooms, commuting on a train, or just gaming on the couch, these tools support a modern gaming lifestyle.
Alternative microSD Express Options
Patriot isn’t the only player in this space. If you’re shopping for Switch 2 storage, here are some worthy competitors:
- SanDisk microSD Express: Backed by Western Digital, offers similar speeds and excellent reliability
- Lexar PLAY Express: Geared for gamers, comes with robust software support
- Samsung Pro Ultimate: High endurance and blazing-fast speeds, though pricier
Each brand brings its own strengths, but the Patriot EP Express offers a compelling balance of performance, pricing, and availability.
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for the Switch Ecosystem
The July 31 launch of Dear me, I was… is more than a release date—it’s a signpost. It signals that Switch 2 isn’t just for flagship titles or classic Nintendo franchises. It’s also a platform for experimental, emotionally resonant games.
At the same time, the necessity of high-speed microSD Express cards underscores how Nintendo is evolving its infrastructure. No longer can players skate by on budget storage solutions. To thrive in this next-gen ecosystem, gamers need to think ahead.
Whether you’re chasing feelings with Dear me, I was… or grinding for glory in competitive shooters, performance and storage will shape your experience.
TL;DR:
- Dear me, I was… is a short, narrative-driven interactive game from Arc System Works, launching July 31 for Switch 2.
- It features watercolor visuals, rotoscope animation, and an emotionally resonant story.
- The Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for full game installations.
- Patriot’s EP Express series delivers up to 1TB with 800MB/s speeds—ideal for Switch 2 gamers.
- This marks a shift toward digital-first, high-performance, emotionally rich portable gaming.
