What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch? (2024)

What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch? (1)

What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch?

Best answer:The amount of memory you need depends on how many Switch games you buy and whether they are physical or digital copies. We recommend a microSD card of no less than 64GB for either format, but anyone who only buys digital games should invest in a larger one.

How much internal storage does the Nintendo Switch have?

You can always rely on iMore.Our team of Apple experts has years of experience testing all kinds of technology and gadgets, so you can rest assured that our recommendations and critiques are accurate and helpful.Read more about how we test.

What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch? (2)

The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite only offer 32 GB of internal storage, while theChange the OLEDisn't much better with only 64 GB. It's a bit of a problem because many of thembest Nintendo Switch gamesrequires 10+ GB of space.

For example,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildInPokémon sword and shieldtake up 13.4 GB and 10.3 GB of space respectively. After about three major Switch games on Switch or Switch Lite, you quickly run out of space. Things aren't much better on the Switch OLED, as you run out of space after about six big games.

If you mainly buy digital games or buy a lot of physical copies, you'll want a bigger onemicro SD cardno matter what system you have. If you buy physical copies it will take a little longer to run out of space, but if you plan on playing more Switch games you'll soon need a microSD card.

Minimum recommended microSD card size for Nintendo Switch

What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch? (3)

Our advice is to go for no less than 64GB. This comfortable size allows you to store a few large games of about 14 GB each, a few medium games of about half the space, and a few smaller games to fill the bottom.

You should expect thatDelete, archive and reinstall Nintendo Switch gamesin that format sometime in the future. You'll be fine, as long as you're okay with regularly downloading your games while they're running through your playlist. Don't forget that you can use the internal and external storage at the same time, so keep in mind that it has 96 GB! Of course, if you plan on playing more Switch games, we'd recommend going bigger than that.

The correct microSD card format for digital Switch games

What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch? (4)

Consider itNintendo switchgames are launching every week with increasingly larger file sizes, anyone who prefers to download digital games should try to aim for the largest microSD card they can afford. We highly recommend purchasing a 256 GB card. It has space to store a lot of saved data, screenshots and videos.

If you have all the games in the world and want to play them right away, you'll want to look at something much bigger, like a 512GB card for maximum storage.

The correct microSD card size for physical Switch games

The Nintendo Switch is one of the few game consoles that does not install game data when you use physical media (cartridges). As such, the 32GB internal storage could be more than enough if you only plan on buying a few physical copies here and there.

If you plan on buying a physical copy of almost every major title Nintendo releases, you'll run out of internal storage on the Switch and will want to invest in a large microSD card. I like the SanDisk 128GB card because it allowed me to purchase and play multiple physical versions of Switch games without having to archive or delete anything.

Officially licensed microSD cards

What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch? (6)

Nintendo partnered with SanDisk to produceofficially licensed microSD cards for Switch. These include a wide variety of cards with different game designs on them. There's a 64GB card with a Zelda logo on it, a 128GB card with a Mario mushroom, and if you really want a lot of space, there's a 512GB card with an Animal Crossing sheet on it.

These officially licensed SanDisk microSD cards are commonly sold at popular retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy. The Mario 128GB card in particular is often sold at a reasonable price that is lower than that of other competitors of the same size.

Tips for buying a reliable microSD card

There are hundreds of memory cards for sale on the internet, but that doesn't mean you should go for the cheapest option available. Cheaper cards may contain malware or not work as well as others. To protect yourself, buy only from trusted sellers and check the reviews of a microSD card before making a purchasing decision. We strongly recommend that you purchase memory cards from the following brands:

  • Samsung
  • SanDisk
  • Lexar
  • PNY
  • pioneer
  • Silicon makes

Transfer game data from one microSD card to another

What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch? (7)

Unfortunately, the process regardingtransfer your game data from one microSD card to anotheris not the most intuitive. Whether you're expanding your storage space or simply want to use a different memory card, you'll need a computer to make this transfer possible. Although it is not easy, it is possible if you follow the right steps.

MicroSD card available for Nintendo Switch

Since the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite only have 32GB of internal memory and the Switch OLED isn't much better at 64GB, you'll need to buy a microSD card if you plan to buy several major Switch titles. If you tend to buy more digital versions, you'll need a larger microSD card, while those who buy cartridges won't need as large a memory card to get the job done.

What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch? (8)

SanDisk 256GB microSD-kaart

Fast, solid and balanced.

This SanDisk card won't break the bank. Its size for the price makes it a great value and offers a balance between speed and capacity.

Get control of your iPhone in minutes

iMore offers direct advice and guidance from our team of experts, with decades of experience supporting Apple devices. Learn more with iMore!

What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch? (9)

Rebecca Speer

Game editor

Game enthusiast Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated games editor, focusing on Nintendo Switch and iOS games. You'll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air. If you have a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or almost any other Nintendo series, check out her guides to help you. Rebecca has written thousands of articles over the past six years, including hundreds of in-depth gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves trying out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has a listening ear when it comes to discussing the next big trend.

With contributions from

  • Alex HuebnerContributor

Most recent

This Mac game gives me a much needed break from workThis Mac costs less than $500, and is the best deal you'll find on a desktop Mac todayiOS 18 could have these great new accessibility features: more font size support, better voice shortcuts, and more
See last ►

Most popular
Best True Wireless Earbuds for iPhone Users 2024

DoorTammy Rogers

Best iPhone 15 Plus Screen Protectors

DoorKaren S Freeman

Best iPhone 15 Pro Max screen protectors

DoorKaren S Freeman

Best iPhone 15 Pro screen protectors

DoorKaren S Freeman

The best TVs for Apple TV: Get the most out of your Apple streamer

DoorTammy Rogers

Best iPhone 15 Screen Protectors

DoorKaren S Freeman

Best Apple Watch Series 9 Bands

DoorKaren S Freeman

Best Apple Watch Ultra 2 Bands

DoorKaren S Freeman

Best iPhone 15 Pro Max Cases

DoorKaren S Freeman

Best iPhone 15 Pro Cases

DoorKaren S Freeman

Best iPhone 15 Plus Cases

DoorKaren S Freeman

What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch? (2024)

FAQs

What size microSD card is best for Nintendo 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.

What size SD card is best for Nintendo Switch? ›

The best microSD cards for the Nintendo Switch can help you fit dozens of additional games and files on your console, nearly all for a budget price. Our top picks include the classic SanDisk 256GB, which is officially licensed by Nintendo, and the Samsung Pro Plus 256GB, which even comes with its own USB adapter.

How many games can 256GB hold Nintendo Switch? ›

If you're going to be playing mostly with physical games, and you don't envision yourself buying too many larger titles from the eShop, you should be able to get by on 64GB. However, if you're going all-digital, a 256GB card will see you through around 35 full sized games.

What size microSD card can a Nintendo Switch hold? ›

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)

Will a 512GB microSD work with Nintendo Switch? ›

With the SanDisk Micro SDXC card for Nintendo Switch you can instantly add up to 512 gigs of video game storage for your Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite so you can expand your on-the-go gaming choices. Keep your most beloved games with you all the time and play wherever you are.

Can I put a 1TB SD card in my Switch? ›

With incredible speed, the official licensed SanDisk microSDXC card for the Nintendo Switch System lets you add up to 1TB of space to your system.

How many games does 128GB hold on Switch? ›

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.

Is 256GB overkill for Switch? ›

We highly recommend getting a 256GB card. It has the space to hold plenty of saved data, screenshots, and videos. Of course, if you have all the games in the world and want to play any of them at a moment's notice, you'll want to look at something much larger, like a 512GB card for maximum storage.

How many GB does Mario Kart 8 take up? ›

Mario Kart 8 for the Nintendo Switch is 6.7gb.

Is 256GB enough for Switch OLED? ›

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.

What kind of SD card do I need for a Nintendo Switch? ›

Only microSD cards can be used on the Nintendo Switch console. Due to the slot size, SD cards and miniSD cards are not compatible with Nintendo Switch.

Do Switch games run slower on SD card? ›

The older SD card pushed loading times to 67% slower than the Switch's internal storage. In other games, the difference between a fast and reasonably-slow SD card is only a few seconds. Games with smaller levels, like Doom 3, don't need to load as much data at once, so the drive speed isn't as important.

Does microSD card speed matter for Switch? ›

A lot. For example, the Nintendo Switch has limited storage, and getting an SD card can let you install more and bigger games. Any SD card will help, but the faster the card, the quicker those games on it will load. If you're getting sick of staring at loading screens, a faster SD card might be just what you need.

Is 512GB a lot for Nintendo Switch? ›

Even going all digital, most people will only need a 512GB card. 256 is actually plenty for a lot of people who go mostly digital. Game sizes on Switch are pretty small compared to their size on the other consoles. Most games are in the 3-6GB range.

What speed should my SD card be for a Switch? ›

Speed class

A grade of 2 means a baseline speed of 2MB/s, a 4 means 4MB/s, and so on. For the Switch, however, you will want to only buy cards graded with a class 10 speed. Since the console will read games stored on the card, a class 10 speed card will likely mitigate lag and slowdowns.

Will any microSD card work with Switch? ›

Can you use any Micro SD Card with Nintendo Switch? The Switch supports any UHS-I Micro SD, Micro SDHC, or Micro SDXC cards. If you have no idea what any of that means, don't worry, it's pretty difficult to stumble across a card that isn't supported by the Switch.

What SD card is recommended for the switch? ›

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)

How many GB is Mario Kart 8? ›

Mario Kart 8 for the Nintendo Switch is 6.7gb.

What size SD card should I use? ›

For the average user, a 32GB or 64GB card is more than enough. A mid-sized card should be able to capture hundreds, or even thousands of photos and video clips.

Is the Nintendo Switch 32GB or 64GB? ›

The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite only offer 32GB of internal storage, while the Switch OLED isn't much better, with only 64GB. That's a bit of a problem given that many of the best Nintendo Switch games require 10+ GB of space.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 6133

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.