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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fully power off your Nintendo Switch before removing or inserting a microSD card. Open the slot for your model, press the card inward until it clicks, then slide it out. Game saves stay in the console’s system memory, but software and captures stored on the removed card will not be available until that card—or a copy of its contents—is installed.
Remove and insert a card safely
- Save your game, then turn off the console completely. Hold the POWER button for at least three seconds, choose Power Options, then Turn Off. Sleep mode is not the procedure Nintendo specifies. Nintendo’s card instructions cover the shutdown and removal steps.
- Open the correct slot. On the original Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED, open the rear stand. On Switch Lite, open the microSD slot cover on the bottom.
- Release the card. Gently press the top of the card inward until it clicks, then slide it out. The slot is spring-loaded, so do not pull the card before the latch releases.
- Insert the replacement, if applicable. Face the label away from the console and gently press the card inward until it clicks into place.
- Close the stand or cover and turn on the console. Check that the card is recognized and that the expected software and media are available before erasing or reusing the old card.
What happens to saves, games, and captures?
Game save data is stored in system memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card. Removing a card therefore does not delete game progress. Downloadable software, software updates, downloadable content (DLC), screenshots, and captured videos can be stored on the card; those files will not be available while that card is out. Nintendo’s microSD FAQ explains what can be stored on a card and where save data lives.
Upgrading without losing card contents
A physical swap alone does not move files from the old card to a new one. If you want to preserve existing card contents, Nintendo’s transfer procedure uses a Windows PC to copy the full data set. Nintendo cautions that other environments, such as Mac, may not copy the contents correctly. You can use a microSD reader/writer or a PC SD card slot for the transfer. Follow Nintendo’s microSD transfer instructions, and keep the original card unchanged until the replacement is installed and verified.
- Use one microSD card with one Switch system. Software downloaded to a card on one system will not be playable on a different system.
- Do not assume that contents from multiple cards can be combined later; Nintendo says software saved across multiple microSD cards cannot be merged onto one card.
Check compatibility before buying a card
For Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED, Nintendo lists these card types and capacities:
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#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.
| Card type | Capacity listed by Nintendo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| microSD | Up to 2 GB | Supported by Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. |
| microSDHC | 4–32 GB | Supported by Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. |
| microSDXC | 64 GB–2 TB | A system update is required to use microSDXC. |
Nintendo recommends UHS-I compatibility and a transfer speed of 60–95 MB/s for these Switch-family consoles. That range is a recommendation, not a requirement for every card; Nintendo says a higher transfer speed within its guidance can improve the gameplay experience. The support page does not state a publication date for this guidance; it was accessed in 2026. See the microSD FAQ for Nintendo’s compatibility details.
Switch 2 is different: Nintendo’s FAQ says Switch 2 works only with microSD Express cards. A standard microSD card for the original Switch family is not a compatible substitute. If you are copying files to a new card on a computer, a card reader/writer is useful, but neither a new card nor a reader is needed just to remove and reinsert a card.
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
Rank #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.
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].
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