The Nintendo Switch doesn't come with a large amount of internal storage space. 32GB can quickly fill up with just a few digital downloads. Thankfully, Nintendo added a solution.
Like smartphones and tablets, the Nintendo Switch has a microSD card slot. This can be a relief for gamers, even those who are more casual.
Not only does it allow for more space for games, but it also allows the Nintendo Switch to use its internal storage for save data since save data can't be transferred to a microSD.
Here are the best microSD cards for Nintendo Switch available today.
When it comes to heavy-duty use, you really can’t go wrong with the SanDisk 1TB Extreme microSD Card—especially if you are constantly browsing and picking up the latest and greatest games in digital form. Considering it’s no small feat to fill a computer with 1TB of data, it will feel the same with this microSD card installed into a Nintendo Switch.
As for read speeds, it’s blindingly fast at 160MB/S, so the initial launching of games and load times are fast and shortened. Its write speeds are almost equally great at 90MB/s, which is fantastic for downloading games and updates at a faster rate (with a comparable ISP). It's also very durable, with resistance to temperature, water, shock, and x-rays.
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme microSD Card is rated A2 for app performance which ultimately means apps and games will load in a much shorter time.
- Large 1TB storage
- Up to 160MB/s read speeds
- UHS speed class 3
- Brand: SanDisk
- Capacity: 1TB
- Flash Memory Type: MicroSD
- Hardware Interface: MicroSDXC
- Speed (Read, Write): 160MB/s, 90MB/s
- Wide range of storage capacities available
- Games load quickly
- Rated A2 for app performance
- A bit overkill in terms of storage
- Card reader is separate
If you want more bang for your buck, the Kingston 64GB microSDXC Canvas Go Plus has fantastic value. Sure, it’s a bit small on space with 64GB of storage, but for Nintendo Switch users that buy physical games more than digital will get plenty of use out of it.
Despite having a smaller storage capacity, it doesn’t lack in performance. It has the potential to cap its read speeds at 170MB/s and write speeds as high as 90MB/s.
Additionally, it’s a tough piece of hardware with resistance to water, shock, vibration, x-rays, and temperature. It’s also bundled with an SD adapter.
- Includes SD card adapter
- Available up to 512GB storage capacity
- UHS speed class 3
- Waterproof
- Brand: Kingston
- Capacity: 64GB
- Flash Memory Type: Micro SDXC
- Hardware Interface: MicroSDHC
- Speed (Read, Write): 170MB/s, 90MB/s
- Fast read and write speeds
- Bundles with an SD card adapter
- Very durable
- Will fill up fast
- SD card adapter goes unused
For Nintendo Switch users cutting their library between physical and digital, the Silicon Power 256GB microSD Card fits perfectly in that margin. It doesn’t have so much space that it goes to waste, but not so little that it fills up too fast.
You can store a fair number of digital games, especially if you frequently enjoy smaller indie titles. The Silicon Power 256GB microSD Card is available in different capacities at an affordable cost, so it's fairly flexible for different uses.
For downloading games, you’ll want a good write speed, which it does; it can clock in as high as 80MB/s, but compared to some other microSD cards, it doesn't boast the highest speeds possible. Starting and loading games also benefit from the 100MB/s read speeds, which is hard to grumble at considering the price.
- UHS speed class 3
- Compatible with multiple devices
- Variation of colors
- Brand: Silicon Power
- Capacity: 256GB
- Flash Memory Type: Micro SDXC
- Hardware Interface: MicroSDXC
- Speed (Read, Write): 100MB/s, 80MB/s
- Great read speeds
- A good amount of storage
- Slightly slower write speeds
- Read speeds not always consistent
The Netac 128GB MicroSD Card is an excellent option for users that want to carry a fair number of digital titles and load said games quickly. Filling 128GB with games and data won’t be easy, provided you split your library between digital and physical. However, if you're primarily downloading digital games, you might need to consider a larger capacity microSD card.
While its write speeds are average—as high as 30MB/s—it speeds up more than three times as fast with read speeds. With a 100MB/s read speed, games will load faster and launch faster as well. It may not be the most well-known brand, but don't let that fool you.
It comes equipped with shock, temperature, water, and x-ray resistances, so you can feel reassured your microSD card for Nintendo Switch won't break easily.
- UHS speed class 30
- Supports 4K UHD video recording
- Rated A1 for app performance
- Brand: Netax
- Capacity: 128GB
- Flash Memory Type: MicroSD
- Hardware Interface: MicroSD, MicroSDHC
- Speed (Read, Write): 100MB/s, 30MB/s
- Bundled with an SD card adapter
- Good read and write speeds
- Affordable
- Storage capacity can fill up quick
Maybe you aren’t too trustworthy of certain brands, off-brand, mainstream, or otherwise. In that case, maybe you would feel better with Nintendo’s seal of approval on the SanDisk 512GB MicroSD. It even has a sleek, unique printing from several of Nintendo’s most popular game titles.
Of course, looking at its performance you will see why Nintendo gives it the thumbs-up. Its read speeds can reach 100MB/s, shortening load and launch times for your gaming library.
Additionally, it can copy data to the card as fast as 90MB/s. And with 512GB of storage, Nintendo Switch users can amass a healthy library, both physically and digitally.
- 512GB of storage
- Available in different styles
- Officially licensed for Nintendo Switch
- Brand: SanDisk
- Capacity: 512GB
- Flash Memory Type: MicroSD
- Hardware Interface: MicroSDXC
- Speed (Read, Write): 100MB/s, 90MB/s
- Great read and write speeds
- Plenty of storage for digital games
- Unique images
- Won't see the design when inserted
The Samsung EVO+ 256GB MicroSD Card is a great mix of performance and maximum storage capacity. It’s perfect in the hands of both casual and regular gamers, due to its quick read and write speeds and durability.
On the technical side, it will read data as fast as 95MB/s—an above-average read speed that does well cutting back on load times. For write speeds, it rubs elbows with its read speed at 90MB/s, which is a great number to hit if you plan on downloading games to the microSD card frequently.
And since there is 256GB of storage, you can download a large number of titles from the Nintendo eShop.
- Includes microSDXC to SD adapter
- X-ray resistant
- Speed class 10, minimum 10MB/s guarantee
- Brand: Samsung
- Capacity: 256GB
- Flash Memory Type: MicroSD
- Hardware Interface: MicroSDXC
- Speed (Read, Write): 95MB/s, 90MB/s
- Fair amount of storage
- Speed class 10 offers performance reassurance
- Expensive
The PNY 128GB Elite-X Class MicroSD Card has a stellar blend of performance, storage capacity, and price. It also comes from PNY, so you know you can put your faith in its execution. This is especially true with its impressive read speeds. When loading games, its 100MB/s read speed is going to be fantastic, considering Nintendo themselves recommend a read speed of 60MB/s to 90MB/s.
That means it’s already above average and won’t put a hamper on load times. Its 90MB/s write speed is almost as good and really comes in handy when downloading games from the Nintendo eShop.
Whether you use this microSD card for your Nintendo Switch or other devices, there's the option to increase the storage at an affordable cost.
- Can be used for multiple devices
- Video class 30
- Rated A1 in app performance
- Brand: PNY
- Capacity: 128GB
- Flash Memory Type: MicroSD
- Hardware Interface: MicroSDXC
- Speed (Read, Write): 100MB/s, 90MB/s
- Really good read speeds
- Available in multiple packs and sizes
- Average write speeds
- Storage might fill fast
FAQ
Q: What Is Read Speed?
Simply put, read speed measures how fast data can be loaded, like a file. The read speed for a microSD card can work out in your favor, provided it's fast enough to be of service. For a Nintendo Switch, it's recommended a microSD card read between 60Mbps to 90Mbps.
Knowing what read speed is now, a faster read speed will boost the performance of games. With a fast enough card, it can cut down on load times, which becomes increasingly more important for more graphically intensive games.
Q: What Is Write Speed?
Write speed measures how fast data is saved, like a save file. Having a fast write speed is less of a benefit when it comes to playing games on the Nintendo Switch; however, it still has an indirect benefit.
A fast write speed is going to be more beneficial to users purchasing digital content. That means a fast write speed will transfer data to the microSD at a faster rate (congruent with your ISP).
Q: Why Isn't The microSD Card Working In Nintendo Switch?
If you insert a microSD card and find it isn't working, do not panic. It's less likely a compatibility issue and more so the lack of a very important system update.
Some microSD cards are labeled "SDXC." For SDXC microSD cards, insert the card, then update your Nintendo Switch system. It's required in order to use them.
