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The microSD card slot is on the back of the console. On the standard Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, open the rear stand to find it underneath. On Nintendo Switch Lite, open the separate card-slot cover on the back.
Find the slot on your Switch model
| Model | How to access the microSD card slot |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | Turn the console over and gently open the rear stand. The slot is underneath it. Nintendo’s system diagram identifies the slot. |
| Nintendo Switch – OLED Model | Gently open the adjustable stand on the back; the slot is underneath. Nintendo’s microSD card guide shows its location. |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | Open the microSD card slot cover on the back. The card sits behind this cover, not beneath a stand. Nintendo’s guide covers the Lite as well. |
Insert or remove a card safely
Nintendo advises turning off the console before inserting or removing a microSD card. Hold the POWER button for at least three seconds, select Power Options, then choose Turn Off. Nintendo’s insertion instructions specify this procedure.
- With the console off, open the rear stand on the standard Switch or OLED Model, or open the card-slot cover on Switch Lite.
- Position the microSD card with its label facing away from the console, then push it gently into the slot until it clicks.
- To remove it, push the card down until it clicks, then slide it out. Close the Lite’s slot cover after inserting a card.
Does this apply to Nintendo Switch 2?
No: Nintendo notes that microSD card compatibility differs for Nintendo Switch 2. The location and card instructions above apply to the original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model; consult Nintendo’s guide for the applicable model information.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 3
Best Value
Amazon Basics microSDXC Memory Card with Full Size Adapter, A2, U3, Read Speed up to 100 MB/s, 128GB, Black
- 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
【for Switch 1 Only】 GIGASTONE 256GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus, MicroSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo-Switch 1, Steam Deck, 4K Video Recording, UHS-I A1 U3 V30 C10, up to 100MB/s, with Adapter
- [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
Samsung microSD Express Card – 256GB for Nintendo Switch™ 2
- 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
SANDISK 128GB Ultra microSD UHS-I Card - Up to 195MB/s Read Speed, Full HD Video, V10, U1, C10, A5 - SDSQUJQ-128G-GZ6MA
- 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].
#1 Best Overall
SANDISK 256GB microSD Card, Super Mario Super Star Edition
- 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.
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.
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