To expand storage on a Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED, insert a compatible microSD card. For a new purchase, look for a microSDXC UHS-I card: Nintendo supports microSDXC capacities from 64 GB to 2 TB and recommends UHS-I cards with transfer speeds of 60–95 MB/sec. A system update is required to use microSDXC. This guidance does not apply to Switch 2, which requires microSD Express for game storage.
Which microSD cards are supported?
Nintendo supports three microSD card types for Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. The card must be microSD form factor; full-size SD and miniSD cards will not fit the console’s slot. Cards are sold separately.
| Card type | Supported capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| microSD | Up to 2 GB | Supported by Nintendo. |
| microSDHC | 4–32 GB | Supported by Nintendo. |
| microSDXC | 64 GB–2 TB | A system update is required for use. |
These capacity ranges and compatibility details are from Nintendo Support’s microSD Card FAQ. For a new card, check its label or packaging for “microSDXC” and “UHS-I.” Choose capacity based on how much downloaded software you expect to keep installed; Nintendo’s stated maximum does not establish one best capacity for every player.
What speed should you choose?
Nintendo recommends UHS-I compatibility and gives 60–95 MB/sec as its high-speed guideline. It says a higher transfer speed can improve the gameplay experience, but that guidance is not a promise that the console will reach a card’s advertised peak speed. Do not assume a particular card will produce faster loading based only on its maximum rating. See Nintendo’s card-speed guidance.
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#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.
What does a microSD card store?
With a card inserted, downloadable software is saved to it by default. Nintendo also lists software update data, downloadable content (DLC), screenshots, and captured video as data that can be stored on a microSD card.
Game save data is different: “Game save data is stored to the System Memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card.” The card expands room for installed software and media, not for game saves. Nintendo Support
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].
How to install a microSD card
- Turn off the console.
- Insert the microSD card into the console’s microSD slot, following the orientation shown by the slot.
- Turn the console back on. If you are using microSDXC, install the required system update if prompted.
When the card is present, new downloadable software uses it as the default storage location. Existing software data in system memory cannot simply be moved to the card. For that case, Nintendo’s FAQ says to delete the software and redownload it while the card is inserted. Follow Nintendo’s instructions for your model and software at Nintendo’s microSD Card FAQ.
How to upgrade to a larger card without losing installed content
If you want to keep software already on your current card, copy the full contents to a larger compatible card using a computer. Nintendo’s transfer instructions call for a computer and compatible cards, plus an SD slot or commercially available card reader/writer. A reader is only needed for this copying process; it is not required for normal card installation.
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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.
- Turn off the console and remove the original microSD card.
- Insert the original card into the computer’s SD slot or a compatible card reader/writer.
- Copy the entire contents of the card to a folder on the computer. Do not alter the original card’s contents.
- Remove the original card, insert the larger card, and copy the entire folder onto it.
- Insert the new card into the console and confirm that the stored software and data are accessible before erasing or reusing the original card.
Use the exact folder-copy procedure and compatibility guidance in Nintendo’s instructions for transferring data between microSD cards. Nintendo recommends using one card with the console. Content kept on separate cards cannot later be combined into one card, so rotating cards is not a seamless way to build one larger library.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does this advice apply to Nintendo Switch 2?
No. Nintendo Switch 2 uses microSD Express for game storage; an ordinary microSDXC card is not a substitute for that requirement. Nintendo also says a microSD Express card used in the original Switch operates at ordinary microSD speeds. Check Nintendo’s Switch 2 and Switch card compatibility guidance before buying for either console.
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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