Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How to Check How Much Storage a Nintendo Switch Game Needs Before Downloading

Check a Nintendo Switch game’s stated storage requirement in the eShop, compare it with free space in Data Management, and choose a storage fix if needed.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Check the individual game’s Nintendo eShop listing for its stated storage requirement, then compare it with the free space shown on your console under System Settings > Data Management. For a physical game, check its packaging. If you are short on space, you can use a microSD card for software data or archive games you are not using.

Find a digital game’s storage requirement

  1. Open the game’s listing in the Nintendo eShop.
  2. Look for its stated storage requirement before buying or downloading it. Nintendo recommends checking the individual listing because requirements vary by game. Nintendo Support: Not Enough Space to Download Nintendo Switch eShop Content

Use the current listing for the game you intend to get rather than relying on a general estimate or another game’s size. A listing’s stated figure does not establish a universal amount for every later update or optional download.

Check how much space is free on your Switch

  1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
  2. Select Data Management.
  3. Check the available-space information at the top of the screen. It shows free space in system memory and, if one is inserted, on the microSD card. Nintendo Support: How to Check Available Space on Nintendo Switch

Compare the figures before downloading

Compare the game’s stated requirement with the free space available for the download. Check both storage locations if a microSD card is installed, and make sure you know whether the game is being purchased digitally or on a game card. If the available space is not enough, make room or expand software storage before proceeding.

Check packaging for a physical game

Nintendo says physical-game packaging lists the game’s specific storage requirements, including whether a microSD card is required. Some game cards need additional storage for the full game experience, so inspect the packaging rather than assuming the card contains everything needed. Nintendo Support: Not Enough Space to Download Nintendo Switch eShop Content

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#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.

What to do if you do not have enough space

Use a microSD card for software data

A microSD card can store downloaded software, software updates, and downloadable content (DLC). The right capacity depends on your free space and the games you expect to keep; Nintendo does not prescribe one card size as sufficient for everyone. Save data is different: it remains in system memory and cannot be copied to a microSD card. Nintendo Support: Data Management FAQ

Archive software you are not playing

Archiving downloaded software frees storage while preserving its save data. You can download archived software again later. Nintendo also provides options to delete downloaded software if you choose. Nintendo Support: How to Manage or Delete Downloadable Software on Nintendo Switch

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
SANDISK 256GB microSD Card, Super Mario Super Star Edition
SANDISK 256GB microSD Card, Super Mario Super Star Edition
Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2); Instantly add up to 256GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
$69.99
Bestseller No. 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
【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
[Ultra HD] Read/Write up to 100/60 MB/s. UltraHD video displaying/recording; [Environment] Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-Ray proof
$84.98
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].

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.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.