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There is no single storage amount that fits every Nintendo Switch library. Game sizes differ, and updates, downloadable content, and screenshots or videos add to the space you use. Check the storage requirement for each game you want installed, total those needs, and leave room for extras. For the original Nintendo Switch, a compatible microSD card can expand storage; saved games remain in the console’s System Memory.
How to estimate the storage you need
- List the games you want installed at the same time. Focus on your own digital library rather than a general estimate: Nintendo does not publish a standard game size or a universal recommended card capacity.
- Check each title’s requirement. Look at its Nintendo eShop listing before buying digitally, or check the physical game packaging. Nintendo says some titles require additional storage in either format.
- Allow for updates, DLC, and captures. Add space for updates and downloadable content you expect to install, plus screenshots and captured videos you want to keep.
- Compare the total with available space. The original Switch has 32 GB of system memory, with approximately 6.2 GB reserved for system use, according to Nintendo UK. Check the console’s current free space at System Settings > Data Management.
Because requirements depend on the titles and extras you choose, a capacity such as 128 GB or 256 GB is a shopping option—not a universal minimum. Nintendo’s guidance is to check game-specific requirements. (Nintendo UK hardware specifications; Nintendo Support: Not Enough Space to Download Nintendo Switch eShop Content)
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Do physical games need storage too?
A game card can reduce the need to download a full game, but it does not guarantee that no extra storage is needed. Some physical titles require additional downloads, and Nintendo says the extra-storage requirement may apply to both physical and digital editions. Check the package and the game’s storage requirement before purchasing.
What a microSD card can store
On the original Nintendo Switch, supported microSD cards can hold downloadable software, software updates, DLC, screenshots, and captured videos. A card expands room for games and media, but it does not hold game saves. Nintendo states that save data is stored in System Memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card. (Nintendo Support: storage requirements; Nintendo Support: microSD Card FAQ)
#1 Best Overall
- 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.)
- Store your downloaded games, screenshots and video captures in 1 place so you can travel light.
Which microSD card works with the original Switch?
Nintendo lists support for microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. Its FAQ gives the microSDXC capacity range as 64 GB to 2 TB and says a system update is required to use microSDXC. Nintendo recommends UHS-I cards with a transfer speed of 60–95 MB/sec. Those specifications describe compatibility and a recommendation, not a promise that every game will load at a particular speed. (Nintendo Support: microSD Card FAQ)
Nintendo recommends using one card: data stored across multiple microSD cards cannot later be combined onto one card. If you outgrow a card, Nintendo describes copying its data to a larger card. A Nintendo Store example is its licensed SanDisk microSDXC card, listed in 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB capacities. The product page notes that usable storage is lower than the stated capacity; this is an example of available sizes, not a Nintendo capacity recommendation. That standard microSDXC product is not compatible with Switch 2 game storage. (Nintendo Store: SanDisk microSDXC card for Nintendo Switch)
Rank #2
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
Switch 2 uses a different game-storage card
Do not assume a card that works for original Switch games will work for Switch 2 games. Nintendo Switch 2 uses microSD Express for game storage; standard microSD cards used with the original Switch cannot save or load Switch 2 digital games. Nintendo lists 256 GB of internal storage for Switch 2, a separate generation-specific figure that should not be confused with the original Switch’s storage. (Nintendo Switch 2 features)
Free space without buying a card
Use System Settings > Data Management to review available space. Nintendo says archiving downloaded software frees storage while keeping its HOME Menu icon; saved data is unaffected, and the software can be redownloaded. Nintendo also says external USB hard drives are not currently supported for Switch storage. (Nintendo Support: Not Enough Space to Download Nintendo Switch eShop Content)
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch (NOT Nintendo Switch 2). Always check your device's max supported capacity.
- Reliable Real-World Capacity - Labeled Capacities/Usable Capacities: 64GB/≥58GB; 128GB/≥116GB; 256GB/≥232GB; 512GB/≥465GB; 1TB/≥908GB (Due to OS formatting and binary/decimal calculation differences)
- 4K & Full HD Ready — Optimized for high-bitrate video recording and burst-mode photography. Handles RAW files, time-lapse sequences, and smooth 4K UHD playback without lag or frame drops.
- UHS-I U3 + A2 Certified Speed — Up to 100MB/s read speed (lab-tested); meets Video Speed Class V30 and Application Class A2 for fast app loading, responsive multitasking, and reliable performance on Android devices.
- Built for Adventure — Shock-resistant, IPX6 water-resistant, and rated for extreme temperatures (−10°C to +80°C). Also resistant to X-rays and magnetic fields — ideal for travel, outdoor use, and dashcams.
Rank #4
- [Gaming Series] Especially designed for Gaming Consoles. A1 spec enables high speed data transfer for game professionals
- [Ultra HD] Read/Write up to 100/60 MB/s. UltraHD video displaying/recording
- [Compatibility] Storage for Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, e-Reader. Files, Videos, Music [Notice] Compatible with Nintendo Switch 1; not compatible for gaming with Nintendo Switch 2
- [Environment] Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-Ray proof
- [Support] Gigastone 5-year limited warranty
Rank #3
- 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.
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