On an original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED, go to HOME Menu > System Settings > Data Management > Move Data Between System / microSD Card. Choose the destination, select the software, and follow the prompts. Moving software does not move its save data: game saves remain in system memory.
Switch 2 uses a different card standard. Its card slot requires microSD Express for storing or loading digital games; an ordinary microSD card used with the original Switch cannot do that on Switch 2.
Move downloaded games on an original Nintendo Switch
The same menu route applies to the original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch OLED. Insert a compatible microSD card if one is not already in the console; without a card, the transfer option will not appear. Nintendo documents the move in its Switch data management instructions.
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select Data Management.
- Select Move Data Between System / microSD Card.
- Choose Move to microSD Card to move software data from system memory, or Move to System Memory to move it off the card.
- Select the software you want to move from the list, then follow the on-screen instructions.
Menu wording can vary by region or firmware version. If it differs on your console, look for the data-move option under 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.
What moves—and what stays behind
The move applies to software data, including downloaded software and add-on content. Nintendo notes that some update data cannot be moved. It also says software updates or other activity may cause data to be stored somewhere other than the destination you selected, so the choice does not permanently pin every related file to one location.
Save data stays in system memory. Moving a game does not move its progress to the card. Nintendo’s microSD FAQ states: “Game save data is stored to the System Memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card.” See Nintendo’s microSD card FAQ.
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].
Free up space without moving software
If your goal is simply to reclaim storage, Nintendo also supports managing or deleting software data; deleted software can be downloaded again. This refers to the game’s software data, not its save data. Do not treat deleting or moving software as a way to put a save file on a microSD card.
When a card is inserted, downloadable software is saved to the card by default. You can change the destination back to system memory through Data Management. Moving software between locations is also separate from transferring a user or save data to another console.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 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.
Choose a card that matches your console
For an original Switch-family console, Nintendo supports microSD cards up to 2 GB, microSDHC cards from 4–32 GB, and microSDXC cards from 64 GB–2 TB. Nintendo recommends UHS-I compatibility and gives a high-speed guidance range of 60–95 MB/s, with the faster end described as providing a better gameplay experience. These specifications appear in Nintendo’s microSD card FAQ; the live support page does not display a publication year. Using microSDXC requires an internet-connected system update, according to Nintendo’s support guidance.
A compatible microSDXC UHS-I card is an option if you need more space, but Nintendo’s guidance does not establish that a particular brand, capacity, or premium model is best. An already-installed compatible card may be all you need to move software. Nintendo also says UHS-II cards do not provide their higher read speeds on the original Switch.
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
| Console | Card type for digital games | Capacity guidance | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED | microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC; UHS-I recommended | microSD up to 2 GB; microSDHC 4–32 GB; microSDXC 64 GB–2 TB | microSDXC use requires an internet-connected system update. Nintendo’s stated high-speed guidance is 60–95 MB/s. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | microSD Express | Up to 2 TB | An internet system update is required the first time an Express card is used. An ordinary microSD card cannot store or load digital games or save data on Switch 2. |
Nintendo’s Switch and Switch 2 compatibility information explains the distinction: microSD Express is required for Switch 2 game storage. A microSD Express card can be used in an original Switch, but it operates at ordinary microSD read/write speeds there. Check the console model before buying 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.
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.
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