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To make room for a large game on Nintendo Switch 2, delete software you can reinstall later, move or delete captures you no longer need, or add a compatible microSD Express card. Nintendo says deleting a game’s software does not delete its save data. A standard microSD card from the original Switch cannot store Switch 2 games.
Check what is using storage first
Nintendo Switch 2 has 256 GB of internal storage, but some is reserved for system use, so the full amount is not available for games. The free space you see also depends on installed software, updates, downloadable content and captures. Nintendo currently says no individual game requires additional storage to play; that does not mean every game will fit in the space currently free on your console. Nintendo’s storage and data-management guidance explains how to check and manage what is stored.
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Before buying a game, check its required storage in Nintendo eShop or on the physical packaging. A game-key card is a key to download the full game data to the console, not necessarily a card containing all of that data.
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| Option | Cost and convenience | What happens to your data |
|---|---|---|
| Delete unused software | No expansion-card purchase; you will need to download the software again if you want to play it later. | Nintendo says deleting software does not affect its save data. |
| Manage screenshots and videos | No expansion-card purchase; remove captures you no longer need or move them elsewhere first. | Captures you delete are gone unless you have saved them elsewhere. |
| Add microSD Express storage | Card sold separately; lets you keep more downloadable software stored on the console. | Software and captures can be stored on the card, but game save data remains in system memory. |
No current prices are established here. You do not have to buy a card just because a game is large: deleting and later redownloading software is another option.
#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.
Delete a game you are not playing
If a downloaded game is taking up space and you do not plan to play it soon, delete its software data. Nintendo says the game can be downloaded again later and its save data remains unaffected, so your progress is not removed with the software.
Use the console’s data-management controls to review storage and remove software you do not currently need. Nintendo’s instructions for freeing space on Switch 2 provide the relevant steps. You will need to download the software again before playing it later.
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.
Review screenshots and video captures
Captures can also occupy storage. If you want to keep a screenshot or video, save it somewhere else before deleting it. Nintendo says captures can be moved between system memory and a microSD Express card, so you can use a card to keep them without using internal storage.
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For a larger stored library, use a microSD Express card. Nintendo supports cards up to 2 TB; the card is sold separately, and an internet connection is required for a system update the first time you use one. When inserted, the card becomes the default save location for downloadable software. Game save data still stays in system memory and cannot be copied to the card. See Nintendo’s Switch 2 FAQ and its microSD Express compatibility guidance for details.
Rank #3
- Ultra-Fast Read Speeds — Experience read speeds up to 900 MB/s and write speeds up to 620 MB/s, delivering rapid file transfers and smooth performance for gaming, photography, and 4K video recording.
- Optimized for Gaming & Devices – Tested with Switch 2 and compatible with laptops, tablets, cameras, and Android devices that support microSD Express or UHS-I. Ideal for expanding storage without lag.
- 4K Video & High-Resolution Support – Capture and store 4K UHD videos and high-res photos seamlessly thanks to Class 10, U3, V30, and A2 performance ratings.
- Reliable & Durable Design – Built for long-term use with shockproof, temperature-resistant, waterproof, and X-ray-resistant protection, keeping your data safe wherever you go.
- Multiple Capacity Options – Available in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB options to suit your storage needs. Note that actual usable storage may be slightly less due to system formatting and a portion reserved for card management functions, which is a standard industry practice to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Choose microSD Express, not a standard microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC card. A card used in the original Switch cannot store or load Switch 2 digital games or save data.
- Nintendo recommends using one card. Software stored across multiple cards cannot later be combined onto a single card.
- Captures can be stored on the card, but it is not a place to move game saves.
- Nintendo does not currently support external USB hard drives for this storage purpose.
If you are comparing capacities, SanDisk’s datasheet for its Switch 2-licensed microSD Express card estimates about 9 games on 256 GB, 18 on 512 GB and 36 on 1 TB, assuming an average 25 GB per game. Those are manufacturer estimates, not guarantees: actual game sizes vary, and usable space is below the card’s nominal capacity. SanDisk’s datasheet lists the estimates and card capacities.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep save data separate from storage decisions
Switch 2 game saves remain in system memory whether or not you use a microSD Express card. Nintendo Switch Online members can use Save Data Cloud for supported titles, but that service does not move general game-save storage onto the card. Treat the card as extra space for software, updates, downloadable content and captures—not as a backup location for every save.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- The perfect card for the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers revolutionary performance that is 4x faster than typical UHS-I microSD cards
- PCIe technology delivers read speeds up to 900MB/s so the game loads faster
- Write speed up to 600MB/s deliver accelerated download speeds when paired with the Lexar microSD Express card reader
- Level-up your handheld gaming experience with next-gen tech
- 1TB microSD Express card offers more space for your favorite games
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