Best Nintendo Switch microSD card for expanded game storage?

The Nintendo Switch, with its incredible library of games, offers endless entertainment. However, its built-in 32GB (or 64GB for the OLED model) internal storage can quickly fill up, especially if you prefer digital downloads or if your physical game cartridges still require hefty patches and updates. This is where a high-quality microSD card becomes an essential upgrade, allowing you to carry your entire game library wherever you go.

Why Expand Your Switch Storage?

Even if you primarily buy physical game cartridges, many modern titles demand significant download sizes for updates, DLC, and even the core game data itself. Digital-only releases, indie gems, and Nintendo’s own first-party titles can range from a few gigabytes to over 20GB. Without sufficient external storage, you’ll quickly find yourself constantly archiving or deleting games to make space, which is far from ideal for a portable console.

Key Factors When Choosing a microSD Card

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

• Capacity: This is the most straightforward factor. While 128GB is a good starting point, 256GB or 512GB offers a better balance of price and long-term storage for most gamers. Hardcore digital collectors might even look towards 1TB cards.
• Speed (UHS-I): The Nintendo Switch supports UHS-I microSD cards, with a maximum transfer speed of up to 100MB/s. While faster UHS-II cards exist, the Switch cannot fully utilize their higher speeds, so investing in them offers no real benefit for console performance. Look for cards with A1 or A2 app performance ratings, though A1 is perfectly sufficient for the Switch.
• Brand Reliability: Stick to reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar. These brands are known for their consistent performance, durability, and better warranty support.

Recommended Capacity Tiers for Gamers

To help you decide, here’s a breakdown of what different capacities typically offer:

• 128GB – 256GB: Ideal for casual gamers who mostly buy physical games but need space for updates and a few digital titles. It’s a significant upgrade from the internal storage.
• 512GB: The sweet spot for many. This capacity allows for a substantial digital library, accommodating numerous AAA titles, indies, and all necessary updates without constant management.
• 1TB: For the ultimate digital collector or someone who wants to future-proof their console for years to come. With 1TB, you can download virtually every game you own and not worry about storage for a very long time.

Top microSD Card Recommendations

While many excellent options exist, certain lines consistently perform well with the Nintendo Switch:

• SanDisk Ultra / Extreme: SanDisk is a popular choice, and their Ultra and Extreme lines offer reliable UHS-I speeds and come in a wide range of capacities. The officially licensed Nintendo-branded SanDisk cards are essentially themed Ultra cards, offering identical performance.
• Samsung EVO Select / EVO Plus: Samsung’s EVO line also provides excellent value and performance. The EVO Select (Amazon exclusive) and EVO Plus are both strong contenders, known for their read/write speeds that perfectly match the Switch’s requirements.
• Lexar PLAY / High-Performance: Lexar offers competitive options, with their PLAY line specifically designed for gaming and their High-Performance cards offering robust speed and reliability.

Installation and Setup

Installing a microSD card into your Nintendo Switch is incredibly straightforward. Simply power off your console, open the kickstand to reveal the microSD card slot, insert the card until it clicks, and then power your Switch back on. The console will automatically recognize the new storage. You can then navigate to System Settings > Data Management to see your expanded storage and manage your games.

Investing in the right microSD card is one of the best upgrades you can make for your Nintendo Switch. It eliminates storage worries, streamlines your gaming experience, and ensures you have all your favorite titles ready to play at a moment’s notice. Choose a reputable brand and a capacity that suits your gaming habits, and you’ll unlock the full potential of your portable console.