Best microSD for Nintendo Switch? Maximize game storage for big & small titles.

Why Your Nintendo Switch Needs a microSD Card

The Nintendo Switch is an incredible console, offering a vast library of games playable anywhere. However, its Achilles’ heel for many players is the limited internal storage. With only 32GB (or 64GB for the OLED model), a significant portion of which is reserved for system files, you’ll quickly run out of space. Modern games, even on the Switch, can easily consume several gigabytes, making a microSD card an essential upgrade rather than a luxury.

Whether you prefer physical game cartridges or digital downloads, a microSD card is crucial. Digital-only titles and downloadable content (DLC) for physical games will quickly fill up your console. Even if you primarily buy physical cartridges, many games require substantial updates or additional data downloads that eat into your internal storage. A high-quality microSD card provides the freedom to download more games, keep all your save data, and never worry about deleting beloved titles to make room for new adventures.

Key Factors When Choosing a Nintendo Switch microSD Card

Not all microSD cards are created equal. To ensure optimal performance and value for your Switch, consider these crucial factors:

1. Capacity: How Much Storage Do You Need?

This is arguably the most important decision. microSD cards for the Switch range from 64GB to a whopping 1TB or even 1.5TB. While 64GB might seem like a good start, it fills up surprisingly fast. We recommend aiming for at least 128GB, and ideally 256GB or 512GB, to future-proof your storage for years to come.

• 128GB: Good for casual players with a mix of physical and digital games.
• 256GB: An excellent balance of price and capacity for most gamers.
• 512GB: Ideal for avid digital collectors and those who want to download everything.
• 1TB/1.5TB: For the ultimate digital library, ensuring virtually unlimited space.

2. Speed: UHS-I and Speed Classes

The Nintendo Switch supports the UHS-I standard, which means you don’t need to splurge on the latest, fastest UHS-II cards; the console simply won’t utilize their full speed. Look for cards with:

• UHS Speed Class 3 (U3): This indicates a minimum sequential write speed of 30MB/s, which is perfect for game loading and downloads. While U1 cards (10MB/s) will work, U3 offers a noticeable performance bump.
• Application Performance Class A1 or A2: These classes ensure good random read/write performance, which is vital for quick game loading and seamless operation. A2 is technically faster, but the Switch often doesn’t fully leverage its advantages over A1. Both are excellent choices.

In essence, a U3, A1, or A2 rated card will provide excellent performance for your Switch without being overkill.

3. Brand Reliability and Authenticity

Stick to reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar, and PNY. These brands are known for their quality, durability, and consistent performance. Be wary of unbranded or suspiciously cheap cards, as they often have slower speeds or inflated capacity claims.

Top Recommended microSD Cards for Nintendo Switch

Based on performance, reliability, and value, here are some of the best microSD cards for your Nintendo Switch:

1. SanDisk microSDXC for Nintendo Switch

SanDisk has an officially licensed line of microSD cards specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch, often featuring iconic game characters. These cards are U3 and A1 rated, offering excellent read/write speeds that are perfect for the console. They come in various capacities, up to 1TB, and provide peace of mind with their Nintendo endorsement.

2. SanDisk Extreme/Extreme PRO microSDXC

While not Switch-branded, SanDisk’s Extreme and Extreme PRO lines are top-tier general-purpose microSD cards. They typically feature U3 and A2 ratings, offering slightly faster random performance than the standard Switch-branded cards. These are a fantastic choice if you find them at a good price, and their robust build quality is a bonus.

3. Samsung EVO Select/Plus microSDXC

Samsung’s EVO Select and EVO Plus series are consistently excellent performers and offer great value. They are U3 and A2 rated, providing reliable and fast storage for your Switch. Available in a wide range of capacities, they are a strong competitor to SanDisk’s offerings and often found at competitive prices.

4. Lexar PLAY microSDXC

Lexar’s PLAY series is specifically designed for mobile gaming devices, making them a great fit for the Switch. These cards offer U3 and A2 performance, ensuring quick game loads and smooth gameplay. Lexar is a long-standing player in memory solutions, and their PLAY cards are a dependable option.

Installing and Managing Your microSD Card

Installing a microSD card is simple: just open the kickstand on the back of your Switch and insert the card into the slot. The console will recognize it automatically. To move existing games from your internal storage to the microSD card, you’ll need to archive the software and then redownload it, selecting the microSD card as the download location. New downloads will default to the microSD card once installed.

Future-Proofing Your Switch Storage

As Nintendo continues to release new games and updates, the demand for storage will only grow. Investing in a larger capacity microSD card now, even if you don’t immediately fill it, will save you hassle down the line. Consider your gaming habits: are you a digital-only collector, or do you mostly buy physical? Even with physical games, major updates and DLC can take up significant space. A generous microSD card ensures you’re always ready for the next big title or expansion.

Conclusion: Optimize Your Switch Experience

A high-quality microSD card is an indispensable accessory for any Nintendo Switch owner. By choosing a card with ample capacity (256GB-512GB recommended) and reliable U3/A1 or A2 speed ratings from a trusted brand, you can maximize your game storage, enjoy faster loading times, and eliminate the frustration of constantly managing space. Upgrade your Switch storage today and dive into an even bigger library of games without limits.