The finest SD playing cards for Nintendo Switch guarantee your handheld console is supplied to retailer greater than only a few of the finest Switch video games. Since the Switch solely comes with 32GB of inside storage – and a part of that’s reserved for system use – you gained’t be capable to set up many video games or save recordsdata with out an SD card.
TL;DR – These are the Best SD Cards for Switch
- SanDisk 512GB Extreme (Best Overall)
- Samsung EVO Select 512GB (Budget Option)
- SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 (Highest Capacity)
- SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO (Fastest Option)
- SanDisk 1TB – The Legend of Zelda (Best Design)
While SD playing cards are available various storage capacities and speeds, we’ve picked out the very best storage choices that pair effectively together with your Nintendo Switch. Installing an SD card is very simple, increasing your console’s storage in a matter of seconds. Whether you’re on a funds, or need the quickest SD card for Nintendo Switch out there, we’ve obtained an awesome choice so that you can select from.
1. SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card
Best SD Card for Nintendo Switch
SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card
Up to 190MB/s
SanDisk is a well-known model identify, so you may count on reliability and sturdiness while you buy the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card. With a variety of storage choices to select from, you may max out your Nintendo Switch’s storage, permitting you to put in loads of video games, save recordsdata, and screenshots, with out the necessity to delete different video games to unlock some room. We assume the 512GB possibility is unbelievable worth for cash, however if you wish to splash out, there’s a 1TB different too.
If you improve to a unique SD card sooner or later, this SD card comes with an adapter, that means you should utilize it throughout different gadgets so it doesn’t go to waste. But within the meantime, the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card boasts beneficiant knowledge switch speeds of as much as 190MB/s – simply obtain the video games you need and put them straight onto your SD card in a cinch.
This SD card’s sturdy design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof (who knew that was a factor?). So in case you’re happening trip and taking your Nintendo Switch with you, you’ll have the additional reassurance that your sport recordsdata are considerably secure.
2. Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card
Best Budget SD Card for Nintendo Switch
SAMSUNG EVO Select 512GB microSDXC Card
1
Transfer Speeds
Up to 130MB/s
This Samsung EVO Select A2 SD card is an ideal alternative in case you’re on the lookout for one thing on a funds. Although the write speeds aren’t as sturdy as different choices, the A2 score permits for a lot sooner optimizing for the cardboard. By utilizing Cache performance, your recordsdata will be learn in a way more well timed method than different playing cards.
Naturally, some options aren’t out there on a funds card like this. The greatest wrongdoer right here is the decrease switch speeds total, which is not too massive of a deal until you are downloading lots of titles. At beneath $40, you may’t go incorrect with this SD card to your Nintendo Switch.
3. SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card
Best High Capacity SD Card for Nintendo Switch
SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card
3
Transfer Speeds
Up to 150MB/s
With 1TB of storage, the SanDisk Ultra A1 SD card is a wonderful alternative for the Nintendo Switch. The SanDisk Ultra A1 has switch speeds of as much as 150MB/s, which is effectively above the vary wanted for quick downloads on the console. It’s possible that you just will not even come near operating out of storage, with room for effectively over 75 titles to be put in directly.
Most video games on Nintendo Switch are effectively under 15GB, so this SD card ought to greater than fit your wants. The greatest video games vary from anyplace between 30GB and 60GB, however there are lower than ten that fall beneath that umbrella. Any further area on this SD card is ideal for taking as many screenshots and video captures as you need!
4. SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card
Best High Speed SD Card for Nintendo Switch
SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card
2
Transfer Speeds
Up to 200MB/s
SanDisk QuickFlow Technology optimizes recordsdata
If you are on the lookout for the very best excessive velocity SD card to your Switch, look no additional than this SanDisk Extreme PRO SD card. This card makes use of SanDisk QuickFlow Technology to rapidly optimize recordsdata and provide the finest efficiency attainable. When it involves launching or downloading video games, this function can are available extraordinarily useful for load instances.
With 256GB, you should not run into any points putting in a wholesome library of video games to your system. Although the Switch doesn’t have 4K assist of any variety, this SD card is made for fast switch of 4K content material. So, your 1080p screenshots and movies will rapidly switch over to a laptop computer or PC with the blink of an eye fixed.
5. SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card – The Legend of Zelda
Best SD Card Design for Nintendo Switch
SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card – The Legend of Zelda
2
Transfer Speeds
Up to 100MB/s
Officially licensed by Nintendo
Slower speeds than different playing cards
This Zelda SD card has arguably finest design yow will discover for a suitable Switch SD card. At 1TB of storage, you should not have any points with operating out of area for brand spanking new video games. Although the speeds are a bit decrease than different choices on this checklist, that is the one SD card formally licensed by Nintendo we function right here.
This card is made with the Nintendo Switch in thoughts, so you may count on a high quality product total. The design featured is the long-lasting triforce image from The Legend of Zelda collection, which is an ideal strategy to showcase your love of the Nintendo franchise. Overall, there are higher choices, however this can be a sensible choice in case you desire to snag a singular design.
How To Choose an SD Card for Nintendo Switch
Investing in an SD card to your Nintendo Switch is a game-changer. But understanding what to search for is vital too. Sure, you may simply purchase an inexpensive SD card that’s obtained an honest quantity of cupboard space, however there are different elements to think about.
Since we’ve already touched on it, storage capability goes to be your first consideration. Depending on the varieties of video games you play, a 128GB SD card is likely to be enough. But video games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom that takes up 16GB would possibly want a bigger SD card. Not to say your save recordsdata and any screenshots you’re taking will add to the general file measurement.
If you’re on the lookout for an SD card for Nintendo Switch, you’ll have to be sure you discover one which’s suitable with the console. The Switch helps microSD playing cards – this consists of microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC. Be cautious to not purchase an SD or miniSD card as these won’t work!
Once you’ve discovered a suitable SD card with the cupboard space you require, it’s value looking on the switch velocity. The greater the switch velocity, the higher your gameplay expertise might be. Speed courses are graded in 2, 4, 6, or 10, denoting the cardboard’s minimal baseline velocity. So a grade 2 equates to 2MB/s, 4 is 4MB/s, and so forth. If you discover a microSD card with a UHS (Ultra High Speed) class like UHS-1, you’re good to go.
Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs
Do you want an SD card for the Switch?
For the Nintendo Switch, a microSD card is an important Switch accent. Without it, you will solely have sufficient area to put in a number of video games on the system. An SD card will will let you set up dozens of titles on Switch with none fear of deleting video games to unlock storage.
Generally, Nintendo tends to maintain its video games on the smaller aspect, however there’s a sizeable quantity of third social gathering titles out there which are effectively over 32GB. This is the onboard storage for normal Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite fashions, so you will not even be capable to set up that sport with out an SD card.
How a lot storage do you really want?
Most possible any SD card with 256GB of storage or greater might be greater than sufficient to your Nintendo Switch. Some of the most important Nintendo titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, solely weigh in at 16GB and 14GB, respectively. If you propose to primarily play Nintendo-developed titles, you ought to be greater than high-quality with a 256GB SD card.
However, if you want to play massive third social gathering releases on the platform, like Mortal Kombat 1, you must goal for an SD Card with over 512GB of storage. The newest NBA 2K sport takes up over 60GB on Switch, which provides up rapidly if you do not have a considerable SD card. Overall, the scale of SD card finest for you depends upon the video games you play, however it’s important for any Nintendo Switch proprietor to have one slotted into their system.
Noah Hunter is a contract author for IGN, overlaying offers, purchasing guides and extra.
IGN’s tech freelancer Danielle Abraham contributed to this shopping for information.
