Nintendo Switch owners know the struggle: that tiny internal storage fills up fast! The standard Switch’s 32GB, and even the OLED model’s 64GB, vanish quickly when you consider that many top Switch games easily consume 10GB or more. Downloading from the eShop? You'll run out of space in a flash. That’s why a microSDXC card, like the SanDisk 512GB Extreme, is practically essential.
Adding an SD card unlocks a massive game library without the constant worry of deleting titles. Options range up to 1TB! Remember, your save data remains on the console's internal memory.
With backward compatibility confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2, upgrading your storage now is a smart move.
Best 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 UHS-I card with high transfer speeds for smoother gameplay and faster loading.
Whether you need extra space for games, video clips, or data transfers, we've curated top-notch SD cards for seamless Switch integration.
SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card: Top Pick
Product Specifications:
Storage Capacity: 512GB
Transfer Speeds: Up to 190MB/s
Includes Adapter: Yes
Pros: Fast read speeds (190MB/s), reliable.
Cons: No warranty listed.
SanDisk offers reliability and durability. The 512GB option provides excellent value, with a 1TB alternative available. The included adapter ensures future use with other devices. Its durable design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof.
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: Budget-friendly, wide range of sizes, durable.
Cons: Slower speeds.
A great budget choice meeting minimum Switch requirements. While transfer speeds are slower, the difference in game load times is negligible. It offers 512GB of storage, expandable to 1TB, with smaller capacities also available.
SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card: Best High Capacity
Product Specifications:
Storage Capacity: 1TB
Transfer Speeds: Up to 150MB/s
Includes Adapter: Yes
Pros: High capacity, fast downloads.
Cons: Pricey.
With 1TB, this card easily accommodates a vast game library. Transfer speeds are well above the Switch's needs, ensuring quick downloads. Perfect for numerous games, screenshots, and video captures.
SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card: Best High Speed
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.
This card utilizes SanDisk QuickFlow Technology for optimized performance and fast loading times. While offering less storage than others, its speed is exceptional for quick game launches and downloads.
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 officially licensed Zelda-themed card boasts a unique design and 1TB of storage. While speeds are lower than other options, it’s a great choice for fans seeking a stylish and capacious card.
Choosing an SD Card for Your Nintendo Switch
Storage capacity is key. A 128GB card might suffice for some, but larger games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom require more. Consider your gaming habits and future purchases.
Ensure compatibility: The Switch supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. Avoid SD or miniSD cards.
Higher transfer speeds (UHS-I) enhance gameplay and loading times.
Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs
Do you need an SD card for the Switch? Yes, it’s essential for expanding storage beyond the limited internal capacity.
How much storage do you actually need? 256GB or more is generally recommended, especially for larger third-party titles.
Will Switch SD cards be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2? High probability of compatibility given the confirmed backward compatibility.
