Switch storage for indie games: What’s the best budget MicroSD card?

The Nintendo Switch has revolutionized portable gaming, offering a vast library that includes thousands of captivating indie titles. While its internal 32GB or 64GB storage (depending on model) might seem adequate initially, indie games, often small in isolation, quickly add up. For budget-conscious gamers looking to expand their digital library without breaking the bank, finding the right MicroSD card is paramount. This guide will help you navigate the options and identify the best budget-friendly MicroSD cards for your indie game collection.

Why MicroSD Expansion is Crucial for Switch Owners

Nintendo Switch consoles, whether the original, Lite, or OLED model, come with limited internal storage. Even if you primarily play physical cartridges, many games require significant digital updates or DLC. For those who embrace the convenience and often lower prices of digital indie games from the eShop, additional storage is not just a luxury but a necessity. A MicroSD card provides an easy and affordable way to dramatically increase your storage capacity, ensuring you never have to delete beloved games to make room for new adventures.

What to Look for in a Budget MicroSD Card for Switch

Choosing a MicroSD card isn’t just about finding the cheapest option. Several factors influence performance and value for money, even when on a budget.

Capacity: How Much Do You Really Need?

For indie games, you might not need the absolute largest capacities. Many indies range from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes. A 128GB card can hold dozens, if not hundreds, of smaller titles. A 256GB card offers a comfortable balance of space and price, while 512GB provides ample room for a large library of indies and even some AAA titles. Consider your current library size and how many new games you anticipate downloading.

Speed Ratings: Don’t Overspend

The Nintendo Switch supports UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) MicroSD cards with a maximum theoretical transfer speed of 100MB/s. You’ll often see cards advertised with U1 or U3 speed classes. For most indie games, a U1 (10MB/s write speed minimum) or a Class 10 card is perfectly adequate. While faster U3 cards offer better performance, the Switch can’t fully utilize their peak speeds, so investing in a significantly more expensive U3 or A2-rated card for just indie games might be an unnecessary expense on a budget. Look for an A1 rating, which ensures good performance for loading and running applications (games).

Reliability and Brand Reputation

Stick to reputable brands. While no-name cards might be cheaper, they often come with a higher risk of being counterfeit, having slower actual speeds than advertised, or failing prematurely. Trusted brands like SanDisk, Samsung, PNY, and Kingston offer warranties and generally reliable performance, even at their budget tiers.

Price per Gigabyte

This is a key metric for budget shopping. Divide the card’s price by its capacity (in GB) to get an idea of its value. Prices fluctuate, but generally, larger capacities often offer a better price per gigabyte. Look for sales!

Top Budget-Friendly MicroSD Card Recommendations

When it comes to balancing performance, reliability, and cost for the Nintendo Switch, a few specific lines from major manufacturers consistently stand out.

SanDisk Ultra MicroSDXC UHS-I Card

Often considered the ‘default’ choice for Switch owners, the SanDisk Ultra series offers excellent value. Available in various capacities (128GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB, 1TB), these cards provide read speeds up to 100-120MB/s and typically carry an A1 rating, making them perfect for loading indie games quickly and efficiently. They are widely available and frequently go on sale.

Samsung EVO Select / EVO Plus MicroSDXC UHS-I Card

Samsung’s EVO Select (often an Amazon exclusive) and EVO Plus lines are fantastic alternatives to SanDisk. They offer similar speeds and reliability, often with read speeds up to 130MB/s, and are also A1-rated. Samsung’s cards are known for their durability and consistent performance, making them a solid budget choice.

PNY Elite-X MicroSDXC UHS-I Card

PNY offers competitive budget options, with their Elite-X series providing good speeds (up to 100MB/s read) and A1 performance at attractive price points. They might not be as widely recognized as SanDisk or Samsung, but they are a reliable choice for budget-conscious gamers.

Kingston Canvas Select Plus MicroSDXC UHS-I Card

Kingston’s Canvas Select Plus cards are another strong contender. With U1 and A1 ratings, and read speeds up to 100MB/s, they provide the necessary performance for indie games without breaking the bank. Kingston is a well-established memory brand, ensuring quality and reliability.

Tips for Maximizing Your Budget MicroSD Card

Once you have your budget MicroSD card, here’s how to get the most out of it:

• Format on the Switch: Always format your new MicroSD card using the Nintendo Switch console itself. This ensures it’s correctly configured for optimal performance.
• Transfer Games: You can transfer existing digital games from your Switch’s internal memory to the MicroSD card via the System Settings.
• Prioritize Storage: Set your Switch to download new games directly to the MicroSD card by default in the system settings.
• Monitor Sales: Keep an eye on major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart for deals on reputable MicroSD cards. Prices can drop significantly during holiday sales or Prime Day events.

Conclusion

Expanding your Nintendo Switch storage doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. By focusing on reputable brands, appropriate capacities, and the right speed ratings (UHS-I U1/A1), you can find a budget-friendly MicroSD card that comfortably houses your ever-growing collection of indie games. With options like the SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO Select, PNY Elite-X, and Kingston Canvas Select Plus, you’ll be well-equipped to dive into countless new adventures without worrying about storage limits. Happy gaming!