What’s the best microSD card for Nintendo Switch game storage to avoid slowdowns?

The Nintendo Switch, while a marvel of portable gaming, comes with a limited internal storage capacity (32GB for the original/Lite, 64GB for the OLED model). Given the ever-growing size of digital games, a microSD card is an essential accessory. However, not all microSD cards are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to frustratingly slow loading times and even in-game performance hitches. So, how do you pick the best one to keep your gaming experience smooth?

Why MicroSD Card Speed Matters for Your Switch

Think of your microSD card as a mini hard drive for your Switch. When you launch a game, load a new area, or access in-game assets, the console is constantly reading data from the card. If the card’s read speed is too slow, the Switch has to wait, causing delays. While the Switch doesn’t always fully utilize the absolute highest speeds available on some premium cards, a certain threshold is necessary to avoid bottlenecks.

Write speed is also important, though less frequently stressed in day-to-day gaming. It comes into play when downloading new games, installing updates, or saving game data.

Key Specifications to Look For

When shopping for a microSD card, you’ll encounter a confusing array of numbers and symbols. Here’s what actually matters for your Nintendo Switch:

1. UHS Speed Class (U3 is Ideal)

• UHS-I (Ultra High Speed – Phase I): This is the standard supported by the Nintendo Switch. You won’t gain anything from a UHS-II or UHS-III card, as the Switch doesn’t have the necessary pins to utilize their faster bus speeds.
• U1 vs. U3: Look for a ‘3’ inside a ‘U’ symbol (U3). This indicates a minimum sequential write speed of 30 MB/s. U1 (with a ‘1’ inside the ‘U’) guarantees only 10 MB/s. While the Switch doesn’t always hit 30 MB/s write speeds, a U3 rating generally indicates a higher quality card with better overall performance, including read speeds crucial for gaming.

2. Video Speed Class (V30 or higher)

You might see symbols like V10, V30, V60, or V90. These indicate minimum sequential write speeds for video recording. For Switch gaming, V30 (minimum 30 MB/s write) is excellent, aligning with the U3 standard and ensuring robust performance.

3. Application Performance Class (A2 is Best)

• A1 vs. A2: This rating indicates how well a card handles random read/write operations, which are critical for application performance and loading many small game files efficiently.
• A2: Offers a higher minimum random read speed (4000 IOPS) and random write speed (2000 IOPS) compared to A1 (1500 IOPS read, 500 IOPS write). While the Switch doesn’t fully optimize for A2 cards, choosing one generally means you’re getting a card with superior internal components and better overall performance for gaming.

4. Read/Write Speeds (Aim for 100MB/s Read)

Most manufacturers will list a ‘up to’ read speed. Look for cards advertising up to 100MB/s read speed. While the Switch’s internal reader maxes out around 60-90 MB/s, having a card capable of higher speeds ensures you’re hitting the console’s maximum potential without any internal bottlenecks.

Recommended MicroSD Cards for Nintendo Switch

Based on these specifications, here are some of the best and most reliable options:

• SanDisk MicroSDXC for Nintendo Switch: These officially licensed cards are excellent. They are U3 and A1 rated, offering up to 100MB/s read speeds. While A1, they are specifically optimized and tested for the Switch.
• SanDisk Extreme / Extreme Pro: These are top-tier cards, typically U3 and A2 rated, with read speeds up to 160MB/s (or even higher on newer models) and impressive write speeds. They offer fantastic performance and are often a great value.
• Samsung EVO Select / EVO Plus: Samsung’s EVO line offers great performance at a competitive price. Look for the U3 and A2 rated versions, which typically boast 100MB/s read and 60-90MB/s write speeds.
• Lexar PLAY / PRO: Lexar also produces reliable U3/A2 rated cards that are well-suited for the Switch, offering similar speed profiles to the SanDisk Extreme and Samsung EVO lines.

Capacity: While the 128GB or 256GB cards are popular, 512GB and even 1TB options are becoming more affordable. Choose a capacity that suits your game library size and budget, keeping in mind that you can always upgrade later by transferring data.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

• Insert Carefully: The microSD card slot is usually located under the kickstand on the back of the Switch. Push the card in until it clicks.
• Format on Switch: It’s always best to let your Switch format a new microSD card. Go to System Settings > System > Formatting Options > Format microSD Card.
• Don’t Remove During Operation: Never remove the card while the console is on, downloading, or running a game from the card, as this can corrupt data.

Conclusion

To avoid slowdowns and ensure a seamless gaming experience on your Nintendo Switch, prioritize a microSD card with a UHS-I (U3) rating, preferably an A2 Application Performance Class, and a read speed of at least 100MB/s. Brands like SanDisk (especially the official Switch-licensed cards or Extreme/Extreme Pro lines) and Samsung (EVO Select/Plus) consistently deliver the performance needed. Investing in a quality, high-speed card upfront will save you from future frustrations and let you fully enjoy your digital game library.