What size MicroSD card is best for Switch to store many big and small games?

The Nintendo Switch, while a phenomenal console, comes with a rather modest 32GB (original and Lite models) or 64GB (OLED model) of internal storage. For anyone looking to download multiple digital games, including both large AAA titles and smaller indie gems, this space quickly becomes insufficient. Expanding your Switch’s storage with a MicroSD card is not just an option; it’s practically a necessity for most gamers. But with so many sizes available, how do you pick the best one to accommodate your gaming library?

Why Expand Your Switch’s Storage?

Even if you prefer physical game cartridges, many Switch games still require significant internal storage for updates, downloadable content (DLC), and save data. Digital-only titles and games purchased from the eShop reside entirely on your system’s storage, making an external MicroSD card crucial. Without one, you’ll frequently find yourself deleting games to make space for new ones, a hassle no one wants.

Understanding Game Sizes on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch game sizes vary dramatically. Small indie games might only take up a few hundred megabytes, or even less than a gigabyte. However, many popular AAA titles can consume substantial amounts of space:

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: ~14.4GB
• Pokémon Sword/Shield: ~12.4GB
• Splatoon 3: ~6.1GB
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: ~17.5GB (plus DLC)
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition: ~31GB

These figures don’t even account for future updates, expansions, or additional DLC, which can further bloat a game’s footprint. If you’re planning to collect a decent digital library, these numbers quickly add up.

Key Factors When Choosing a MicroSD Card

Selecting the right MicroSD card involves balancing several considerations:

Your Gaming Habits: Digital vs. Physical

If you primarily buy physical game cartridges and only download a few indie titles or DLC, you might not need as much space. However, if you’re a digital-first gamer, buying most of your games from the eShop, a larger card is essential.

Budget Considerations

MicroSD card prices have become quite affordable, but larger capacities still command a higher price. It’s about finding the sweet spot between capacity and what you’re willing to spend.

Future-Proofing Your Storage

Consider not just the games you own now, but the ones you plan to buy. New Switch titles, especially big releases, tend to be larger. Investing in a slightly larger card than you think you need today can save you from upgrading again soon.

Recommended MicroSD Card Sizes for Switch

Here’s a breakdown of common MicroSD card sizes and who they’re best for:

128GB: The Entry-Level Expansion

Best for: Light gamers, those who mostly buy physical cartridges, or players who only download a handful of smaller digital games. It’s a significant upgrade from the internal storage and offers decent value for its price.

Capacity: Enough for 5-10 larger games or many smaller ones.

256GB: The Sweet Spot for Most Gamers

Best for: A vast majority of Switch owners. This size provides a good balance of storage, performance, and price. It allows for a substantial digital library, including several AAA titles and numerous indie games, without constant juggling.

Capacity: Can comfortably hold 10-20 larger games or a very extensive collection of smaller titles.

512GB: For the Digital Collector and Future-Proofing

Best for: Dedicated digital gamers, those who want to download most major releases, and anyone looking to truly future-proof their Switch storage for years to come. You’ll rarely have to worry about running out of space.

Capacity: Plenty of room for 20-40+ larger games and an extensive backlog of smaller ones.

1TB: The Ultimate Digital Library

Best for: Hardcore digital collectors with a vast library of games, or those who simply never want to think about storage limits. While a 1TB card is still relatively expensive compared to smaller capacities, it offers unparalleled freedom.

Capacity: You’ll likely never fill this up with just Switch games. Easily 40-80+ large games.

Don’t Forget Speed: UHS-I and A-Ratings

While capacity is crucial, the speed of your MicroSD card also matters. Nintendo recommends using a UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) compatible card with a read speed of 60-95 MB/s. Cards rated A1 or A2 (App Performance Class) are also excellent choices as they are optimized for faster loading of applications and games. Slower cards can result in longer loading times for your games.

Always opt for reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar to ensure reliability and advertised speeds.

Making the Best Choice for Your Switch

Considering your gaming habits is key. If you download more than half your games, aim for 256GB or 512GB. If you mainly stick to physical cartridges but want space for updates and a few digital gems, 128GB could suffice. For the ultimate peace of mind and an extensive digital library, 512GB is an excellent investment, offering a balance of capacity and cost. A 1TB card is fantastic for those who want to download everything, but it comes at a premium.

Conclusion

Expanding your Nintendo Switch’s storage with a MicroSD card is a simple yet vital upgrade. While there’s no single “best” size for everyone, a 256GB or 512GB card offers the most practical solution for storing a wide variety of both big and small games, providing ample space for your current library and future adventures. Choose wisely based on your personal needs, and enjoy uninterrupted gaming!