Only microSD cards can be used on the Nintendo Switch console. Due to the slot size, the SD card and miniSD card are not compatible with the Nintendo Switch.
No, microSD cards are sold separately.
The following types of microSD cards are supported on Nintendo Switch:
To improve your gaming experience, it is recommended to use a microSD card with a higher transfer speed.
Recommendations for high-speed microSD cards:
- UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) compatibel
- Transfer speed 60 - 95 MB/sec (the higher the transfer speed, the better the gaming experience on Nintendo Switch)
Important:Game save data is stored in system memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card.
Screenshots and recorded gameplay videos can be moved from system memory to a microSD card and vice versa. You can alsotransfer downloadable softwareif the system isupdated to version 10.0.0 or higher.
- When a microSD card is inserted into the console, it becomes the default storage location for downloadable software.
Saved game data cannot be copied to a microSD card.
We recommend using one microSD card with your Nintendo Switch console. If you run out of space, you cancopy all datato a larger microSD card.
- Please note that downloadable software stored on multiple microSD cards cannot later be combined into one microSD card.
FAQs
You'll get between 7-15 games on this SD card, depending on what games they are. The biggies take up 5GB-15GB, whereas some indies only take up 500MB or less. If you've just picked up a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you may be hoping to substitute a larger SD card with that cloud storage.
Why does my Nintendo say unable to access microSD card? ›
Check for any dirt or debris either in the microSD card slot or on the microSD card connectors. If there is visible contamination on either one, the microSD card may need to be replaced and the system will need to be sent in for repair.
Why can't i use my microSD card on my Nintendo Switch? ›
If the microSD card is not compatible with the console, replacing it with a compatible type may resolve the problem. If the microSD card label indicates it is SDXC, reinsert the microSD card back into the console. Then power on Nintendo Switch and be sure to perform a system update.
How fast can Nintendo Switch read microSD card? ›
It features read speeds of 170MB/s and write speeds of 90MB/s with capacities up to 512GB. You'll get both fast access to your games and can download away to your heart's content.
How many Switch games will fit on 128GB? ›
the size of card you need depends on the types of games you are downloading. People who are full digital can probably fit 20 to 30 games on a 128gb card, less if they are interested in the big sports titles.
Will any microSD card work with Switch? ›
The following types of microSD card are supported on Nintendo Switch: microSD (up to 2 GB) microSDHC (4 GB - 32 GB) microSDXC (64 GB and above)
Does formatting a microSD card delete everything? ›
Formatting a microSD card permanently removes all of the files stored on the card. From the Home screen, tap Apps > Settings > Storage. Tap Unmount SD card to release the microSD card from device use. An icon appears within the Notifications panel to indicate an unmounted microSD card.
Will a SanDisk work for Switch? ›
✅ You don't want to worry about compatibility: The SanDisk microSDXC for Nintendo Switch has Nintendo's seal of approval. As an officially licensed product, this is our go to pick for hassle-free use.
How to transfer data between microSD cards for use on Nintendo Switch? ›
Eject the first microSD card, then insert the second microSD card into the slot or reader/writer. Using Windows Explorer access the microSD card again. Drag the data from the desktop to the new microSD card, then insert the new microSD card into the Nintendo Switch console.
How do I access my microSD on a Switch? ›
Power off the Nintendo Switch console, then gently swing the adjustable stand open to show the microSD card slot. Gently push down on the top of the microSD card until you hear a click, then slide it out of the microSD card slot.
Format procedure
- Select "System Settings" from the HOME Menu.
- Select "System" → "Formatting Options". *If parental controls are enabled, you'll need to enter the PIN.
- Select "Format microSD Card".
- Select "Continue".
- Select "Format". Formatting the microSD card will erase all of the data on it.
In order to improve your gameplay experience, using a microSD card with a higher transfer speed is recommended. High-speed microSD card recommendations: UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) compatible. Transfer speed 60 - 95 MB/sec (the higher the transfer speed, the better gameplay experience on Nintendo Switch)
What is the difference between MicroSDHC and microSDXC? ›
MicroSDHC cards are microSD cards with at most 32GB, while microSDXC card have more than 32GB storage capacity. You can mainly use a microSDHC card to store media in Full HD quality and a microSDXC card for 4K images or large bulks. There's not much difference in terms of read and write speeds.
Can you have more than 12 games on the Switch? ›
The All Software menu and groups are only available when more than 12 software titles are saved on the Nintendo Switch system. Up to 100 groups can be created with a max of 200 titles per group. The same software title can be added to multiple groups.
What is the maximum amount of games you can have on a Nintendo Switch? ›
With the standard 32GB storage, you can store and install around 4-8 games, including large games like Zelda [2]. If you have a Switch with 64GB of storage, you can store double the number of games, up to 8-16 [2]. Larger storage options like 128GB can allow you to store 25-28 games, depending on their size [2].
Is there a limit to how many games you can have on a Nintendo Switch? ›
There is no “game limit.” You're limited by your storage capacity. Switch games tend to be small; Nintendo-developed games weigh in at small sizes of 4–8GB. Some larger games may be 12GB or more, but they won't reach the atrocious sizes of some AAA, PS4/Xbox games.
Is 128GB enough for a Switch? ›
If you're planning on downloading many games, you probably want a high-capacity card like a 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB microSD card. You'll be able to store more than enough games and they'll load faster since they're higher performance cards. For moderate use, a 32GB or 64GB microSD card will work.
