For Nintendo Switch 2 game storage, buy a microSD Express card—not a conventional microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card. Nintendo supports microSD Express cards up to 2 TB. Choose a capacity that suits your library and budget, then power off the console before inserting it.
What kind of microSD card works with Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with microSD Express cards only for expandable game storage. Nintendo says any card that meets the microSD Express standard and has a capacity of up to 2 TB is supported. Check the product packaging or listing for the words “microSD Express” or its identifying mark; a conventional microSDXC label by itself is not enough. See Nintendo’s compatibility guidance and its microSD Express FAQ.
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- Required: microSD Express.
- Maximum capacity stated by Nintendo: 2 TB.
- First-use requirement: Nintendo says an internet system update is required the first time you use a microSD Express card.
- Not established by Nintendo’s guidance: a best brand, best-value capacity, or model-by-model performance ranking.
Compare price, warranty, and capacity among products that clearly meet the standard. Do not assume that a card recommended for the original Nintendo Switch will work for Switch 2 game storage; the earlier console’s ordinary microSD guidance does not establish Switch 2 compatibility.
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How to install or remove a microSD Express card
Power off the console before inserting or removing the card. Nintendo’s instructions do not call for a separate formatting procedure.
#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.
- Hold the console’s POWER button for at least three seconds. Select Power Options, then Power Off.
- Gently open the adjustable stand to expose the microSD Express card slot.
- Position the card with its label facing away from the console.
- Insert it straight into the slot and gently push until it clicks into place.
- To remove it, power off the console, press the card until it clicks, then slide it out.
These are Nintendo’s steps in its Switch 2 card insertion and removal instructions. Complete the required internet system update the first time the card is used.
What the card stores—and what it does not
A microSD Express card can hold downloadable software, downloadable content, software update data, screenshots, and captured gameplay video. Game save data stays in the console’s system memory; Nintendo says it cannot be copied or saved to the card.
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.
When a card is inserted, it becomes the default save location for downloadable software. Here, “save location” refers to software files, not game saves.
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Move existing software data
To move software data between the console’s system memory and its card, open System Settings > Data Management > Move System / microSD Express Card Data and select the software data to move. Nintendo notes that save data and some update data cannot be migrated. The move tool does not set a permanent destination for future installs, and later updates may be saved somewhere other than the location you selected. See Nintendo’s data-move instructions.
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.
Can you reuse an old Nintendo Switch microSD card?
An ordinary microSD card used with the original Nintendo Switch cannot serve as Switch 2 game storage, and it cannot be used to load game saves on Switch 2. Nintendo does allow you to import screenshots and video from an older card. That media-import option is not backward compatibility for games or saves. Nintendo’s Switch-to-Switch 2 system-transfer guidance covers the transfer process.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you use one card or several?
Nintendo recommends using one microSD Express card with the console. If you run out of room, Nintendo says you can copy all data to a larger card. Software saved across multiple cards cannot later be combined onto a single card, so a one-card setup can make your library easier to manage.
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
There is no universally best capacity in Nintendo’s guidance. Pick one based on the software you expect to keep installed and what you are willing to spend, while staying within the 2 TB limit. The official guidance does not provide card prices or a tested capacity recommendation.
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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.
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