Discover the ideal Nintendo Switch SD card size for your gaming needs with our comprehensive guide. As you immerse yourself in the expansive world of Nintendo Switch titles, the console’s internal storage capacity—32GB for the standard Switch and Switch Lite, and 64GB for the Switch OLED—may soon become insufficient. This is where expanding your storage with a microSD card becomes essential. We’ll navigate through the intricacies of the Nintendo Switch SD card max size, ensuring you choose a card that not only fits your gaming library but also meets the Nintendo Switch max SD card size specifications.
Moreover, this article will answer frequently asked questions like, “Does the Switch come with an SD card?” We will also delve into the switch micro SD card limit to ensure you’re equipped with all the necessary information. Whether you’re looking to find the Nintendo Switch Lite SD card max size or seeking to maximize the Nintendo Switch OLED max SD card size, we’ve got you covered. Let’s enhance your gaming experience by selecting the perfect SD card that aligns with your Switch’s capabilities and your personal storage requirements.
Table of Contents
What Type of Memory Card Does the Nintendo Switch Use (Nintendo Switch SD Card Size)?
The Nintendo Switch uses the smaller microSD cards, which come in a wide range of storage capacities.
Nintendo Switch microSD Card Max Storage Size (Capacity)
When this article was first written it was theoretically possible for microSD cards up to have storage capacities of up to 2 terabytes, but the microSD cards that were currently available didn’t go up to 2 terabytes. However, since that time I have seen a few manufacturers come out with microSD cards that are listed at 2TB storage capacity.
This is big news since all the various models of the Nintendo Switch can accommodate microSD cards with storage capacities of up to 2TB, but a card that big is probably overkill for most people. Getting a memory card with more storage than you need will not only mean that you are spending more money than you need to, but it may also require you to perform a system update, which we will talk about later.
Types of microSD Cards Supported By the Nintendo Switch
microSD cards are divided into 3 groups: SD, SDHC, and SDXC. Each of these designations relates to the card’s storage capacity. Here is how it breaks down:
- microSD (up to 2 GB)
- microSDHC (4 GB – 32 GB)
- microSDXC (64 GB and above) Note: If you opt to use a microSDXC card Nintendo notes on their site that a system update will be required.
In addition, for best gameplay performance you will want to use a microSD card with a high transfer speed. Nintendo recommends cards with the following:
- UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) compatible
- Transfer speed 60 – 95 MB/sec
Does the Switch Come With a microSD Card?
No. A microSD card is not included with any of the Nintendo Switch systems, but they are readily available to purchase from Nintendo or any number of other retailers including Amazon.
However, you may find an occasional retailer that tries to create their own “Nintendo Switch bundle” that includes a compatible microSD card.
Price
Usually the larger the storage capacity, the more expensive the card, and with a wide range of storage capacities you will see a wide variety of prices. For example, if you go with a 2GB microSD card, which is becoming increasingly harder to find and are probably too small for most people, can commonly be found for less than $10. On the other end of the spectrum, you can find a 1TB or 2 TB microSDXC cards from a top manufacturer, which as we said earlier might be overkill for many people, that can easily cost over $100.
So the key to not spending too much money on a memory card for your Nintendo Switch is to understand how much additional storage you are likely to need and purchase accordingly.
How Large of a microSD Card Do You Need for Your Nintendo Switch?
When deciding how much additional storage space will fit your needs you first need to understand the types of things that you will be able to store on the card. These things include:
- Downloadable software
- Software update data
- Downloadable content (DLC)
- Screenshots
- Captured videos
It is important to note that the game save data is saved in the system memory can’t be saved or transferred to a microSD card.
With many of today’s games requiring 10GB or more of space the actual games themselves are what will take up the largest amount of storage space on most people’s memory cards.
Do You Prefer Physical Copies of Video Games or Digital Copies?
The amount of storage you will need on a microSD card will have a lot to do with your preference for physical or digital video game copies. If you are unsure of which to go with, you may want to read our article Physical Video Game Copies vs. Digital Copies – Which is Better?, where we examine to pros and cons of each to help you make an educated choice.
If you want to buy digital video game copies for your Nintendo Switch, especially if you are the type of person who gets a lot of games, it’s probably best to get the highest capacity microSD card you can afford. Conversely, if you prefer to buy physical copies of your video games you might be fine opting for something like the 64G, which might seem like too much, but you need to remember that some game titles can only be downloaded and may not be physically available for purchase.
What Should You Do If You Find All of These Specifications Confusing?
If you find it a little overwhelming to think about having to find a memory card that has the proper specifications we mentioned above to allow it to work well with the Nintendo Switch, don’t worry. You will be happy to know that SanDisk has partnered with Nintendo to create microSD cards that are licensed specifically for the Nintendo Switch. So if you buy one of these cards you can feel confident that it meets the specs that Nintendo needs for their system.
Here are the SanDisk cards that are licensed by Nintendo:
Other FAQs About Nintendo Switch SD Card Storage
What is the max SD card size supported by the Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED models?
All models of the Nintendo Switch (Original, Lite, and OLED) support microSD cards up to a maximum size of 2TB. The largest currently available microSD cards are 1TB, which should meet the needs of most users. The OLED model has a larger internal storage of 64GB, but the supported max SD card size remains the same.
Does the Nintendo Switch come with an SD card?
No, the Nintendo Switch does not come with a memory card included in the box. Users who require additional storage space beyond the internal capacity must purchase a microSD card separately.
What is the Nintendo Switch max SD card size I can use without issues?
You can use microSD cards up to 2TB without issues on the Nintendo Switch. This size allows ample space for multiple games, downloadable content (DLC), updates, and media files.
What factors should I consider when determining the switch micro SD card limit?
When considering the micro SD card limit, take into account the types of games you play (size of game files), how many games you wish to store, and whether you prefer digital or physical copies. Also, consider the speed of the card for optimal performance.
Can I upgrade my Nintendo Switch’s microSD card to a larger size later if I need more space?
Yes, you can upgrade to a microSD card with a larger storage capacity at any time. The process involves transferring your existing data to the new card, which can be done through your Switch’s settings. The video below shows you exactly how to do this.
Is there a recommended Nintendo Switch OLED max SD card size for the best experience?
While the Nintendo Switch OLED supports up to 2TB, a 256GB or 512GB microSD card generally offers a good balance between cost and storage capacity for most users.
Are there any specific brands or types of microSD cards recommended for the Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo recommends using microSD cards that are UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) compatible with transfer speeds between 60 and 95 MB/sec for optimal performance. Brands like SanDisk even offer Nintendo-licensed microSD cards that are guaranteed to work well with the system.
How do I transfer data from one microSD card to another for my Nintendo Switch?
To transfer data, you’ll need to turn off your Switch, remove the current microSD card, insert it into a computer, and copy the data to the new microSD card using a card reader. Then, insert the new card into your Switch and turn it on. The console will recognize the data from the old card. The video clip below will show you how to do this if you are unfamiliar with the process.
Can I use multiple microSD cards with my Nintendo Switch?
Yes, you can use multiple microSD cards with your console, but you cannot merge content from different cards. You’ll need to swap cards when you want to access games or data stored on them.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Choosing the right microSD card for your Nintendo Switch ultimately comes down to your gaming needs and budget considerations. Although the potential to upgrade to a 2TB microSD card exists, for the average gamer, a 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB microSDXC card strikes a perfect balance between ample storage and affordability, accommodating a sizeable game library. Those with a predilection for digital downloads or an ever-expanding collection may find value in splurging on larger capacities such as a 512GB or even a 1TB card for long-term convenience.
While officially licensed Nintendo Switch SanDisk cards guarantee compatibility and performance, other reputable brands also suffice. Remember, starting with what you need now doesn’t preclude you from upgrading later; your Nintendo Switch is ready to adapt with you as your gaming library grows. Make your choice with an eye toward your current habits and future expansion, and dive into your gaming adventures without fretting over storage limits.
Last update on 2024-04-19 at 00:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
