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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →On the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED, a game card can spare you from downloading a game’s base software when that release includes it. An eShop copy must be downloaded to console storage or a microSD card. Neither format puts your save data on the card: Nintendo stores saves in system memory. And some physical releases still need an additional download, so check the specific game’s packaging or eShop listing before buying.
Game cards vs. eShop downloads at a glance
| What matters | Game card | eShop download |
|---|---|---|
| Where the game software is | The card carries the physical game’s software, though some releases also require downloaded data. Check the packaging for that game’s requirements. Nintendo Support | The software is downloaded to system memory or microSD storage. Check the eShop listing for the title’s stated storage requirement. Nintendo Support |
| Starting the game | The relevant card must be inserted to play. Switching to another card-based game may mean swapping cards. | Once installed, select the game from the HOME Menu without inserting or swapping a card. |
| Where save data is | Console system memory—not the game card. Nintendo Support | Console system memory—not the microSD card. Nintendo Support Nintendo Support |
| Storage expansion | A physical copy may still need extra storage for additional game data. Nintendo Support | microSD can store downloaded software, updates, DLC, and captures. It cannot store save data. Nintendo Support |
What uses storage on an original Switch?
Downloaded games and extra data
An eShop game download takes space in system memory or on microSD. Updates and downloadable content also need storage. A game card can avoid storing the base software locally when the card contains it, but do not assume every physical edition is complete on the card: Nintendo says additional storage requirements can apply to games bought digitally and games bought physically. Some physical games may have some playable content before an extra download, while other content requires that data.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![$20 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XOVFRcBIL._SL160_.jpg)
|
$20 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code] | $20.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![$50 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51klpGvEKML._SL160_.jpg)
|
$50 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code] | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![$10 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41VTQUjnHHL._SL160_.jpg)
|
$10 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code] | Buy on Amazon |
There is no single storage figure that applies to every title. Nintendo says requirements vary by game; check the game’s physical packaging or its eShop listing for the specific requirement before purchase. Nintendo Support
Save data stays in system memory
Nintendo states that game save data is stored in console system memory whether you play downloadable software or software from a game card. It cannot be saved or copied to microSD. That means removing or changing a game card does not move the save with it, and adding a microSD card does not create a save-data backup. Nintendo Support Nintendo Support
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- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch system.
What a microSD card can hold
On the original Nintendo Switch family, microSD can hold downloaded software, update data, DLC, screenshots, and captured video. Nintendo lists support for microSD cards up to 2 GB, microSDHC cards from 4–32 GB, and microSDXC cards from 64 GB to 2 TB. Nintendo recommends UHS-I compatibility and gives a transfer-speed recommendation of 60–95 MB/s, noting that higher transfer speed is better for gameplay experience. Nintendo Support
Nintendo recommends using one microSD card with the system; software stored across multiple cards cannot later be combined onto one card. A card inserted in the system becomes the default location for downloadable software. Nintendo Support
Rank #2
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Convenience: carrying a card or keeping games installed
When a game card makes sense
- You want a tangible, portable game medium.
- The release includes the base software on the card, and you want to avoid downloading that software.
- You do not mind keeping the right card with you and inserting it to play.
A card reduces local storage needs only to the extent that the game data is actually on the card. Check its packaging for extra storage or download requirements rather than relying on the fact that it is a physical release.
When an eShop copy makes sense
- You prefer launching an installed game from the HOME Menu without changing cards.
- You are willing to allocate system or microSD storage to the game and its additional data.
- You want to free software space later by archiving a download while keeping its save data.
Archived or deleted downloaded software can be redownloaded, and archiving or deleting it does not delete save data. Redownloading depends on access to the Nintendo Account used to purchase the game and Nintendo’s eShop service. Nintendo Support
Rank #3
- This item can be redeemed on eShop only. This item cannot be redeemed on the Wii Shop
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch, Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Nintendo eShop Digital Cards are redeemable only through the Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Digital Card balances can be shared across Nintendo Switch, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family of systems, but may only be used on a single Nintendo eShop account.
Check before you buy
- For a physical game: read the packaging for its storage and download requirements. A game card does not guarantee that all required data is on the card.
- For an eShop game: check the listing’s stated storage requirement before purchase, then make sure you have enough system or microSD space.
- If storage is tight: remember that microSD expands space for software and captures, not save data. Consider archiving downloaded software you are not currently playing; its save data remains in system memory.
Nintendo’s guidance is title-specific: storage requirements vary, and the package or eShop listing is the place to verify an individual release. Nintendo Support
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not apply original Switch storage advice to Switch 2
This comparison covers the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. Switch 2 uses microSD Express for software storage, not the original Switch’s microSD compatibility guidance. Some Switch 2 releases use game-key cards: the card is needed to download the full game data and must be inserted to start the game. Check Nintendo’s separate Switch 2 guidance for its storage rules. Nintendo Support
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This item can be redeemed on eShop only. This item cannot be redeemed on the Wii Shop.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch, Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Nintendo eShop Digital Cards are redeemable only through the Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Digital Card balances can be shared across Nintendo Switch, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family of systems, but may only be used on a single Nintendo eShop account.
Rank #4
- This item can be redeemed on eShop only. This item cannot be redeemed on the Wii Shop
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch, Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Nintendo eShop Digital Cards are redeemable only through the Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Digital Card balances can be shared across Nintendo Switch, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family of systems, but may only be used on a single Nintendo eShop account.
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.
