What’s the best microSD card for growing Switch game libraries?

The Nintendo Switch, a marvel of portable gaming, comes with a rather modest 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. While sufficient for a few small digital titles, this space quickly diminishes as players delve into the expansive world of eShop purchases, game updates, and downloadable content (DLC). For any serious Switch gamer, a microSD card isn’t just an accessory; it’s an essential upgrade to keep their growing game library accessible and their gaming experience seamless.

Why a MicroSD Card is Essential for Switch Gamers

Many popular Switch titles can easily consume several gigabytes, with some AAA games exceeding 10GB or even 20GB. When you consider updates, patches, and DLC, that internal storage fills up alarmingly fast. A microSD card provides the necessary headroom, allowing you to download new games without constantly deleting old ones. This not only saves time but also ensures that your favorite titles are always ready to play, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Key Factors When Choosing Your MicroSD Card

Not all microSD cards are created equal. To find the best fit for your Switch, consider these critical factors:

Capacity: How Much Space Do You Really Need?

This is arguably the most important decision. While 128GB is a good starting point for casual players, avid gamers should aim higher. A 256GB card offers a comfortable balance for many, while 512GB or even 1TB cards are ideal for those with extensive digital collections or who plan on purchasing many large titles in the future. Remember, it’s always better to have more space than you think you’ll need.

Speed: Don’t Compromise on Performance

The Nintendo Switch supports UHS-I microSD cards, with read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds typically around 60-90MB/s. Look for cards rated U3 (UHS Speed Class 3) or V30 (Video Speed Class 30), which guarantee a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s. While faster UHS-II cards exist, the Switch does not utilize their full potential, so you’d be paying extra for performance you can’t access. Cards with an A1 or A2 rating (Application Performance Class) are also beneficial as they optimize random read/write operations, which can slightly improve game loading times.

Brand Reliability: Trustworthy Choices

Stick with reputable brands known for quality and reliability. SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar are industry leaders and offer excellent performance and warranties. Avoiding obscure or unbranded cards can save you from potential data corruption or premature card failure.

Top MicroSD Card Recommendations for Switch

Based on capacity, speed, and reliability, here are some top picks for your Nintendo Switch:

• SanDisk MicroSDXC for Nintendo Switch: Officially licensed and optimized for the console, these cards offer reliable performance and come in various capacities (up to 1TB) with iconic Switch designs. They are a safe and excellent choice.
• SanDisk Extreme/Ultra MicroSDXC: These consumer-grade cards offer excellent value, with fast read/write speeds (UHS-I U3) that are more than sufficient for the Switch. They are widely available and often more affordable than the officially licensed versions.
• Samsung EVO Select/Plus MicroSDXC: Samsung’s EVO line is another highly respected choice, offering great performance and durability. They typically match or exceed the performance of comparable SanDisk cards and are often competitively priced.

When selecting, prioritize a U3 or A1/A2 rated card from one of these brands in your desired capacity.

Installation and Management Tips

Installing a microSD card in your Switch is straightforward: simply open the kickstand and insert the card into the slot. The Switch will automatically recognize it. For managing games, you can move existing data from internal storage to the microSD card via System Settings > Data Management. New downloads will default to the microSD card as long as there’s space.

Remember to power off your Switch before inserting or removing the microSD card to prevent data corruption.

Conclusion

An adequately sized and speedy microSD card is the single most important upgrade for any Nintendo Switch owner planning to expand their digital game library. By investing in a reliable card from a trusted brand, you ensure that your gaming experience remains smooth, your favorite titles are always at your fingertips, and you’re prepared for whatever new adventures the eShop brings.