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To expand storage on Nintendo Switch 2, a card must be labeled microSD Express and have a capacity of no more than 2 TB. A standard microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card—including one from the original Nintendo Switch—cannot store or load Switch 2 games. Nintendo’s microSD Express Card FAQ and compatibility guidance set out the requirements.
Check the label and capacity
- Look for “microSD Express.” Check the card itself or its packaging. A familiar brand, high capacity, or microSDXC label does not establish compatibility; the required standard is microSD Express.
- Confirm it is 2 TB or smaller. Nintendo says Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards up to 2 TB. The cited guidance does not establish a preferred brand or capacity within that limit.
Nintendo’s US store lists a Samsung microSD Express Card, 256GB, as one example of the required type. It is an example, not a requirement to buy that model.
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Know what the card can store
A microSD Express card can hold downloadable software, software updates, downloadable content, screenshots, and captured videos. Game save data stays in the console’s system memory, not on the card, so a microSD Express card is not a place to back up game saves.
What happens if you have an original Switch card?
An ordinary microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card used with the original Nintendo Switch cannot save or load digital games or game save data on Switch 2. You can insert it to import screenshots and videos; those captures are copied to Switch 2 system memory. It does not become a compatible game-storage card.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Set up a microSD Express card
- Insert the microSD Express card into the Switch 2 microSD card slot.
- Connect the console to the internet and install the required system update when prompted. Nintendo says an internet system update is required the first time you use a microSD Express card.
Nintendo recommends using one microSD Express card. If you move to a larger card, copy your data to it; software stored across multiple cards cannot later be combined onto one card.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If Switch 2 does not recognize the card
Nintendo’s troubleshooting guidance recommends these checks:
Rank #2
- NEXT GEN GAMING: Works with Nintendo Switch 2.
- READY FOR TOMORROW. Ready for future products with a PCIe-NVMe interface; performs at UHS-I speeds with microSD UHS-I and UHS-II devices.
- EXPONENTIALLY FASTER PERFORMANCE. Up to 4.4 times faster transfer speeds than our fastest microSD UHS-I cards [9]. Transfer a 2-hour HD movie in less than 3.5 seconds [1]; save up to 2.8 minutes transferring 60 minutes of 4K UHD video [4] shot at 30 fps when paired with the SanDisk PRO-READER SD Express Dual Card (sold separately) [9]
- DURABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON: Cards are waterproof, temperature-proof, humidity-proof, drop-proof, shock-proof, magnetic-proof, x-ray proof, and wear-out proof [5].
- HEAT MANAGEMENT REIMAGINED. SanDisk ThermAdapt helps keep devices from overheating with a specially designed enclosure and controller that uses dynamic adaptive thermal management.
- Power off the console, remove the card, and reinsert it.
- Confirm that the card is microSD Express.
- Check the card connectors and console slot for dirt or debris.
- If needed, format the card. Formatting erases its contents, so back up screenshots and videos first.
If Switch 2 cannot read multiple microSD Express cards, Nintendo says the console needs service.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Read/Write up to 800/650 MB/s, Ultra Fast Gaming Response
- SD 7.1 — Small Card, Giant Leap
- Includes microSD to SD Adapter
- 5-year limited warranty
Rank #4
- Nintendo Switch 2 Micro SD Card; SanDisk
Rank #3
- TRANSFER SPEEDS UP TO 800 MB/S: With sequential read speeds up to 800 MB/s, get into your game up to 4× faster than our standard microSD cards (UHS I)¹.
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: Keeps its cool even when the action heats up. Dynamic Thermal Guard helps reduce overheating for fast, smooth gameplay.
- ALL YOUR GAMES ON ONE TINY CARD: Store all your games and downloadable content (DLCs) with up to 512GB of reliable storage. No deleting. No compromises.
- 6-PROOF PROTECTION WITH 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Built to last, made for peace of mind. Anything can happen when you’re gaming on the go. With 6 types of protection²⁻⁹, the P9 Express can handle it all—helping maintain your game progress.
- NEXT-GEN AND BACKWARD COMPATIBLE: Your microSD Express card is compatible with Nintendo Switch 2¹⁰ and microSD UHS-I¹¹ devices, including tablets, drones, cameras and more.
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