Best Switch microSD card for expanding game storage?
Why Your Nintendo Switch Needs a MicroSD Card
The Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED models come with a limited amount of internal storage—32GB for the original and Lite, and 64GB for the OLED. While this might seem adequate for a few games, modern titles, especially digital downloads, can quickly consume that space. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Pokémon Scarlet and Violet can easily take up over 10GB each, making a microSD card an essential accessory for any serious Switch owner. Expanding your storage means more games on the go, fewer difficult choices about what to delete, and a more seamless gaming experience.
Key Factors When Choosing a MicroSD Card
Not all microSD cards are created equal, especially when it comes to gaming. Here’s what you should prioritize:
- Capacity: This is the most obvious factor. Think about your gaming habits. Do you primarily buy physical cartridges or download digital games? Digital-heavy players will need more space.
- Speed: While the Switch doesn’t utilize the absolute fastest speeds available on the market, a faster card can reduce loading times for digital games. Look for UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) with a Speed Class of U1 or U3. The A1 or A2 App Performance Class also indicates better random read/write speeds, which is beneficial for games.
- Brand Reliability: Stick to reputable brands known for quality and durability to avoid data loss and performance issues.
Recommended Capacities for Nintendo Switch
Choosing the right size depends on your budget and how many games you plan to store digitally:
128GB: The Budget-Friendly Start
A 128GB card is a great entry point, offering enough space for 5-10 large digital games or numerous smaller indie titles. It’s affordable and a significant upgrade from the internal storage.
256GB: The Sweet Spot for Most Gamers
For many, a 256GB microSD card strikes the perfect balance between cost and capacity. It provides ample room for a growing game library without breaking the bank, typically holding 15-25 AAA titles.
512GB: For Avid Digital Collectors
If you’re a digital-first gamer, subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, or simply dislike deleting games, a 512GB card is an excellent investment. You’ll likely rarely run out of space, even with a massive collection.
1TB: The Ultimate Archive
The largest consumer-available microSD cards, 1TB options are for those who want to download every game imaginable and never worry about storage. While pricier, they offer unparalleled peace of mind for the most dedicated digital collectors.
Top MicroSD Card Brands for Nintendo Switch
When it comes to reliability and performance, these brands consistently deliver:
- SanDisk: Widely recognized, SanDisk often produces officially licensed Nintendo Switch microSD cards, guaranteeing compatibility and performance. Their Ultra and Extreme lines are popular choices.
- Samsung: Samsung’s EVO Select and EVO Plus series are known for their excellent balance of speed, reliability, and value.
- PNY: PNY offers competitive options, particularly their Elite-X and Pro Elite cards, which provide good speeds at reasonable prices.
- Lexar: Another strong contender, Lexar’s Play and Professional series are designed with gaming and high-speed data transfer in mind.
Always purchase from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit cards, which can lead to data corruption and performance issues.
Installation and Management Tips
Inserting a microSD card into your Nintendo Switch is straightforward: simply open the kickstand on the back of the console and slide the card into the slot. The Switch will automatically detect it. For managing games, the console prioritizes microSD card storage for new downloads if available. You can also manually move games between the system memory and the microSD card via the System Settings.
Conclusion: Expand Your Horizons
Investing in a high-quality microSD card is arguably the most important upgrade you can make for your Nintendo Switch experience. It liberates you from storage constraints, allowing you to build an extensive digital library and always have your favorite games ready to play. Whether you opt for a modest 128GB or a sprawling 1TB, choosing a reputable brand with adequate speed will ensure countless hours of uninterrupted gaming enjoyment.
