For an original Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite, start with 32 GB of built-in storage; the Switch OLED has 64 GB. If you download games or keep lots of captured video, add a compatible UHS-I microSD card. Nintendo supports microSDXC cards up to 2 TB, but that is a maximum—not a recommended size for every player. Choose based on the digital games and media you want to keep on the console; game saves remain in system memory.
How much built-in storage does each Nintendo Switch have?
| Console | Built-in storage |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | 32 GB |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | 32 GB |
| Nintendo Switch – OLED Model | 64 GB |
Nintendo lists these capacities in its Switch technical specifications. The listed built-in capacity is not all available for games: the system also uses storage, so the amount free to the player is lower.
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What size microSD card should you get?
There is no single size that suits every Switch owner. The right capacity depends mainly on how much downloadable software and captured media you want installed or stored at once. A player who mostly uses game cards and downloads only a few titles may need less extra space than someone who buys digital games and keeps a large library installed.
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Think of 2 TB as the supported ceiling, not a target. Nintendo supports microSDXC cards from 64 GB through 2 TB on original Switch-family consoles, but does not prescribe one best capacity for all players. As a practical shopping choice, compare card capacities that fit your budget and expected library; choose a larger one if you want more room for future downloads without changing cards. These are planning considerations, not Nintendo requirements.
#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.
Nintendo recommends using one card. Downloaded software stored across multiple cards cannot later be combined onto a single card, so estimate your longer-term needs before settling on a small card and adding another later.
Which microSD card works with Switch, Switch Lite, and OLED?
All three original Switch-family models use microSD cards; standard SD and miniSD cards do not fit. Nintendo lists these supported formats and capacities:
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].
| Card format | Capacity range |
|---|---|
| microSD | Up to 2 GB |
| microSDHC | 4–32 GB |
| microSDXC | 64 GB–2 TB |
For most new capacity purchases, a microSDXC card is the relevant format. Nintendo recommends UHS-I compatibility and a transfer speed in the 60–95 MB/sec range. Its microSD Card FAQ says, “In order to improve your gameplay experience, using a microSD card with a higher transfer speed is recommended.” A branded card marketed for Switch is not required by the compatibility guidance; check that the card meets Nintendo’s stated format and interface criteria.
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What does a Switch microSD card store—and what stays on the console?
A card can hold downloaded software, software update data, downloadable content, screenshots, and captured gameplay videos. When a card is inserted, it becomes the default save location for downloaded software. Screenshots and videos can be moved between system memory and the card.
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.
Game save data is different: it stays in system memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card. Buying a larger card therefore adds room for software and captured media, not for game saves.
How do you insert or remove a microSD card safely?
- Shut down the console before inserting or removing the card. Nintendo advises against changing the card while the system is on or in sleep mode.
- Insert or remove the card, then start the console again.
- If you change the card while the console is powered on or in sleep mode, the system will prompt you to restart.
If the console does not recognize a card, see Nintendo’s microSD Card is Not Recognized troubleshooting page.
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
Can you use a Switch microSD card with Nintendo Switch 2?
Do not assume the original Switch’s card will expand game storage on Switch 2. Nintendo Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards for game storage; a standard microSD card previously used with the original Switch cannot be used by Switch 2 to save or load digital games or save data. First use of an Express card may require a system update.
A microSD Express card can be used in an original Switch, but Nintendo says its read/write speed there is equivalent to that of a standard microSD card. See Nintendo’s compatibility information for Switch 2 and Switch before buying a card intended for use across both systems.
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.
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