Best SD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2025: Size & Speed Guide
Find the right microSD card for your Switch. We compare Samsung, SanDisk, and budget options to help you choose the best capacity and speed.
Switch Compare Team
January 15, 2025
The Nintendo Switch comes with only 32GB of internal storage (64GB on OLED). That fills up fast when modern games range from 1GB to 30GB+. A microSD card is essential for any Switch owner who buys digital games. Here's how to choose the right one.
Quick Recommendations
| Capacity | Best For | Our Top Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128GB | Casual/physical buyers | Samsung EVO Select | ~$12 |
| 256GB | Most players | Samsung EVO Select | ~$20 |
| 512GB | Digital collectors | Samsung EVO Select | ~$35 |
| 1TB | Hardcore digital | SanDisk Extreme | ~$80 |
How Much Storage Do You Actually Need?
Game size examples:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: 18.2GB
- Pokemon Scarlet/Violet: 7GB
- Super Smash Bros Ultimate: 16.8GB
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons: 7GB
- Hollow Knight: 4GB
- Stardew Valley: 1GB
Our recommendations:
- 128GB: 5-10 large games or 20+ indie games
- 256GB: 10-20 large games - best for most players
- 512GB: 25-40 games - heavy digital buyers
- 1TB: 50+ games - digital-only collectors
Best SD Cards by Capacity
Best 256GB: Samsung EVO Select
The sweet spot for most Switch owners. Samsung's EVO Select offers excellent speed, reliability, and value.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 256GB |
| Read Speed | Up to 160MB/s |
| Write Speed | Up to 120MB/s |
| Rating | U3, V30, A2 |
| Price | ~$20 |
Why we recommend it:
- Fastest in its price range
- Samsung's reliability and 10-year warranty
- A2 rating for faster app loading
- Perfect capacity for most players
Best 512GB: Samsung EVO Select
Same excellent card, double the storage. Worth it for heavy digital buyers.
Best 128GB: Samsung EVO Select
If you mostly buy physical games or have a smaller library, 128GB saves money while still providing ample space.
Best Budget: SanDisk Ultra
SanDisk Ultra cards are slightly slower than Samsung EVO Select but cost a few dollars less. Perfectly fine for Switch gaming.
Best 1TB: SanDisk Extreme
For those who want maximum storage. 1TB is overkill for most players, but if you're all-digital with a huge library, it eliminates storage management.
Understanding SD Card Specs
Speed ratings that matter for Switch:
| Rating | Meaning | Switch Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| U1/U3 | Write speed class | U1 minimum, U3 recommended |
| V30 | Video speed class | Not critical for Switch |
| A1/A2 | App performance | A1 minimum for faster loading |
| Read speed | Data transfer rate | 60-100MB/s is plenty |
The truth: The Switch's SD card reader maxes out around 100MB/s. Paying extra for 200MB/s+ cards doesn't improve Switch performance. Save your money for capacity instead.
Nintendo Licensed vs. Standard Cards
Nintendo sells officially licensed SanDisk cards with Switch branding. They're the same cards with a markup. Standard SanDisk and Samsung cards work identically—buy whichever is cheaper.
How to Install and Format Your SD Card
- Power off your Switch completely (not sleep mode)
- Open the kickstand to reveal the SD card slot
- Insert the card with contacts facing the screen
- Power on and the Switch will prompt to format
- Format the card - this prepares it for Switch use
Important: Formatting erases all data. Use a fresh card or back up existing files first.
Moving Games Between Internal Storage and SD Card
Go to System Settings > Data Management > Move Data Between System/microSD Card
You can move games freely between internal storage and your SD card. Save data always stays on internal storage (or cloud with Nintendo Switch Online).
Common SD Card Mistakes
- Buying too small - 64GB fills up quickly; start with 256GB minimum
- Overpaying for speed - The Switch can't use speeds above ~100MB/s
- Buying counterfeit cards - Only buy from reputable sellers (Amazon, Best Buy, etc.)
- Removing while powered on - Always power off before removing the SD card
- Ignoring the brand - Stick with Samsung, SanDisk, or other trusted brands
How to Spot Fake SD Cards
Counterfeit SD cards are common on marketplaces. They may show 256GB but actually be 32GB with hacked firmware. Red flags:
- Prices significantly below market rate
- Sold by unknown third-party sellers
- Poor packaging or misspellings
- Reviews mentioning capacity issues
Protect yourself: Buy from Amazon (sold by Amazon), Best Buy, or other authorized retailers. Use "Ships from and sold by Amazon" listings when possible.
FAQ
What's the maximum SD card size the Switch supports?
The Switch supports microSD cards up to 2TB. Currently, 1TB is the largest widely available consumer card.
Do faster SD cards reduce game load times?
Marginally. The difference between a U1 and U3 card is a few seconds at most. Capacity matters more than speed for the Switch.
Can I use the same SD card on multiple Switches?
Yes, but games are tied to your Nintendo account. You'd need to re-download them if switching to a different console.
Should I buy the Nintendo-branded SanDisk cards?
Only if they're the same price or cheaper. They're identical to standard SanDisk cards with Switch graphics on the packaging.
How long do SD cards last?
Quality SD cards from Samsung or SanDisk last 5-10+ years with normal use. They'll likely outlive your Switch.
Can I use a full-size SD card with an adapter?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The adapter adds a failure point, and microSD cards are cheap enough to buy the right size.
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