What’s the best microSD card for Switch game storage, considering indie vs. AAA game sizes?

Optimizing Your Nintendo Switch Storage: Indie vs. AAA Games

The Nintendo Switch, while a marvel of portable gaming, comes with a rather modest 32GB (or 64GB for OLED models) of internal storage. This quickly becomes a bottleneck for any gamer, but the specific type of games you prefer — sprawling AAA titles or charming indie gems — significantly impacts your microSD card needs. Understanding the size differences is key to making the best storage decision.

The Size Divide: Indie vs. AAA

Indie Game Sizes

Indie games are typically lean on storage. Many range from a few hundred megabytes to a few gigabytes. For example:

• Stardew Valley: ~1.5 GB
• Hades: ~6.5 GB
• Celeste: ~1.5 GB
• Hollow Knight: ~5.5 GB

If your library consists primarily of these smaller, digital-only titles, you can accumulate a substantial collection before running into serious storage issues.

AAA Game Sizes

On the other hand, AAA games are resource-intensive beasts, often requiring massive downloads even if you buy a physical cartridge, as many only contain a portion of the full game. These titles can quickly fill up your storage:

• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: ~16.5 GB
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition: ~32 GB
• DOOM Eternal: ~27 GB
• Red Dead Redemption: ~12 GB

Just a handful of these digital behemoths can easily consume the internal storage and a smaller microSD card.

Why a MicroSD Card is Essential

Given the internal storage limitations, a microSD card isn’t just an accessory; it’s a necessity for most Switch owners. It’s the only way to significantly expand your game library beyond a handful of titles. The Switch supports UHS-I microSD cards up to 2TB, though cards larger than 1TB are still relatively expensive.

Key Factors for Choosing Your MicroSD Card

1. Capacity: The Primary Consideration

This is where your gaming habits truly dictate the choice.

• 128GB: Suitable for casual gamers who primarily buy physical cartridges and download only a few indie games or small digital titles. It fills up very quickly with AAA games.
• 256GB: A good starting point for a balanced gamer. You can fit a decent mix of indies and a few AAA titles. It offers flexibility without breaking the bank.
• 512GB: Recommended for most digital-first Switch owners. This capacity provides ample space for a large collection of indie games and numerous AAA titles, offering peace of mind for an extended period.
• 1TB+: The ultimate choice for hardcore digital collectors or those who want to download every major AAA game without ever thinking about space. While more expensive, it future-proofs your storage for years to come.

2. Speed: Don’t Overpay, But Don’t Skimp

The Nintendo Switch supports UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) cards. Look for cards with a Speed Class of 10 and a UHS Speed Class of 3 (U3) for optimal performance. This typically translates to read speeds of 90-100 MB/s and write speeds around 60-90 MB/s.

• Read Speed: Crucial for loading games and levels quickly. Nintendo recommends a read speed of 60-95 MB/s.
• Write Speed: Important for downloading new games or updates.

While faster UHS-II or UHS-III cards exist, the Switch does not support their higher speeds, so purchasing them would be an unnecessary expense. Stick to reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Lexar, and PNY to ensure reliability and advertised speeds.

Recommendations Based on Your Playstyle

• The Indie Enthusiast / Physical Cartridge Buyer: 128GB – 256GB

  If your digital library is dominated by indie games and you prefer physical copies for AAA titles, a 128GB or 256GB card will serve you well. It provides plenty of room for dozens of smaller titles and any patches for your physical games.

• The Balanced Gamer (Mix of Indie & AAA): 256GB – 512GB

  For those who enjoy a healthy mix of digital indies and frequently download major AAA releases, a 256GB card is a good minimum, but a 512GB card offers much more breathing room. This allows you to keep several large games installed alongside a robust indie collection.

• The Digital-First AAA Collector: 512GB – 1TB+

  If you prefer to download all your games and especially if you love big AAA titles, a 512GB card is highly recommended. For true digital hoarders, or those wanting maximum convenience for years to come, a 1TB card is the ultimate solution, albeit at a higher price point.

Conclusion

The best microSD card for your Nintendo Switch ultimately depends on your personal gaming habits. While indie games are gentle on storage, AAA titles are voracious. For most Switch owners, a 256GB or 512GB UHS-I U3 card from a reputable brand strikes the perfect balance between capacity, performance, and cost. Invest in a card that matches your expected game library size, and you’ll spend less time managing storage and more time gaming.