As a Nintendo Switch owner, you've likely noticed how quickly the internal storage fills up. The standard Switch comes with just 32GB, and the Switch OLED model increases this to 64GB. However, with most of the best Switch games requiring at least 10GB of space, and often more, you'll soon find yourself needing more room, particularly if you're an avid eShop user. That's where a microSDXC card, such as the SanDisk 512GB Extreme, becomes essential for expanding your storage capacity.
By inserting an SD card into your Switch, you can store a vast library of games without the hassle of deleting older ones to make space. SD cards are available with storage capacities up to 1TB, allowing you to keep all your favorite games at your fingertips. Just remember that game save data will remain on the console's system memory by default. With the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 promising backwards compatibility, now is the perfect time to upgrade your storage.
**TL;DR - Top SD Cards for Nintendo Switch:**
Our Top Pick### SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card
5See it at Amazon
### Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card
2See it at Amazon
### SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card
2See it at Amazon
### SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card
1See it at Amazon
### SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda
1See it at Amazon
SD cards vary in size, speed, and price, but for the best performance on your Nintendo Switch, opt for one with UHS-I compatibility and higher transfer speeds to ensure smoother gameplay and quicker loading times.
If you're searching for the best SD card for your Nintendo Switch, you're in the right place. We've selected some top-notch SD cards that are perfectly compatible with your Switch, whether you want to store a large number of games, keep gameplay video clips, or need something for transferring data to other devices.
1. SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card
Best SD Card for Nintendo Switch
Our Top Pick### SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card
5
The SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card offers an ideal blend of speed and storage space. See it at Amazon
**Product Specifications**
- **Storage Capacity:** 512GB - **Transfer Speeds:** Up to 190MB/s - **Includes Adapter?** Yes**Pros:**
- Fast 190MB/s read speeds - Reliable**Cons:**
- No warranty listedSanDisk, a well-known brand, ensures reliability and durability with its 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card. With various storage options, you can significantly expand your Nintendo Switch's storage, allowing you to install numerous games, save files, and screenshots without needing to delete others. The 512GB model offers incredible value, but if you're willing to spend more, a 1TB version is also available.
Future-proofing your storage is easy with this SD card, as it comes with an adapter for use across other devices. Additionally, the SanDisk 512GB Extreme boasts data transfer speeds of up to 190MB/s, making it quick and convenient to download and install games. Its durable design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof, providing peace of mind for travelers.
2. Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card
Best Budget SD Card for Nintendo Switch
### Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card
2
This budget-friendly option meets the Switch's minimum requirements with slightly slower transfer speeds. See it at Amazon
**Product Specifications**
- **Storage Capacity:** 512GB - **Transfer Speeds:** Up to 130MB/s - **Includes Adapter?** Yes**Pros:**
- Wide range of sizes - Durable**Cons:**
- Slower speedsFor those on a tight budget, the Samsung EVO Select A2 SD card is an excellent choice. Priced at around $40, it meets the minimum requirements of the Switch with its UHS-I interface and A2 rating. While its transfer speeds may be slower than some competitors, Nintendo's speed cap around 95MB/s means you won't notice a difference in game load times. The card's durability, with waterproofing and resistance to extreme conditions, makes it a reliable choice for everyday use and travel.
3. SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card
Best High Capacity SD Card for Nintendo Switch
### SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card
2
With 1TB of storage, the SanDisk Ultra A1 SD Card is ideal for the Nintendo Switch, providing ample space for over 75 titles. See it at Amazon
**Product Specifications**
- **Storage Capacity:** 1TB - **Transfer Speeds:** Up to 150MB/s - **Includes Adapter?** Yes**Pros:**
- High capacity - Fast downloads**Cons:**
- PriceyThe SanDisk Ultra A1 SD card, with its 1TB capacity, is perfect for avid Switch gamers. Its transfer speeds of up to 150MB/s ensure quick downloads, and with most Switch games under 15GB, you'll have plenty of space for a vast game library, screenshots, and video captures.
4. SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card
Best High Speed SD Card for Nintendo Switch
### SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card
1
This SD card utilizes SanDisk QuickFlow Technology for optimized file performance, making it ideal for quick game loading and downloads. See it at Amazon
**Product Specifications**
- **Storage Capacity:** 256GB - **Transfer Speeds:** Up to 200MB/s - **Includes Adapter?** Yes**Pros:**
- SanDisk QuickFlow Technology optimizes files - Top transfer speeds**Cons:**
- Smaller storage spaceIf speed is your priority, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD card is the perfect choice. With SanDisk QuickFlow Technology, it ensures optimized file performance, reducing load times for games. While the 256GB capacity is smaller, it's more than sufficient for a substantial game library on your Switch.
5. SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda
Best SD Card Design for Nintendo Switch
### SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda
1
This Zelda-themed SD card offers a unique design, ample storage, and decent speeds. See it at Amazon
**Product Specifications**
- **Storage Capacity:** 1TB - **Transfer Speeds:** Up to 100MB/s - **Includes Adapter?** Yes**Pros:**
- Unique design - Officially licensed by Nintendo**Cons:**
- Slower speeds than other cardsThis Zelda SD card boasts a distinctive design featuring the iconic triforce symbol. With 1TB of storage and speeds up to 100MB/s, it's a great choice for fans who want to show off their love for the Nintendo franchise while ensuring they have enough space for their game collection.
How To Choose an SD Card for Nintendo Switch
Investing in an SD card for your Nintendo Switch can transform your gaming experience. When choosing an SD card, consider storage capacity first. While 128GB might suffice for some, larger games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which requires 16GB, may necessitate a higher capacity. Additionally, consider save files and screenshots.
Ensure the SD card is compatible with your Switch; it should be a microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card. Avoid SD or miniSD cards, as they are not compatible. Transfer speed is another critical factor; higher speeds enhance your gameplay experience. Look for cards with a UHS (Ultra High Speed) class like UHS-1 for optimal performance.
Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs
Do you need an SD card for the Switch?
Yes, a microSD card is an essential accessory for the Nintendo Switch. Without one, you're limited to installing only a few games due to the console's internal storage. An SD card allows you to store dozens of titles without worrying about deleting games to free up space.
Nintendo games tend to be smaller, but many third-party titles exceed the standard Switch and Switch Lite's 32GB internal storage, making an SD card a necessity.
How much storage do you actually need?
A 256GB SD card or higher should be sufficient for most Nintendo Switch users. Larger Nintendo titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 are around 16GB and 14GB, respectively. For primarily Nintendo-developed titles, 256GB should be more than enough.
However, if you're into larger third-party releases like Mortal Kombat 1 or the latest NBA 2K game, which can take up over 60GB, you might want to opt for a 512GB or 1TB SD card. The ideal SD card size depends on your gaming preferences, but having one is crucial for any Switch owner.
Will Switch SD cards be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2?
With the Nintendo Switch 2 promising backwards compatibility for most games, it's likely that any Switch data stored on an SD card will also be compatible. Given that gaming handhelds typically use similar SD cards, there shouldn't be any specific requirements for the Switch 2. However, consider purchasing a 1TB or larger SD card to future-proof your storage for the next console.
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