There is no single storage amount every Nintendo Switch player needs. Game sizes vary, and updates, downloadable content, screenshots, and videos also take space. Check the requirements for the games you want to install, then choose a compatible microSD card if the console’s available storage will not cover that library.
How much space do Nintendo Switch games need?
It depends on the title and what you download for it. Nintendo says storage requirements vary by game; it does not give a universal game-size average or a standard number of games that fit on a card.
Before buying a digital game, check its Nintendo eShop listing. For a physical game, check the packaging. Some physical releases still need additional storage downloads, so owning a game card does not guarantee that the game will need no console storage.
How much storage does the original Switch have?
Nintendo lists 32 GB of system memory for the original Nintendo Switch, with approximately 6.2 GB reserved for system use. The amount available for your games is therefore lower and can change as software and other data accumulate. To see the current available space, open System Settings > Data Management.
#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.
A microSD card can store downloadable software, software updates, DLC, screenshots, and captured videos. Game save data stays in System Memory; Nintendo says it cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card.
How to estimate the capacity you need
- List the games you want installed at the same time. Use your actual library rather than a generic estimate.
- Check each game’s storage requirement. Look at the eShop listing or, for a physical copy, its packaging and any notice about additional downloads.
- Account for extras. Include updates, DLC, screenshots, and captured videos you expect to keep on the console.
- Compare the total with available space. Check System Settings > Data Management and leave room for future downloads if you expect your library to grow.
The result is a personal estimate, not a universal recommendation: the right capacity depends on which titles and extras you keep installed. Nintendo’s US Store lists an officially licensed SanDisk microSDXC card for Nintendo Switch in 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB options; these are product choices, not a Nintendo recommendation for how much every player needs. The product page notes that actual user storage is lower than the stated capacity. See the microSD card for Nintendo Switch listing for the product example.
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].
Which microSD cards work with the original Switch?
Nintendo lists support for microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. Its FAQ specifies microSDXC cards from 64 GB to 2 TB and says a system update is required to use microSDXC. Nintendo recommends UHS-I cards with a transfer speed of 60–95 MB/sec. Check the card’s compatibility and specifications before buying.
Nintendo recommends sticking with one card: data on multiple cards cannot later be combined onto one card. If you need more room, Nintendo describes copying the data from the current card to a larger one.
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- 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.
What can you do when storage is full?
- Archive downloaded software. Nintendo says archiving frees space while keeping the software’s icon on the HOME Menu. Save data is not affected, and the software can be downloaded again.
- Review stored captures and downloads. Use System Settings > Data Management to check the space used and available.
- Add or upgrade a compatible microSD card. This expands space for software and media, not save files.
- Do not plan on an external USB hard drive. Nintendo says external USB hard drives are not currently supported for Switch storage.
Switch and Switch 2 use different game-storage cards
The guidance above concerns the original Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch 2 uses microSD Express for game storage; standard microSD cards used with the original Switch cannot save or load Switch 2 digital games. The SanDisk card in Nintendo’s US Store example is also identified as incompatible with Switch 2. Check compatibility for your console generation before purchasing 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
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