Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To add space for Nintendo Switch 2 games, insert a compatible microSD Express card; Nintendo supports cards up to 2 TB. To free the console’s built-in storage without buying a card, delete downloaded software you are not playing. Its save data stays in system memory, but saves themselves cannot be moved to the card.
What storage can you add to Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 has 256 GB of system storage, with part of that capacity reserved for system use. For more room for downloaded games and other eligible files, use a microSD Express card that meets the standard; Nintendo supports capacities up to 2 TB. Cards are sold separately. Nintendo’s Switch 2 support guidance says a system update over the internet is required the first time you use a card.
An ordinary microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card—including one used in the original Nintendo Switch—cannot store or load digital games or save data on Switch 2. Check the card packaging for the microSD Express designation rather than relying on its capacity or its use in an older console.
What can the card hold?
Card storage can be used for downloaded software, software updates, downloadable content (DLC), screenshots, and captured video. It does not hold game save data: saves remain in system memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD Express card.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
How to install a microSD Express card and move games
- Power off the console and insert the microSD Express card according to Nintendo’s instructions for the system.
- If this is the card’s first use, connect the console to the internet and complete the required system update.
- To move eligible software already on the console, open System Settings > Data Management > Move System / microSD Express Card Data.
- Select the data you want to move and confirm the action.
The card becomes the default save location for downloadable software. Not all data is movable: save data and some update data cannot be migrated. After moving software, playing it can also result in update data being stored in a different location from the software itself.
How to free up the console’s built-in storage
Open System Settings > Data Management to review storage and manage content. Delete downloaded games or other software you are not currently using. Nintendo says deleting downloaded software does not delete its save data, and you can redownload the software later.
Rank #2
- NEXT GEN GAMING: Works with Nintendo Switch 2.
- READY FOR TOMORROW. Ready for future products with a PCIe-NVMe interface; performs at UHS-I speeds with microSD UHS-I and UHS-II devices.
- EXPONENTIALLY FASTER PERFORMANCE. Up to 4.4 times faster transfer speeds than our fastest microSD UHS-I cards [9]. Transfer a 2-hour HD movie in less than 3.5 seconds [1]; save up to 2.8 minutes transferring 60 minutes of 4K UHD video [4] shot at 30 fps when paired with the SanDisk PRO-READER SD Express Dual Card (sold separately) [9]
- DURABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON: Cards are waterproof, temperature-proof, humidity-proof, drop-proof, shock-proof, magnetic-proof, x-ray proof, and wear-out proof [5].
- HEAT MANAGEMENT REIMAGINED. SanDisk ThermAdapt helps keep devices from overheating with a specially designed enclosure and controller that uses dynamic adaptive thermal management.
Before deleting screenshots or captured video, copy anything you want to keep. Nintendo’s support FAQ describes uploading captures to the Nintendo Switch App or transferring them to a computer over USB. These capture-management options are separate from game-save storage.
What happens to saves when you delete a game?
Deleting downloaded software leaves its save data in system memory. Nintendo Switch Online members can use Save Data Cloud for supported software, but the microSD Express card is not a place to store game saves. Be especially careful not to delete a user if you need that user’s saves: Nintendo says deleting a user also deletes the user’s associated save data, which cannot be restored.
Rank #3
- Ultra-Fast Read Speeds — Experience read speeds up to 900 MB/s and write speeds up to 620 MB/s, delivering rapid file transfers and smooth performance for gaming, photography, and 4K video recording.
- Optimized for Gaming & Devices – Tested with Switch 2 and compatible with laptops, tablets, cameras, and Android devices that support microSD Express or UHS-I. Ideal for expanding storage without lag.
- 4K Video & High-Resolution Support – Capture and store 4K UHD videos and high-res photos seamlessly thanks to Class 10, U3, V30, and A2 performance ratings.
- Reliable & Durable Design – Built for long-term use with shockproof, temperature-resistant, waterproof, and X-ray-resistant protection, keeping your data safe wherever you go.
- Multiple Capacity Options – Available in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB options to suit your storage needs. Note that actual usable storage may be slightly less due to system formatting and a portion reserved for card management functions, which is a standard industry practice to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Can a USB drive or game card solve the space problem?
External USB hard drives are not currently supported for Switch 2 storage. Nintendo recommends using one microSD Express card; software stored across multiple cards cannot later be combined onto a single card.
Physical game media is not a guaranteed way to avoid downloads. Nintendo says no individual Switch 2 games currently require additional storage space to play, but game-key cards require downloading the full game data to the console.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TRANSFER SPEEDS UP TO 800 MB/S: With sequential read speeds up to 800 MB/s, get into your game up to 4× faster than our standard microSD cards (UHS I)¹.
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: Keeps its cool even when the action heats up. Dynamic Thermal Guard helps reduce overheating for fast, smooth gameplay.
- ALL YOUR GAMES ON ONE TINY CARD: Store all your games and downloadable content (DLCs) with up to 512GB of reliable storage. No deleting. No compromises.
- 6-PROOF PROTECTION WITH 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Built to last, made for peace of mind. Anything can happen when you’re gaming on the go. With 6 types of protection²⁻⁹, the P9 Express can handle it all—helping maintain your game progress.
- NEXT-GEN AND BACKWARD COMPATIBLE: Your microSD Express card is compatible with Nintendo Switch 2¹⁰ and microSD UHS-I¹¹ devices, including tablets, drones, cameras and more.
Rank #4
- The perfect card for the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers revolutionary performance that is 4x faster than typical UHS-I microSD cards
- PCIe technology delivers read speeds up to 900MB/s so the game loads faster
- Write speed up to 600MB/s deliver accelerated download speeds when paired with the Lexar microSD Express card reader
- Level-up your handheld gaming experience with next-gen tech
- 1TB microSD Express card offers more space for your favorite games
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