Does your Nintendo Switch ever tell you it’s running out of space? That little “Storage Full” message can really stop your gaming fun! Imagine finally downloading that huge new game only to find you can’t save your progress. It’s frustrating when you want to keep all your favorite titles and screenshots right there on your console.
Choosing the right microSD card for your Switch feels confusing. There are so many brands and speed ratings! Do you need a fast one? How much storage is enough? Picking the wrong card means slow loading times or not enough room for all those must-have digital games. We know you want the best performance without wasting money on something you don’t need.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what those numbers mean and show you the best, most reliable memory cards for your Nintendo Switch. By the end, you will know precisely which card gives you the speed and space you need to keep gaming without limits. Let’s dive in and unlock all the storage potential your Switch has!
Top Memory Card For Switch Recommendations
- 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).
- Compatible with smartphones, tablets, cameras, GoPro/action cameras, laptops, computers, DSLRs, drones, game consoles and more.This Micro SD card is not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2
- HIGH QUALITY STORAGE: Perfect for high resolution photos, for recording and storing Full HD/4K videos and any other data type
- ULTRA FAST: Read speed up to 100MB/s. Write speed up to 90MB/s (varies according to memory size). UHS, U3, Class 10 and A2 speed classes for an optimal smartphone experience
- Compatible with smartphones, tablets, cameras, GoPro/action cameras, laptops, computers, DSLRs, drones, game consoles and more.This Micro SD card is not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2
- HIGH QUALITY STORAGE: Perfect for high resolution photos, for recording and storing Full HD/4K videos and any other data type
- ULTRA FAST: Read speed up to 100MB/s. Write speed up to 60MB/s (varies according to memory size). UHS, U3, Class 10 and A2 speed classes for an optimal smartphone experience
- 512GB Micro SD Card compatible with smartphones, tablets, cameras, GoPro/action cameras, laptops, desktop computers, DSLRs, drones, gaming consoles and more. This Micro SD card is not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2
- Ideal for recording and storing Full HD/4K/5K videos, high resolution photos, and other data types
- Read speed up to 200MB/s. Write speed up to 150MB/s. For optimal smartphone experience includes UHS-I, U3, Class 10 and A2 speed classes. Note: to achieve 200MB/s read speeds (above UHS-I) this Micro SD Card needs Amazon Basics Micro SD Card Reader USB C 3.0 B0DB4YQPL1 (sold separately).
- [NOT compatible with Switch2] Please note that this product is not a microSD Express card and is not compatible with Switch2 for game storage or save data. If used in the Switch2, it may only support limited functions such as storing screenshots or videos, but will not allow game installation or save file access.
- High compatibility for different types of devices including smartphones, tablets, Drones, Android Tablets, Tablet PCs, Action Cameras, DSLR and 4K or Full HD camcorder.
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch *In order to use a microSDXC card on the Nintendo Switch console, a system update is required.* See Nintendo official site for more details
- TRANSFER SPEEDS UP TO 800 MB/S: With sequential read speeds up to 800 MB/s, get into your game up to 4× faster than our standard microSD cards (UHS I)¹.
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: Keeps its cool even when the action heats up. Dynamic Thermal Guard helps reduce overheating for fast, smooth gameplay.
- ALL YOUR GAMES ON ONE TINY CARD: Store all your games and downloadable content (DLCs) with up to 512GB of reliable storage. No deleting. No compromises.
- 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.
- Spanish (Subtitle)
- [Gaming Series] Especially designed for Gaming Consoles. A1 spec enables high speed data transfer for game professionals
- [Ultra HD] Read/Write up to 100/60 MB/s. UltraHD video displaying/recording
- [Compatibility] Storage for Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, e-Reader. Files, Videos, Music [Notice] Compatible with Nintendo Switch 1; not compatible for gaming with Nintendo Switch 2
Choosing the Best Memory Card for Your Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console. It lets you play games anywhere. But its internal storage fills up fast. You need a good memory card. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a memory card, look for a few important things. These features make your Switch run smoothly.
Capacity is King
- Storage Size: How much space do you need? Small games need less space. Big games, like *The Legend of Zelda*, need much more. Most players start with 128GB or 256GB. If you download many games, get 512GB or even 1TB. More space means fewer worries about deleting games.
Speed Matters for Gaming
- Read/Write Speeds: This is how fast the card saves and opens your games. Look for cards labeled UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I). This is the fastest speed the Switch can fully use. Faster speeds mean quicker loading screens. Slow speeds make you wait longer.
- Speed Class Ratings: You will see letters like U1 or U3. U3 is faster than U1. For the best experience, aim for a card with a high speed rating, often marked as V30 (Video Speed Class 30) or similar fast rankings, even though the Switch doesn’t always use the very top speeds.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Memory cards are small and hold a lot of data. Their internal parts matter.
The Chip Inside
- NAND Flash Type: Memory cards use NAND flash memory. Better quality cards use longer-lasting types. While you usually cannot see this detail, sticking to trusted brands (like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston) usually means you get better quality internal chips. Cheap, unknown brands often use lower-grade materials.
Durability
- Reliability: Good cards handle temperature changes and physical shock better. Though you keep the card inside the Switch, a well-built card protects your saved game data longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a card great or terrible?
What Makes it Better
- Official Compatibility: Cards that meet Nintendo’s recommended standards work perfectly. They load quickly and reliably save your screenshots and game data.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known companies test their products thoroughly. They rarely sell faulty cards.
What Makes it Worse
- Counterfeits: Fake memory cards are a huge problem. They might say they are 512GB but only hold 32GB before overwriting old data. Always buy from reputable sellers.
- Slow Speeds: If a card is too slow, the Switch struggles to load textures or large updates. This causes stuttering or long waits.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does the memory card affect how you play?
Everyday Gaming
- Digital Downloads: If you buy most games digitally, storage fills up fast. A large, fast card lets you keep 20 or more games downloaded at once. You switch between games instantly.
- Updates and DLC: Games constantly receive updates or new downloadable content (DLC). These need space. A good card handles these additions without forcing you to delete old favorites.
Travel and Portability
- Taking Your Library Anywhere: The Switch is meant for travel. A large memory card means your entire game library travels with you. You do not have to choose which few games to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Switch Memory Cards
Q: Does the Switch need a special type of memory card?
A: Yes, the Nintendo Switch uses microSD cards. Make sure the card fits the slot on the back of the console.
Q: What is the maximum size memory card the Switch supports?
A: The Switch officially supports cards up to 2TB (Terabytes), although 2TB cards are very expensive right now. 1TB cards are the current practical maximum.
Q: Will a slower card still work?
A: Yes, a slower card will work. However, you will notice longer loading times when starting games or moving between large areas in an open-world game.
Q: Do I need to format the card before using it in the Switch?
A: Sometimes. If the card is brand new, the Switch usually formats it automatically when you insert it. If you used the card on a computer or another device, you might need to format it using the Switch settings menu.
Q: Can I move games from the internal memory to the SD card later?
A: Absolutely! You can easily move downloaded software, updates, and screenshots between the console’s internal storage and the microSD card through the System Settings menu.
Q: Are the expensive “Gaming” branded cards worth the extra cost?
A: Often, yes. “Gaming” branded cards usually guarantee the necessary high-speed ratings (like U3 or V30) that standard cards might not mention clearly. They offer peace of mind.
Q: What happens if my memory card breaks?
A: If the card breaks, all the data stored on it is lost. This is why buying reliable brands is important. Always back up very important data if possible, though saved game *progress* is usually stored on the Switch itself, not the card.
Q: Should I buy a 64GB card to save money?
A: 64GB fills up very quickly if you buy a few large digital games. It is usually better to spend a little more now for 128GB or 256GB to avoid buying a second card sooner.
Q: Can I use the same memory card between my Switch and my phone?
A: Yes, you can move the card between devices. However, if you swap it between an Android phone and the Switch frequently, you must properly eject it from one device before putting it in the other.
Q: Does the card speed affect how fast the Switch downloads updates?
A: No. Download speed depends on your home Wi-Fi connection, not the memory card speed. The card only affects how fast the downloaded file is *written* and *read* after the download finishes.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!