To free local space, use each console’s storage manager to archive or delete games, move supported titles to external storage, or add compatible storage. To reduce internet data use, manage downloads and updates separately: removing a game does not reduce bandwidth unless it changes what you download or play online. The settings and limits differ by console, and current Xbox bandwidth controls are not established by the available official guidance.
Storage and data consumption are different problems
Storage is the space already occupied on a console by games, updates, downloadable content, and captures. Data consumption is network traffic, such as downloading or updating games and playing online. Removing installed software can free storage, but downloading it again uses data; a storage setting does not automatically reduce network use.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
There is no general official figure for how much space or bandwidth these actions save. The result depends on your installed games, captures, updates, and online activity. Start with the console’s storage screen to see what is taking up space, then manage network activity separately.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED
Find what is using storage
Open System Settings > Data Management to review System Memory and microSD card use. Nintendo’s guidance covers Switch family consoles; consult the game’s packaging or eShop listing for its individual storage requirements. Nintendo Data Management FAQ · Nintendo: How to Manage or Delete Downloaded Software · Nintendo: How to Check Available Space
#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.
Archive or delete downloaded software
Archiving removes downloaded software to free space while retaining its HOME Menu icon. Nintendo says save data is unaffected and the software can be redownloaded. Deleting downloaded software also leaves save data unaffected, according to Nintendo’s FAQ. These actions free software storage; they do not erase the game’s save file.
Use a microSD card for software and screenshots, not saves
Nintendo states: “A microSD card can be used to save screenshots and software data, including downloaded software, software updates, and DLC.” A card can therefore expand space for supported software and captures. Switch save data remains in System Memory and cannot be saved or copied to microSD, so a card is not a save-file backup. Check the game’s listing or packaging to assess the space its software requires before choosing capacity. Nintendo Data Management FAQ
Rank #2
- Optimized for Gaming Speed: Specially tuned for gaming devices, TeknoStone Gaming Series cards deliver up to 100MB/s read speed with UHS-I interface. A2-rated performance ensures faster app launch, smoother in-game loading, and reduced lag on handheld consoles and mobile platforms.
- Compatible with Top Devices: Perfectly compatible with Nintendo Switch (Not 2), Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Android phones, tablets, and even retro game emulators. Includes a full-size SD adapter for seamless use with laptops, handheld consoles, and compatible card readers.
- Smooth 4K/HD Recording & Playback: Supports stable 4K UHD and 1080P Full HD recording and playback, ideal for gameplay footage, game stream content capture, or immersive in-game video rendering.
- Battle-Tested Durability: Engineered for long sessions and intense environments. Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-resistant, X-ray safe — designed to withstand accidental drops, outdoor use, and frequent device swapping.
- Actual Capacity: Storage may be smaller than the labeled capacity because manufacturers use the decimal system (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes) , operating systems display storage using the binary system (1 GiB = 1,073,741,824 bytes). This is a normal industry practice and does not affect performance.
Do not confuse data-sharing preferences with bandwidth controls
Nintendo account data-use preferences concern whether usage information is shared for purposes such as product improvement or personalized offers. The support page describes data sharing, not a setting that reduces internet bandwidth. Nintendo Account
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePlayStation 5
Review and clear console storage
Open Settings > Storage to check space and manage installed content. To remove games or apps, use Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps. Purchases you delete remain available to download again from your game library. For some games, Customize lets you remove selected portions, such as add-ons, rather than the entire title. PlayStation: PS5 storage guide
Rank #3
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- The official licensed microSD card for Nintendo Switch Systems
- Add games fast with write speeds up to 90MB/s (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.)
- Start playing fast with read speeds up to 100MB/s (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.)
- Store an entire game collection, plus screenshots and videos, with up to 64GB of additional memory (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less)
Choose between USB extended storage and an M.2 SSD
PS5 supports USB extended storage and M.2 SSD storage for game data. A key difference is that PS5 games stored on USB extended storage must be moved back to console storage or M.2 SSD storage to play. Consider that extra move when deciding where to keep titles you play often. Check PlayStation’s current storage guide for the requirements that apply to your console and storage device.
Saved data and cloud storage
PlayStation Plus cloud storage is an option for saved data for subscribers. It is a subscription feature, not a free storage setting for every PS5 owner. PlayStation: PS5 storage guide
Rank #4
- 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].
Xbox Series X|S and other Xbox consoles
Free space and expand storage
Xbox’s getting-started guidance recommends uninstalling games you are not actively playing, connecting an external hard drive, or adding a storage expansion card for Xbox Series X|S. Check the guidance for the console and storage device you own before buying or moving content. Xbox console getting-started guidance
Recommended Free Tools
Bandwidth and background downloads
Current Xbox settings for limiting background downloads or data use on a metered connection are not established by the available Xbox support guidance. Do not assume that an uninstall or storage expansion setting controls network traffic. For data limits, verify the current options on your specific console and connection rather than relying on an unconfirmed menu path.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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 storage based on what you need to keep
- Need room for more games? Review the console’s storage manager, then delete or archive titles you can reinstall later, or add a supported storage device.
- Need to keep captures? On Switch, microSD can store screenshots as well as software data.
- Need to preserve game saves? On Switch, saves stay in System Memory and cannot be copied to microSD. On PS5, cloud storage for saved data is available to PlayStation Plus subscribers.
- Need to play stored games without moving them? Account for platform-specific rules: PS5 games on USB extended storage must be moved to console or M.2 SSD storage to play.
- Need to cut network use? Treat downloads, updates, and online activity as separate from local storage cleanup. The official guidance described here does not establish a general amount saved or a verified current Xbox bandwidth-control path.
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.
