What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Yes. For a Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED, copy the entire contents of the old microSD card to a computer, then copy them onto a compatible replacement card. This moves files stored on the card, such as downloaded software and screenshots—not game saves, which Nintendo stores in the console’s system memory.
What transfers—and what does not
A microSD card can store downloaded software, software update data, downloadable content, screenshots, and captured videos. Copying the card transfers its files, but it does not copy game save data. Nintendo says saves are stored in system memory and cannot be copied to or saved on a microSD card. See Nintendo’s microSD card FAQ.
If you mean moving a save or user profile to another console, that is a separate process from copying a card. Nintendo provides separate console-transfer methods, and the available method depends on the systems involved: Nintendo’s save-data transfer information and Nintendo’s general transfer overview.
How to copy a Switch microSD card to another card
Nintendo documents this procedure using Windows Explorer and cautions that copying may not work correctly in other environments, including Mac. You need the old and replacement microSD cards and a computer with an SD card slot or a compatible card reader/writer. If the computer has no microSD slot, you may also need an adapter. Follow Nintendo’s full card-transfer instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Incredible speeds in a microSD card officially licensed for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite systems
- Spend less time waiting and more time playing with read speeds up to 100MB/s(1) and write speeds up to 90MB/s(1).
- Instantly add up to 256GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Store your downloaded games, screenshots and video captures in 1 place so you can travel light.
- Turn off the console and remove the old microSD card.
- Insert the old card into the computer or card reader, then open it in Windows Explorer.
- Copy the entire contents of the card to a folder on the computer, such as the desktop. Nintendo’s instruction is: “Always copy the entire folder, and never alter or erase the files it contains.”
- If the replacement card is new, format it according to Nintendo’s recommendations. Keep the original card unchanged while you work.
- Eject the old card, then connect the replacement card to the computer.
- Copy the saved contents from the computer to the replacement card. Do not change or remove the files or folders.
- Eject the replacement card and insert it into the console. Check that the console can access the copied content before you make any changes to the old card.
If software copied to the replacement card is not readable, Nintendo says it can be redownloaded from Nintendo eShop.
Choose a card compatible with your console
The following compatibility guidance applies to the original Nintendo Switch family: Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. Nintendo lists these card types and capacities:
Rank #2
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
| Card type | Capacity | Nintendo guidance |
|---|---|---|
| microSD | Up to 2 GB | Compatible with the original Switch family |
| microSDHC | 4 GB to 32 GB | Compatible with the original Switch family |
| microSDXC | 64 GB to 2 TB | A system update is required |
Nintendo recommends UHS-I compatibility and a transfer speed of 60–95 MB/sec as guidance for the original Switch family; this is not a measured transfer test. Nintendo does not require a particular card brand or model. Check Nintendo’s compatibility and speed guidance before buying a replacement.
Do not apply those requirements to Nintendo Switch 2: Nintendo specifies microSD Express cards for that system. Its card requirements are different.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Nintendo Switch 2 uses a new standard of expandable memory card called microSD Express (sold separately). This kind of memory card is needed for faster access speeds and to ensure games will run smoothly.
- Please note: Nintendo Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards. If the microSD cards you have used for Nintendo Switch do not support microSD Express standards, you cannot use them with Nintendo Switch 2.
Keep the original card until the copy is verified
- Do not delete, format, or alter the original card until you have checked the replacement in the console.
- Do not copy data back onto the same card to overwrite its contents.
- Nintendo advises against swapping cards between multiple systems and recommends using one card with one system.
- Downloaded software spread across several cards cannot later be combined onto one card.
These precautions and the single-card recommendation are in Nintendo’s transfer instructions and microSD card FAQ.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch (NOT Nintendo Switch 2). Always check your device's max supported capacity.
- Reliable Real-World Capacity - Labeled Capacities/Usable Capacities: 64GB/≥58GB; 128GB/≥116GB; 256GB/≥232GB; 512GB/≥465GB; 1TB/≥908GB (Due to OS formatting and binary/decimal calculation differences)
- 4K & Full HD Ready — Optimized for high-bitrate video recording and burst-mode photography. Handles RAW files, time-lapse sequences, and smooth 4K UHD playback without lag or frame drops.
- UHS-I U3 + A2 Certified Speed — Up to 100MB/s read speed (lab-tested); meets Video Speed Class V30 and Application Class A2 for fast app loading, responsive multitasking, and reliable performance on Android devices.
- Built for Adventure — Shock-resistant, IPX6 water-resistant, and rated for extreme temperatures (−10°C to +80°C). Also resistant to X-rays and magnetic fields — ideal for travel, outdoor use, and dashcams.
Rank #4
- [Gaming Series] Especially designed for Gaming Consoles. A1 spec enables high speed data transfer for game professionals
- [Ultra HD] Read/Write up to 100/60 MB/s. UltraHD video displaying/recording
- [Compatibility] Storage for Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, e-Reader. Files, Videos, Music [Notice] Compatible with Nintendo Switch 1; not compatible for gaming with Nintendo Switch 2
- [Environment] Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-Ray proof
- [Support] Gigastone 5-year limited warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
