Best Switch storage expansion for large digital libraries?

The Ever-Growing Digital Library Dilemma

The Nintendo Switch, beloved for its versatility and incredible game library, comes with one notable limitation for avid digital collectors: its modest internal storage. With only 32GB (or 64GB for the OLED model) of built-in space, a significant portion of which is reserved for the system, it doesn’t take long for even a small collection of modern digital titles to fill up the console. For players with large digital libraries, or those planning to build one, expanding storage isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Many popular Switch games can range from 5GB to over 20GB each, meaning that just a handful of titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, or DOOM Eternal can quickly consume all available internal memory. This guide will help you navigate the best storage expansion options to keep your digital collection ready to play at a moment’s notice.

Understanding Switch Storage: Why MicroSD Cards Are Key

Unlike some other consoles that allow for external hard drives, the Nintendo Switch relies exclusively on microSD cards for expandable storage. These tiny cards slot into a dedicated port on the console, seamlessly integrating to provide additional space for games, save data, screenshots, and video captures. The key is choosing a card that not only offers sufficient capacity but also meets the console’s speed requirements for optimal performance.

Key Factors for Choosing Your MicroSD Card

• Capacity: This is arguably the most crucial factor for large digital libraries. While smaller cards exist, for extensive collections, you’ll want to look at 256GB, 512GB, or even 1TB options.
• Speed: The Switch supports UHS-I microSD cards, with a recommended read speed of 60-95 MB/s. Look for cards with a Speed Class 10 and a UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) or 3 (U3) rating. An Application Performance Class of A1 or A2 is also beneficial, as it indicates good random read/write speeds, which are important for game loading.
• Brand & Reliability: Stick to reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar. These companies are known for producing reliable, high-quality memory cards that perform consistently and come with warranties.

Top MicroSD Card Recommendations for Large Libraries

For players serious about their digital libraries, focusing on the higher capacity tiers is essential. Here are the top recommendations:

512GB MicroSD Cards

A 512GB microSD card offers a fantastic balance of capacity and cost-effectiveness. It’s usually enough to hold dozens of large games and hundreds of smaller ones, making it suitable for most users with substantial digital collections. SanDisk Ultra, SanDisk for Nintendo Switch (officially licensed), and Samsung EVO Select are excellent choices in this category, known for their reliability and good speeds.

1TB MicroSD Cards

For the ultimate digital library, where you want to download virtually everything and never worry about space, a 1TB microSD card is the way to go. While pricier, the peace of mind and convenience it offers are invaluable. SanDisk Extreme, SanDisk Ultra, and Samsung EVO Plus 1TB cards are top contenders. These will allow you to download nearly every major Switch game available digitally and still have room to spare for future releases.

Installation and Best Practices

Installing a microSD card is straightforward: simply slide it into the slot under the kickstand on the back of your Switch. The console will automatically detect and format the card if needed. When downloading new games, the Switch will prioritize saving them to the microSD card if one is present and has sufficient space.

If you’re upgrading from a smaller microSD card, you can transfer your game data by copying the contents of your old card to your PC, then copying them to the new, larger card. Alternatively, redownloading games from the eShop directly to the new card is also an option, though it can be time-consuming for a large library.

Future-Proofing Your Switch Storage

Investing in a high-capacity microSD card now will save you countless headaches later. As Nintendo continues to release new, compelling titles—many of which are digital-only or have substantial download requirements—having ample storage ensures you’re always ready to jump into the latest adventures without managing data or deleting beloved games. For those with a truly large digital library, or aspirations for one, a 1TB microSD card is the undisputed champion, offering unparalleled freedom and convenience for your Nintendo Switch experience.