Nintendo Switch owners know the struggle: that tiny internal storage fills up faster than you can say "Joy-Con drift!" The standard Switch’s 32GB, and even the OLED model’s 64GB, quickly become insufficient when you consider that many top-tier Switch games easily consume 10GB or more. Before you know it, you're deleting games just to make room for new ones, especially if you frequently download from the eShop. That's where a microSDXC card, like the SanDisk 512GB Extreme, becomes a necessity.
Expanding your Switch's storage with an SD card lets you build a substantial game library without the constant worry of deleting titles. Cards offering up to 1TB are readily available! Remember, though, your save data remains on the console's internal memory. With backwards compatibility confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2, upgrading your storage now is a smart move.
Top SD Cards for Nintendo Switch
SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card
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Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card
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SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card
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SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card
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SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda
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SD cards vary in size, speed, and price. For optimal performance, choose a card with UHS-I compatibility and high transfer speeds for smoother gameplay and faster loading times.
Whether you're installing numerous games, saving gameplay clips, or transferring data, we've curated a selection of SD cards that seamlessly integrate with your Switch.
SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card: Our Top Pick
Product Specifications
Storage Capacity: 512GB
Transfer Speeds: Up to 190MB/s
Includes Adapter: Yes
Pros: Fast 190MB/s read speeds, Reliable
Cons: No warranty listed
The SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card offers a superb balance of speed and storage. Its reliability is a testament to SanDisk's reputation. The 512GB option provides excellent value, but a 1TB version is also available. An included adapter ensures future compatibility with other devices.
Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card: Best Budget Option
Product Specifications
Storage Capacity: 512GB
Transfer Speeds: Up to 130MB/s
Includes Adapter: Yes
Pros: Wide range of sizes, Durable
Cons: Slower speeds
Budget-conscious gamers will appreciate the Samsung EVO Select A2. While its transfer speeds are slightly slower, they're still sufficient for the Switch. Its durability and various storage options (64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 1TB) make it a versatile choice.
SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card: Best High-Capacity Option
Product Specifications
Storage Capacity: 1TB
Transfer Speeds: Up to 150MB/s
Includes Adapter: Yes
Pros: High capacity, Fast downloads
Cons: Pricey
With 1TB of storage, the SanDisk Ultra A1 offers ample space for a massive game library. Its fast download speeds ensure quick installation times. While pricier, it's a worthwhile investment for those who want maximum storage.
SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card: Best High-Speed Option
Product Specifications
Storage Capacity: 256GB
Transfer Speeds: Up to 200MB/s
Includes Adapter: Yes
Pros: SanDisk QuickFlow Technology, Top transfer speeds
Cons: Smaller storage space
The SanDisk Extreme PRO boasts incredibly fast transfer speeds thanks to SanDisk QuickFlow Technology. While offering less storage than some options, its speed is ideal for minimizing loading times.
SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda: Best Design
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 cards
This Zelda-themed card stands out with its unique design. While its transfer speeds are slower, the officially licensed design and ample storage make it appealing to fans.
Choosing the Right SD Card
Storage capacity is paramount. A 128GB card might suffice for some, but larger games like *Tears of the Kingdom* require more. Consider your gaming habits and the size of the games you play. Ensure compatibility—the Switch uses microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards (not SD or miniSD). Higher transfer speeds (UHS-I) enhance gameplay.
Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs
Do you need an SD card for the Switch? Yes, it's essential for anything beyond a handful of games. The internal storage is limited.
How much storage do you actually need? 256GB or more is generally recommended. Larger third-party games can easily exceed this, however.
Will Switch SD cards be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2? High probability, given confirmed backwards compatibility.
