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How much storage does each Nintendo Switch model have?
| Model | Built-in storage |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | 32 GB |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | 32 GB |
| Nintendo Switch – OLED Model | 64 GB |
These are the capacities Nintendo lists in its technical specifications. The built-in amount is a starting point, not a universal measure of how many games you can keep installed; the space required varies by software.
What size microSD card should you get?
There is no single capacity Nintendo prescribes for every player. Choose based on how much downloadable software and captured media you want available without deleting or moving items. A cartridge-focused player who downloads few games may be comfortable with less extra space than someone who buys mostly digital and keeps a large library installed.
- Estimate how many downloaded games, updates, and DLC you want to keep on the console at once.
- Allow for screenshots and captured gameplay videos if you keep them on the console.
- Do not add save data to your estimate: Switch game saves are stored in system memory, not on the microSD card.
- Think ahead about library growth. Nintendo recommends using one card, and software stored across multiple cards cannot later be combined onto a single card.
Nintendo supports microSDXC capacities from 64 GB through 2 TB on the original Switch family. That 2 TB figure is a compatibility ceiling, not a recommendation that every owner buy the largest card. Select a capacity that suits your library and budget rather than treating the maximum as a requirement.
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- 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.
Which microSD card works with Switch, Lite, and OLED?
For an original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch – OLED Model, use a microSD card. The supported formats are microSD up to 2 GB, microSDHC from 4–32 GB, and microSDXC from 64 GB–2 TB. For additional storage, a compatible microSDXC card is the relevant option for most buyers. Full-size SD and miniSD cards do not fit the console’s card slot.
Nintendo recommends UHS-I-compatible cards and gives a recommended transfer-speed range of 60–95 MB/sec. Its support page says, “In order to improve your gameplay experience, using a microSD card with a higher transfer speed is recommended.” Follow that guidance when comparing cards; Nintendo does not require a particular brand or a product labeled specifically for Switch. See Nintendo’s microSD Card FAQ for its compatibility and speed guidance.
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].
What does a Switch microSD card store?
A card can hold downloaded software, software update data, DLC, screenshots, and captured gameplay videos. Once a card is inserted, it becomes the default save location for downloaded software. Screenshots and videos can be moved between system memory and the card.
Game save data is different: it remains in system memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card. Buying a larger card therefore adds room for software and media, not a separate place to store game saves.
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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.
Should you use one card or several?
Nintendo recommends one microSD card for a console. Downloaded software on multiple cards cannot later be combined onto one card, so dividing a library among several cards can make it harder to keep everything together. If you expect your digital library to grow, factor that into your capacity choice at the outset.
How to insert or remove a card safely
- Shut down the console before inserting or removing the microSD card.
- Insert or remove the card only after the console is powered off.
- If you insert or remove a card while the console is powered on or in sleep mode, the system prompts you to restart.
If the console does not recognize a card, Nintendo has troubleshooting steps in its microSD card support article.
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
Does a Switch microSD card work with Switch 2?
Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards for game storage; a standard microSD card used on the original Switch cannot be used by Switch 2 to save or load digital games or save data. The first use of a microSD Express card may require a system update.
A microSD Express card can be used in an original Switch, but Nintendo says its read/write speed there is equivalent to that of a standard microSD card. Check Nintendo’s Switch 2 and Switch card compatibility guidance before moving cards between console generations.
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.
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.
