Best MicroSD for Switch: how to choose for game storage & speed?

Why Your Nintendo Switch Needs a MicroSD Card

The Nintendo Switch, an incredibly versatile console, comes with a rather limited internal storage of either 32GB or 64GB (for the OLED model). While this is enough for a few small games, it quickly fills up once you start downloading larger digital titles, updates, or DLC. A microSD card becomes an essential upgrade, significantly expanding your console’s storage capacity and allowing you to carry your entire game library wherever you go.

But it’s not just about space; the speed of your microSD card can impact game loading times, how quickly games install, and even the smoothness of certain in-game assets. Investing in the right card ensures you’re not left waiting when you’d rather be playing.

Understanding MicroSD Card Types and Compatibility

The Nintendo Switch is compatible with microSD cards, microSDHC cards, and microSDXC cards. The main difference lies in their capacity ranges:

• microSD: Up to 2GB (rarely used today).
• microSDHC (High Capacity): 4GB to 32GB.
• microSDXC (Extended Capacity): 64GB to 2TB (the theoretical maximum, though cards up to 1.5TB are currently available).

For most users, microSDXC cards are the way to go, offering ample space for dozens of modern games. Nintendo officially recommends using UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) compatible cards, which are standard for most modern microSDXC cards.

Key Factors When Choosing a MicroSD Card for Switch

1. Storage Capacity: How Much Do You Really Need?

This is often the first consideration. Digital games for the Switch can range from a few hundred megabytes to over 20GB. Major titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate easily consume 10-15GB each. Here’s a general guideline:

• 64GB-128GB: Suitable for casual players who buy mostly physical games or only a few digital titles. Will fill up fast.
• 256GB: A good starting point for many. Allows for a decent library of digital games and updates.
• 400GB-512GB: Excellent balance of capacity and price. Ideal for those who primarily download digital games and want plenty of room for future purchases.
• 1TB or More: For the hardcore digital collector who wants to download everything without worrying about space. While more expensive, it offers ultimate peace of mind.

2. Speed: Why Read Speed Matters Most

While microSD cards often list both read and write speeds, for the Nintendo Switch, read speed is the most critical factor. This dictates how quickly games load, how smoothly assets are streamed, and how fast you can access your data. The Switch itself has a maximum theoretical read speed of around 100MB/s for microSD cards.

• UHS Speed Class: Look for cards with a Roman numeral ‘I’ (UHS-I). Most modern cards will have this. UHS-II cards exist but offer no benefit to the Switch, as the console doesn’t support the extra pin connectors for their higher speeds.
• Speed Class (C10): Most modern cards are Class 10 (C10), meaning a minimum write speed of 10MB/s. This is sufficient for the Switch.
• Video Speed Class (V10, V30, etc.): Primarily for video recording, these indicate sustained write speeds. While not directly relevant to Switch performance, a higher V-class often correlates with good overall card quality.
• Application Performance Class (A1 or A2): These ratings (A1 or A2) indicate performance for running applications from the card, which is more relevant for smartphones and Android devices. While the Switch doesn’t specifically leverage A1/A2 optimizations, cards with these ratings often have good random read/write speeds that can benefit general game performance. Look for cards with advertised read speeds of 90-100MB/s.

Aim for a card with a advertised read speed of 90MB/s or higher for the best experience. Anything beyond 100MB/s might be overkill as the Switch won’t fully utilize it.

3. Brand and Reliability

While price can be tempting, reliability is paramount. Losing your game saves or experiencing corrupt data due to a cheap, unbranded card is a frustrating experience. Stick to reputable brands known for quality and customer support:

• SanDisk
• Samsung
• Lexar
• Kingston
• PNY

SanDisk’s official Nintendo-licensed microSD cards are a popular choice, though any reputable UHS-I card will perform just as well.

Setting Up Your MicroSD Card on Switch

Installing a microSD card is straightforward: simply insert it into the slot on your Switch (usually under the kickstand). The Switch will format it automatically if needed. To manage your data, go to System Settings > Data Management. Here, you can move games between internal storage and the microSD card, or delete software. New game downloads will automatically save to the microSD card if one is present.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Selecting the best microSD card for your Nintendo Switch boils down to balancing storage capacity with reliable read speeds from a trusted brand. For most users, a 256GB or 512GB microSDXC card with a UHS-I speed class and advertised read speeds of 90-100MB/s from a brand like SanDisk or Samsung will provide an excellent and future-proof gaming experience. Don’t compromise on quality; your extensive game library and fast loading times depend on it.