As a Nintendo Switch owner, you've likely noticed how quickly the internal storage gets filled up. With the standard Switch offering just 32GB and the Switch OLED model providing a modest upgrade to 64GB, it's easy to run out of space, especially when many of the best Switch games demand at least 10GB or more. This becomes particularly challenging if you enjoy downloading games from the eShop. That's why investing in a Switch-compatible microSDXC card, such as the SanDisk 512GB Extreme, is almost a necessity.
Adding an SD card to your Switch lets you store an extensive library of games without the hassle of constantly deleting older ones to free up space. With options ranging up to 1TB, you can choose the capacity that suits your needs. However, remember that game save data will still be stored in the console's internal memory. With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon and confirmed to be backward compatible, upgrading your storage now is a smart move.
TL;DR - Top Picks for the Best 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 gaming experience on your Switch, opt for one with UHS-I compatibility and higher transfer speeds. These features contribute to smoother gameplay and quicker loading times. If you're unsure which SD card is right for your Nintendo Switch, you're in the right place. We've selected top-tier SD cards that integrate seamlessly with your console, whether you're looking to install a plethora of games, save video clips, or transfer data to other devices.
SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card
Best SD Card for Nintendo Switch
Our Top Pick### SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card
5The perfect 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 listed
SanDisk is a trusted brand, and their 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card is no exception, offering reliability and durability. With various storage options available, you can expand your Switch's storage capacity significantly, allowing you to install numerous games, save files, and screenshots without worrying about deleting other content. The 512GB version provides excellent value, though there's also a 1TB option for those who want even more space.
If you decide to upgrade to a different SD card later, this one comes with an adapter, making it compatible with other devices. With transfer speeds up to 190MB/s, you can quickly download and install games onto your SD card. This card is also designed to withstand shocks, temperature extremes, water, and x-rays, ensuring your game data remains safe, even on the go.
Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card
Best Budget SD Card for Nintendo Switch
### Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card
2A budget-friendly option that meets the Switch's minimum requirements. 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 speeds
If you're on a tight budget but need a reliable microSD card, the Samsung EVO Select A2 is an excellent choice. Priced around $40, it meets the Switch's minimum requirements with its UHS-I interface and A2 rating for optimized performance. Although its transfer speeds are slower than some competitors, the difference in game load times on the Switch is negligible since the console caps speeds at around 95MB/s. The card's durability is impressive, withstanding water, extreme temperatures, x-rays, magnets, and drops over 16 feet, making it more resilient than the Switch itself.
SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card
Best High Capacity SD Card for Nintendo Switch
### SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card
2With 1TB of storage, this card is perfect for storing over 75 games. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Storage Capacity: 1TB
- Transfer Speeds: Up to 150MB/s
- Includes Adapter?: Yes
Pros
- High capacity
- Fast downloads
Cons
- Pricey
The SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 SD card is ideal for Nintendo Switch users needing extensive storage. With transfer speeds up to 150MB/s, it's more than capable of handling fast downloads on the console. With space for over 75 titles, you're unlikely to run out of room, especially since most Switch games are well under 15GB. Larger games, which range from 30GB to 60GB, are few and far between, leaving plenty of space for screenshots and video captures.
SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card
Best High Speed SD Card for Nintendo Switch
### SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card
1Featuring QuickFlow Technology for optimized performance. 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 space
For those seeking the fastest SD card for their Switch, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD card is the top choice. It uses QuickFlow Technology to optimize file performance, significantly reducing game load times. With 256GB, you can install a substantial game library, and its high transfer speeds are perfect for quickly moving 1080p content to other devices.
SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda
Best SD Card Design for Nintendo Switch
### SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda
1A unique design with ample storage. 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 cards
This Zelda-themed SD card offers a striking design alongside 1TB of storage. While its speeds are lower than some other options, it's the only card on this list officially licensed by Nintendo. The iconic triforce symbol from The Legend of Zelda adds a touch of flair, making it a great choice for fans of the franchise.
How to Choose an SD Card for Nintendo Switch
Choosing the right SD card for your Nintendo Switch can enhance your gaming experience significantly. Start by considering your storage needs; a 128GB card might suffice for lighter gamers, but larger titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (16GB) will require more space. Ensure the card is compatible with the Switch, which supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. Avoid SD or miniSD cards, as they won't work. Finally, look for cards with high transfer speeds, ideally with a UHS class like UHS-1, to improve your gameplay experience.
Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs
Do you need an SD card for the Switch?
Yes, a microSD card is essential for maximizing your Nintendo Switch's storage. Without one, you're limited to just a few games due to the console's internal storage constraints. An SD card allows you to install numerous titles without worrying about deleting games to make room, especially important given the size of some third-party games.
How much storage do you actually need?
For most users, a 256GB SD card should be more than sufficient. Even the largest Nintendo titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 only require 16GB and 14GB, respectively. However, if you play larger third-party games like Mortal Kombat 1 or the latest NBA 2K, which can take up over 60GB, consider a 512GB or 1TB card for ample storage.
Will Switch SD cards be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2?
Given the confirmation of backward compatibility for the Nintendo Switch 2, it's likely that your current SD card will be compatible. Handheld gaming devices typically use similar SD card specifications, so no specific changes should be necessary. However, if you're planning for the future, consider purchasing a 1TB or larger card to future-proof your storage needs.
