Which microSD card offers best Nintendo Switch storage & game load times?

The Crucial Role of microSD Cards for Your Switch

The Nintendo Switch, while a marvel of portable gaming, comes with a relatively modest 32GB (or 64GB for the OLED model) of internal storage. With modern game sizes often exceeding 10-20GB, it doesn’t take long for that space to fill up, especially if you prefer digital downloads. This is where a microSD card becomes an indispensable accessory, transforming your console’s storage capacity. But it’s not just about space; the right card can also significantly impact game load times, affecting your overall gaming experience.

This guide will demystify the world of microSD cards, focusing on what truly matters for your Nintendo Switch: balancing ample storage with optimal speed to get you into your games faster and keep them running smoothly.

Understanding microSD Card Specifications

Not all microSD cards are created equal. When browsing for a card, you’ll encounter a dizzying array of numbers and acronyms. For the Nintendo Switch, the most important specifications are:

• UHS-I vs. UHS-II: The Nintendo Switch only supports the faster UHS-I interface. While UHS-II cards exist and are technically faster, the Switch cannot take advantage of their increased speeds, so purchasing one is often an unnecessary expense.
• Speed Class (U1, U3): This indicates the minimum sustained write speed. U1 (Class 10) guarantees at least 10 MB/s, while U3 guarantees at least 30 MB/s. For gaming, U3 is generally preferred for its better performance, especially for larger game installations and quicker downloads.
• Application Performance Class (A1, A2): These ratings are crucial for mobile apps, and by extension, games. They measure random read/write speeds, which are more indicative of how quickly a device can access small chunks of data – a common operation when loading game assets. A1 cards offer a minimum of 1500 IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) random read and 500 IOPS random write, while A2 cards boost this to 4000 IOPS random read and 2000 IOPS random write.

Nintendo Switch’s microSD Card Speed Limitations

It’s important to understand that the Nintendo Switch itself has a built-in bottleneck. While many high-end UHS-I microSD cards boast advertised read speeds of up to 170MB/s or even 200MB/s, the Switch’s internal microSD card controller is limited to a maximum theoretical read speed of around 100MB/s. In real-world testing, most games will load at speeds closer to 60-90MB/s, regardless of how much faster your card is rated beyond that.

This means that while buying the absolute fastest card might offer marginal gains, you’ll reach a point of diminishing returns very quickly. The key is to choose a card that comfortably reaches the Switch’s maximum usable speed without overspending on features it can’t utilize.

Read Speed vs. Write Speed: What Matters Most for Gaming?

When evaluating microSD cards for your Switch, prioritize read speed. This is the speed at which the console can retrieve game data from the card, directly impacting:

• Game Load Times: How quickly you get from the console’s main menu into a game, or between levels/areas within a game.
• In-Game Asset Loading: How smoothly textures, models, and audio load as you play, preventing stuttering or pop-in.

Write speed, on the other hand, is important when you are:

• Downloading new games or updates.
• Installing game data from a physical cartridge onto the card.
• Moving data between the internal storage and the microSD card.

While a decent write speed is beneficial for these tasks, it generally has less impact on the actual gameplay experience once a game is installed and running compared to read speed.

Recommended Capacities: How Much Storage Do You Really Need?

Capacity is often the first thing people consider, and for good reason. Digital game libraries can grow quickly. Here’s a rough guide:

• 128GB: A good starting point for casual players who primarily buy physical games but want space for a few digital titles and DLC.
• 256GB: A solid all-rounder. Offers plenty of space for a mix of digital and physical games, satisfying most users.
• 512GB: Ideal for avid digital gamers. You’ll be able to install dozens of large titles without frequently deleting games.
• 1TB: For the ultimate digital collector. While more expensive, this capacity ensures you rarely, if ever, run out of space, even with a massive library of downloadable games.

Consider your personal gaming habits. If you prefer physical cartridges, you might need less space for game installations, but patches and DLC still take up room. If you’re a digital-only gamer, invest in a larger capacity card from the start.

Top Picks: Best microSD Cards for Nintendo Switch

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

• SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Card (A1 or A2 rated): Often considered the gold standard. SanDisk cards are reliable, widely available, and offer excellent real-world performance that hits the Switch’s sweet spot without breaking the bank. Look for the ‘Nintendo Licensed’ versions if you want specific branding, though the regular Ultra cards perform identically.
• Samsung EVO Select / EVO Plus microSDXC UHS-I Card (A2 rated): Samsung’s EVO line is another fantastic choice, known for its consistent performance and durability. The A2 rating ensures strong random read/write speeds, contributing to smoother game loading.
• Lexar PLAY microSDXC UHS-I Card (A2 rated): Designed with gaming in mind, Lexar PLAY cards offer competitive speeds and are often a great value option, particularly at higher capacities.

When purchasing, always buy from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit cards, which can lead to data loss and poor performance.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Switch’s Potential

Choosing the best microSD card for your Nintendo Switch doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on UHS-I cards with a U3 speed class and ideally an A1 or A2 application performance rating. While advertised speeds can be high, remember the Switch’s internal limitations mean that ultra-expensive, super-fast cards won’t necessarily translate to dramatically better performance beyond a certain point.

For most users, a 256GB or 512GB card from a reputable brand like SanDisk or Samsung, offering solid read speeds (around 90-100MB/s advertised) and at least an A1 rating, will provide the best balance of storage, speed, and value. This will ensure you have ample space for your digital library and enjoy the fastest possible game load times your beloved console can offer.