Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
On an original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED, open HOME Menu > System Settings > Data Management > Move Data Between System / microSD Card. Choose the destination, select the software, and follow the on-screen prompts. Moving software does not move its save data: game saves stay in system memory.
Switch 2 is different: it requires a microSD Express card for storing or loading digital games. A standard microSD card used with an original Switch cannot do that on Switch 2.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Move downloaded software between system memory and a microSD card
These steps apply to the original Nintendo Switch family, including Switch Lite and Switch OLED. Insert a compatible card first; Nintendo’s move option is available when a microSD card is installed.
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select Data Management.
- Select Move Data Between System / microSD Card.
- Choose Move to microSD Card to move software data from system memory, or Move to System Memory to move it off the card.
- Select the software you want to move and follow the on-screen instructions.
The displayed wording can vary by region or firmware version; use the current on-console menu if its label differs.
#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 moves—and what stays behind
The transfer applies to software data, such as downloaded games and add-on content. It does not move game progress. Nintendo states: “Game save data is stored to the System Memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card.” (Nintendo microSD Card FAQ.)
- Save data: remains in system memory, whether the associated software is on system memory or the card.
- Updates: some update data cannot be moved. Nintendo also notes that updates or other activity may result in data being stored somewhere other than the destination you selected, so the menu does not guarantee that every related file will remain there.
- Default location: when a card is inserted, downloadable software is saved to it by default. You can choose system memory as the download location instead.
Moving a game between storage locations is separate from transferring a user or save data to another console. If your goal is only to make room, Nintendo also provides options to organize or delete software data; software can be downloaded again. Deleting software data is not the same as deleting or moving a save.
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].
Choose a card that matches your console
For the original Switch, Nintendo supports microSD cards up to 2 GB, microSDHC cards from 4 GB to 32 GB, and microSDXC cards from 64 GB to 2 TB. Nintendo recommends UHS-I compatibility and gives a high-speed guidance range of 60–95 MB/s; it says the faster end of that range provides a better gameplay experience. Using microSDXC requires an internet-connected system update, according to Nintendo’s support guidance. (Nintendo microSD Card FAQ.)
If you need more room, a standard microSDXC UHS-I card for Nintendo Switch is a compatible card category to consider. Your existing card may already be sufficient for moving software; there is no need to buy a particular brand or premium model based on Nintendo’s compatibility guidance alone.
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.
Check the console model before buying for Switch 2
Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards in its card slot, up to 2 TB; an internet system update is required the first time an Express card is used. A standard microSD card used with an original Switch cannot store or load digital games or save data on Switch 2. A microSD Express card can be used in the original Switch, but it operates at ordinary microSD read/write speeds there. (Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express compatibility.)
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
If the move option is missing
- Confirm that a compatible microSD card is inserted and recognized by the console.
- Check that you are looking under System Settings > Data Management on an original Switch-family console; Switch 2 uses a different card standard for digital game storage.
- Make sure you are trying to move software data, not a save file. Save data cannot be moved to a microSD card through this option.
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.
