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Sometimes. On Nintendo Switch, some games and software pause downloads while they are running; others may let a download continue. If a download pauses, save your progress and close the game rather than simply opening the HOME Menu.
Why a download may pause while you play
Nintendo says some games and software pause downloads during play, generally to help ensure the best experience with a game’s online features and services. The behavior depends on the software: Nintendo’s support guidance does not provide a title-by-title list, so being offline or playing a single-player game does not guarantee that a download will continue.
How to resume a paused download
- Check the download. If it is paused while a game is open, save your progress before closing anything.
- Close the running software. Press HOME, highlight the game or software, press X or select Close Software, then confirm Close. Pressing HOME alone suspends the game; it does not close it. Unsaved progress is lost when software is closed.
- Check the connection if it still will not progress. Confirm the console is connected to the internet. Nintendo also recommends restarting the console, letting it reconnect, and checking the download again. See Nintendo’s download troubleshooting steps.
Can a Nintendo Switch download games in sleep mode?
Yes, provided the console is connected to the internet and has sufficient free space in system memory or on an inserted microSD or microSD Express card. Nintendo says software and add-on content can download in sleep mode under those conditions. If a download remains stalled while asleep, try restarting or checking the connection, then attempt the download with the console awake. Nintendo’s sleep-mode download guidance covers these requirements.
Tell a gameplay pause from a stuck download
- Download pauses only while a game is open: Save and close the running software, then check whether the download resumes.
- Download does not progress after the game is closed: Check internet access and restart the console, then check progress again.
- Download cannot proceed because storage is full: Free space or add compatible storage. A microSD card can address capacity, but it does not make a game continue downloading while that game is being played.
Nintendo’s cited support guidance is for Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. Its sleep-mode instructions mention microSD and microSD Express storage; they should not be assumed to describe other hardware.
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].
#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.
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