Does your Nintendo Switch ever tell you there’s no space left for that awesome new game you just bought? It’s a super frustrating feeling! You see a cool digital download, but your Switch says “Nope, you’re full.” That usually means it’s time to look at SD cards, and suddenly, things get confusing fast.
Choosing the right SD card for your Switch feels like a secret mission. Should you get a big one or a small one? Does the speed matter? And why are there so many different brands? These questions stop many gamers from expanding their digital libraries. You want more games without buying a whole new console, but picking the wrong card wastes money and time.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about SD cards for your Switch. You will learn exactly which size and speed fit your gaming style best. Stop guessing and start loading up on games! Let’s dive in and find the perfect memory boost for your Switch.
Top Sd Cards For Switch Recommendations
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Incredible speeds in a microSD card officially licensed for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite systems
- Spend less time waiting and more time playing with read speeds up to 100MB/s(1) and write speeds up to 90MB/s(1).
- Instantly add up to 256GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Incredible speeds in a microSD card officially licensed for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite systems
- Spend less time waiting and more time playing with read speeds up to 100MB/s(1) and write speeds up to 90MB/s(1).
- Instantly add up to 128GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Compatible with smartphones, tablets, cameras, GoPro/action cameras, laptops, computers, DSLRs, drones, game consoles and more.This Micro SD card is not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2
- HIGH QUALITY STORAGE: Perfect for high resolution photos, for recording and storing Full HD/4K videos and any other data type
- ULTRA FAST: Read speed up to 100MB/s. Write speed up to 90MB/s (varies according to memory size). UHS, U3, Class 10 and A2 speed classes for an optimal smartphone experience
- LASTING RELIABILITY: Shockproof, IPX6 waterproof, temperature-proof (-10° to 80°), X-Ray-proof and magnetic-proof
- Compatible with smartphones, tablets, cameras, GoPro/action cameras, laptops, computers, DSLRs, drones, game consoles and more.This Micro SD card is not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2
- HIGH QUALITY STORAGE: Perfect for high resolution photos, for recording and storing Full HD/4K videos and any other data type
- ULTRA FAST: Read speed up to 100MB/s. Write speed up to 60MB/s (varies according to memory size). UHS, U3, Class 10 and A2 speed classes for an optimal smartphone experience
- LASTING RELIABILITY: Shockproof, IPX6 waterproof, temperature-proof (-10° to 80°), X-Ray-proof and magnetic-proof
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Incredible speeds in a microSD card officially licensed for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems
- Spend less time waiting and more time playing with read speeds up to 100MB/s(1) and write speeds up to 90MB/s(1).
- Instantly add up to 512GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Compatible with smartphones, tablets, cameras, GoPro/action cameras, laptops, computers, DSLRs, drones, game consoles and more.This Micro SD card is not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2
- HIGH QUALITY STORAGE: Perfect for high resolution photos, for recording and storing Full HD/4K videos and any other data type
- ULTRA FAST: Read speed up to 100MB/s. Write speed up to 90MB/s (varies according to memory size). UHS, U3, Class 10 and A2 speed classes for an optimal smartphone experience
- LASTING RELIABILITY: Shockproof, IPX6 waterproof, temperature-proof (-10° to 80°), X-Ray-proof and magnetic-proof
- ADAPTER INCLUDED: Your microSD card includes a Samsung adapter that works with your computer, tablet, camera, original Nintendo Switch—and virtually any device with an SD card slot; Transfer and save files seamlessly — with no need to hunt for extra tech
- READ/WRITE SPEEDS UP TO 160 MB/s: The EVO Select is ready to save real-time moments with ultrafast transfer speeds of up to 160 MB/s; Transfer everything instantly and capture each memory as it comes with an SD that keeps up with your real life¹
- STORAGE CAPACITIES FROM 64GB - 1TB: Save every second in mere minutes with storage capacities ranging from 64GB to 1TB; It’s always reliable with the right amount of space to fit your lifestyle, so you can hold on to the things that matter most
- U3, CLASS 10, A2, V30 & UHS-I INTERFACE: Ultra-high-speeds; Crystal clear 4K UHD video and content complete with the latest U3 and V30 speeds for faster transfers and more memory² on-the-spot, all while recording full HD 1080p and 3D video, too
- Nintendo Switch 2 uses a new standard of expandable memory card called microSD Express (sold separately). This kind of memory card is needed for faster access speeds and to ensure games will run smoothly.
- Please note: Nintendo Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards. If the microSD cards you have used for Nintendo Switch do not support microSD Express standards, you cannot use them with Nintendo Switch 2.
- Spanish (Subtitle)
Choosing the Best SD Card for Your Nintendo Switch
Your Nintendo Switch is awesome! It lets you play games anywhere. But sometimes, you need more space for all those amazing games. That’s where an SD card comes in. This guide helps you pick the right one so your gaming fun never stops.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a Switch SD card, you need to check a few important things. These features make sure your card works well and fast.
Storage Capacity: How Much Space Do You Need?
- 64GB or 128GB: Good for casual players. You can fit several big games.
- 256GB or 512GB: Best for serious gamers. You can download lots of digital games and updates.
- 1TB (Terabyte): If you buy almost all your games digitally, this huge size is for you.
Speed Ratings: How Fast Can You Load?
Speed is super important. A slow card makes games load slowly. Look for these speed ratings:
- UHS Speed Class (U1 or U3): U3 is faster than U1. U3 is better for big downloads.
- Speed Class (Class 10): Most good cards are Class 10. This means they write data at least 10MB per second.
- Read/Write Speeds: Look for cards that read (load) data quickly, usually over 90MB/s.
Important Materials and Types
Most Switch SD cards use a technology called microSD. This is the small card type. The material inside the card affects how long it lasts and how fast it works.
The Best Type: microSDXC
The Switch needs cards labeled microSDXC (Secure eXtended Capacity). This format supports cards larger than 32GB, which is what most people buy.
NAND Type (Inside the Card)
The actual memory chips inside the card matter. Cards use different types of NAND memory. Faster NAND types (like TLC) store data better and last longer. Cheaper cards sometimes use slower, older types. Always try to buy from trusted brands. Trusted brands use better internal parts.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one card better than another? It often comes down to reliability and speed.
Quality Boosters
- Brand Reputation: SanDisk, Samsung, and Kingston are known for making reliable cards. Stick with these names.
- Official Licensing: Some cards are officially licensed by Nintendo. These are guaranteed to work perfectly.
- High Sustained Write Speed: This means the card can keep writing data quickly without slowing down during a big download.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)
- Fake or Unbranded Cards: Some cheap cards lie about their size or speed. They might say they are 512GB but only hold 32GB.
- Old Technology: Very old or slow cards will cause stuttering in games or very long loading screens.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use the card? Your needs change how important speed is.
Digital Game Storage
If you buy many games directly from the Nintendo eShop, you need a large card (256GB or more). Speed matters here because games load directly from the card.
Save Data and Screenshots
The Switch stores save files and screenshots directly on the console’s internal memory. The SD card primarily holds the actual game files. However, faster cards help when transferring large game data.
Portability and Travel
If you take your Switch everywhere, reliability is key. You don’t want a card failing when you are away from home. Choose a durable, well-known brand for peace of mind.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Switch SD Cards
Q: What is the maximum SD card size the Switch can use?
A: The Nintendo Switch supports up to a 2TB microSDXC card. However, 1TB cards are the largest commonly available right now.
Q: Does the Switch need a special kind of SD card?
A: Yes, the Switch uses the small microSD card format. It does not use the standard, larger SD cards.
Q: Will a slower card still work?
A: Yes, a slower card will work. But games will take much longer to start, and updates might take a long time to install.
Q: Should I buy a Nintendo-branded card?
A: Nintendo-branded cards work perfectly and are guaranteed to be fast enough. However, you can often find cards from Samsung or SanDisk that are just as fast for less money.
Q: What speed rating is recommended for the best experience?
A: We recommend cards rated UHS Speed Class 3 (U3). These offer the best balance of speed and cost for gaming.
Q: Do I need to format the SD card before using it?
A: Yes. When you insert a new card, the Switch usually asks if you want to format it. Always let the Switch format the card itself.
Q: Can I use a card that was in my phone?
A: You can try, but it is better to use a new card or one specifically bought for the Switch. Old cards might have too much old data slowing them down.
Q: Is 64GB enough for someone who only buys physical games?
A: 64GB is often enough. It allows you to store updates, patches, and screenshots for many physical games without filling up the console’s small internal storage.
Q: What happens if my SD card fails?
A: If your card fails, you will lose access to the digital games stored on it. Save files are usually safe on the Switch console, but you must re-download the games.
Q: How do I know if a card is fake?
A: Buy from official retailers. If the price seems too good to be true for a very large card, it is probably fake. Check reviews that test the actual speed and capacity.
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