For Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED, add storage by inserting a microSD card. The practical choice is a microSDXC UHS-I card: Nintendo supports microSDXC capacities from 64 GB to 2 TB and recommends UHS-I cards with transfer speeds of 60–95 MB/sec. A system update is required to use microSDXC. These recommendations do not apply to Nintendo Switch 2, which requires microSD Express for game storage.
Which microSD card should you buy?
Choose a card labeled microSDXC and UHS-I. Check the package or card specifications before buying; a full-size SD or miniSD card will not fit the Switch’s microSD slot. Cards are sold separately.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nintendo’s supported types and capacity ranges are:
| Card type | Capacity listed by Nintendo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| microSD | Up to 2 GB | Supported. |
| microSDHC | 4–32 GB | Supported. |
| microSDXC | 64 GB–2 TB | Supported; a system update is required. |
Nintendo recommends UHS-I compatibility and gives 60–95 MB/sec as its high-speed guideline. It says a higher transfer speed can improve the gameplay experience, but the card’s advertised peak speed is not a promise of the speed the console will achieve. Capacity is a matter of how much downloaded software and captured media you expect to keep; Nintendo’s specifications do not establish one best capacity or value pick. See Nintendo’s microSD Card FAQ for compatibility details.
#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.
What does a microSD card store?
With a card inserted, downloadable software is saved to it by default. A microSD card can also store software update data, downloadable content (DLC), screenshots, and captured video.
Game save data is different: it remains in system memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card. Adding a card expands room for software and media, not game saves. Nintendo states this in its microSD Card FAQ.
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].
How to install a new card
- Turn off the console before inserting the card.
- Insert the microSD card into the console’s microSD card slot, following the console’s orientation markings.
- Turn the console on. If the card is microSDXC, install the required system update if prompted.
Once the card is recognized, new downloadable software uses it as the default storage location. Existing software data in system memory does not simply move to the card. If you need to free system memory, Nintendo’s guidance is to delete the software and redownload it with the card inserted; downloadable software can be downloaded again from the account that purchased it. Details are in Nintendo’s microSD Card FAQ.
How to upgrade from one card to a larger card
If you want to keep installed content while replacing a card, copy the old card’s contents to the new card using a computer. You will need compatible cards and either a computer SD slot or a commercially available microSD card reader. This reader is for the transfer process; it is not needed for ordinary installation in the console.
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.
- Turn off the console and remove the original card.
- Connect the original card to a computer and copy its entire folder to the computer. Do not erase or alter the original card.
- Connect the new card and copy the entire folder onto it.
- Safely eject the new card, insert it into the console, and check that the console recognizes the card and the content you intended to preserve.
- Keep the original card unchanged until you have confirmed the new card works.
Follow Nintendo’s full transfer instructions for the required folder-copy process. Nintendo recommends using one card with the console: software stored on separate cards cannot later be combined into one, so rotating cards is not a seamless way to build a single library.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does this advice apply to Nintendo Switch 2?
No. Nintendo Switch 2 uses microSD Express for game storage. An Express card used in an original Nintendo Switch reads and writes at ordinary microSD speeds, and the original Switch’s microSDXC recommendation does not add game storage to Switch 2. Check Nintendo’s microSD Card and microSD Express Card Compatibility guidance for the distinction.
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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
