To free local storage, use each console’s storage-management screen to remove or move games and media. To reduce internet data use, manage downloads and updates separately: uninstalling a game does not limit network activity, and reinstalling or updating it can use data. The available controls differ by platform, and current Xbox bandwidth-setting paths are not established here.
Storage and data consumption are different problems
Storage is space occupied on the console or an attached drive. Downloads, updates, and online activity use network data. Removing a game can free local space, but downloading it again or installing an update uses network data. A download setting, where available, may affect network activity without freeing space already occupied by installed games.
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There is no general amount of storage or data these actions will save: results depend on installed games, captures, updates, and online activity. The official support guidance covered here does not publish a universal savings figure.
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Check what is using space
Open System Settings > Data Management to review System Memory and microSD card usage. This is the place to identify whether downloaded software or captures are taking up space.
#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.
Archive or delete downloaded software
Archiving downloaded software frees its software storage while leaving its HOME Menu icon. Nintendo says save data is unaffected by archiving and remains available if the software is downloaded again. Deleting downloaded software also leaves save data unaffected, according to Nintendo’s support FAQ.
Use a microSD card for supported content, not saves
Nintendo says: “A microSD card can be used to save screenshots and software data, including downloaded software, software updates, and DLC.” Check a game’s packaging or eShop listing for its storage requirement. Switch save data remains in System Memory and cannot be saved or copied to microSD, so the card is not a save-file backup or relocation option.
Rank #2
- Optimized for Gaming Speed: Specially tuned for gaming devices, TeknoStone Gaming Series cards deliver up to 100MB/s read speed with UHS-I interface. A2-rated performance ensures faster app launch, smoother in-game loading, and reduced lag on handheld consoles and mobile platforms.
- Compatible with Top Devices: Perfectly compatible with Nintendo Switch (Not 2), Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Android phones, tablets, and even retro game emulators. Includes a full-size SD adapter for seamless use with laptops, handheld consoles, and compatible card readers.
- Smooth 4K/HD Recording & Playback: Supports stable 4K UHD and 1080P Full HD recording and playback, ideal for gameplay footage, game stream content capture, or immersive in-game video rendering.
- Battle-Tested Durability: Engineered for long sessions and intense environments. Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-resistant, X-ray safe — designed to withstand accidental drops, outdoor use, and frequent device swapping.
- Actual Capacity: Storage may be smaller than the labeled capacity because manufacturers use the decimal system (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes) , operating systems display storage using the binary system (1 GiB = 1,073,741,824 bytes). This is a normal industry practice and does not affect performance.
Do not confuse account data sharing with bandwidth
Nintendo account data-use preferences concern sharing or using usage information for product improvement and personalized offers. They are not described as controls for reducing internet bandwidth.
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PlayStation 5: delete games or move supported data
Review and remove installed content
Open Settings > Storage to check free space and manage stored data. To remove a title, use Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps. Purchased games remain available to download again from the game library. For some titles, Customize lets you remove selected portions, such as unused add-ons, while keeping the rest.
Rank #3
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- The official licensed microSD card for Nintendo Switch Systems
- Add games fast with write speeds up to 90MB/s (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.)
- Start playing fast with read speeds up to 100MB/s (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.)
- Store an entire game collection, plus screenshots and videos, with up to 64GB of additional memory (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less)
Choose storage based on how you use the game
PS5 supports USB extended storage and M.2 SSD storage for game data, but they do not work identically. PS5 game data stored on USB extended storage must be moved back to console storage or an M.2 SSD before it can be played. Consider the actual size of your game library and whether you need to play games directly from the added storage when choosing an option. Check current device compatibility before buying a drive.
Saved data is a separate case
PlayStation Plus cloud storage is an option for saved data for subscribers. It is not a general free-storage feature available without that subscription.
Rank #4
- 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].
Xbox: uninstall games or add storage
Xbox’s getting-started guidance recommends uninstalling games you are not actively playing, connecting an external hard drive, or adding a storage expansion card for Xbox Series X|S. These options address local capacity. Current Xbox menu paths and controls for limiting background downloads or data use on a metered connection are not established by the support information available here, so do not rely on a specific toggle or path without checking current guidance for your console.
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Best Value
- 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.
Choose the action that matches your goal
- Need more room now: check the console’s storage screen, then remove or archive content you can download again, or move supported games to compatible added storage.
- Want to keep a Switch save: archiving or deleting the downloaded software does not delete its save data, but microSD cannot hold or back up that save data.
- Want to reduce network use: treat downloads, updates, and online activity as the relevant sources of consumption. Storage cleanup alone does not reduce them; avoid assuming account privacy preferences are bandwidth controls.
- Need to keep games ready to play: check the storage rules for your platform. In particular, PS5 games on USB extended storage must be moved back to console or M.2 SSD storage before play.
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