Quick Answer
The Nintendo Switch can use most standard microSD cards, but there are some requirements and recommendations to get the best performance. The Switch supports microSD cards up to 2TB in capacity and requires cards that are UHS-I with a speed class rating of at least 10. SanDisk, Samsung, and Kingston microSD cards in the Ultra or Evo lines are good options. You’ll want a card with high read and write speeds for optimal game load times.
What kind of microSD card does the Nintendo Switch use?
The Nintendo Switch uses standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards for expanded storage. This includes cards with capacities ranging from 4GB all the way up to 2TB. The Switch does have specific requirements when it comes to the speed class ratings though.
At a minimum, you’ll need a microSD card that is UHS-I and has a Speed Class rating of 10. UHS-I refers to the ultra high speed bus interface it uses, while the Speed Class 10 rating means it has a minimum sequential write speed of 10MB/s. Many microSD cards exceed this though.
Higher speed cards in the UHS-III, V30, or V90 classes offer even faster performance, but aren’t required. The Switch also supports newer A2 rated cards designed for apps, but this provides no benefit since the Switch doesn’t run apps off external storage.
What size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch supports microSD cards up to 2TB in capacity. However, 512GB or 1TB cards offer the best balance of price, availability, and storage.
– 64GB or 128GB cards are more affordable options but may fill up quicker if you download a lot of digital games.
– 256GB provides a good midpoint.
– 512GB or 1TB cards give you substantial storage space for tons of games while being reasonably priced.
– 2TB cards work but are expensive overkill for most users.
When considering size, check how many digital games you currently own and estimate your future purchases. Larger cards also have faster speeds, so a 512GB or 1TB card makes sense if your budget allows.
What read and write speed is recommended for Switch?
Faster read and write speeds allow games to load quicker on the Nintendo Switch. The minimum speed class of 10 already provides decent performance, but even faster cards are recommended for optimal gaming.
Here are the microSD card speeds to look for:
– Read speed: At least 60-95 MB/s is ideal, but the faster the better. 100MB/s+ is best.
– Write speed: Aim for 20-30 MB/s minimum. 60-90 MB/s is great.
Top-tier cards boast speeds up to 160MB/s read and 90MB/s write, which will provide the fastest load times. Focus more on read speeds over write speeds for gaming purposes. Of course, higher speeds come at a higher price.
What brand of microSD card is best for Switch?
The most popular and reliable microSD card brands recommended for the Nintendo Switch include:
– **SanDisk:** A leading brand, their Ultra and Extreme lines are great choices. Top option.
– **Samsung:** Their EVO Select and EVO Plus microSD cards offer fast speeds.
– **Kingston:** The Canvas series cards are good budget picks, while the Canvas Go! cards are high performance.
– **Western Digital:** Their WD_Black game drive microSD cards are made for gaming.
– **Silicon Power:** Budget cards like the Superior Pro provide good value.
Stick to reputable brands and buy from legitimate retailers to avoid fake or inferior quality cards. Check reviews on sites like Amazon or the Switch subreddit when in doubt.
Do I need a Nintendo branded microSD card for Switch?
No, you do not need an official Nintendo branded microSD card for the Nintendo Switch. The Switch works with any standard microSD card that meets the minimum speed requirements, including cards from major brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston, and more.
Nintendo does license official microSD cards from SanDisk and others. These are safe bets but cost more than regular cards with the same specs and performance. There’s no technological advantage on Nintendo cards, so regular microSD cards provide comparable quality for less money.
What class rating do I need for Switch?
At minimum, your microSD card should have a Speed Class rating of 10, UHS Speed Class 1 rating, or a U1 rating. These all indicate a minimum sequential write speed of 10 MB/s.
Better options have higher speed ratings:
– U3, Class 30, V30 – Minimum 30MB/s sequential write
– V60, V90, A1, A2 – Even faster write and read speeds
While the Switch technically only requires Class 10 cards, those with U3, V30, A1 ratings or higher will provide better load times and performance. But focus more on the card’s actual read and write speeds, as those give a better measure of real-world speeds.
Will any capacity microSD card work in a Switch?
The Nintendo Switch supports microSD cards from 4GB up to 2TB in capacity. However, lower capacity cards under 64GB tend to have slower write speeds that could result in longer game load times.
Here are the ideal capacity ranges for Switch:
– 64GB, 128GB – Affordable, but can fill up quicker. Ensure write speeds over 20MB/s.
– 256GB, 400GB – Great midpoint capacity for many players.
– 512GB, 1TB – Ideal if you download a lot of games. Future-proof.
– 2TB – Currently the max, but overkill for most. Very expensive.
While technically any 4GB+ microSD will function, opt for 64GB+ cards from reputable brands to get suitable speeds. 512GB or 1TB cards are most recommended to maximize storage and performance.
Do I need to format or do anything special to the microSD card?
The Nintendo Switch will automatically format any new microSD card you insert, so there’s nothing special you need to do ahead of time.
When you first insert the microSD card, the Switch will prompt you to format the card. This will erase any existing data on it. The formatting process is quick and simple:
1. Insert your new microSD into the Switch.
2. When prompted, select to format the card.
3. Wait for the formatting process to complete.
That’s it! The card will now be ready to use as expanded storage space for your Switch. The card is formatted to a Linux file system that the Switch uses. Do not try to format the card on a computer beforehand, as the Switch needs to do this step.
How do I transfer data to a new microSD card?
If you are upgrading to a new microSD card or want to transfer data from one card to another, you’ll need to re-download any digital games, updates, and DLC.
Unfortunately, you cannot directly copy data between cards on the Switch. The Switch encrypts microSD cards uniquely to each system.
Here are the steps to migrate your data:
1. Insert your new microSD card into the Switch and format it when prompted.
2. Go to System Settings -> Data Management and select Move Data Between System / microSD Card.
3. Choose to move your downloaded software and save data from the system memory to your new microSD card.
4. Once the transfer is done, you can insert your old microSD card into your computer and back up any screenshots you want to keep.
5. Re-download any digital games, updates, and DLC from the eShop onto your new card.
While you can’t directly copy data between microSD cards, the Move Data tool makes transferring your games and saves to a new card fairly quick and simple.
Do games run slower on microSD cards?
For the most part, games run the same whether they are installed on the Switch’s internal memory or a microSD card. The exception is that some games may have slightly longer load times when running from slower microSD cards.
To avoid this:
– Use a microSD card with higher read and write speeds, such as U3/V30 A2 cards.
– Don’t use cards under Class 10 as they may be too slow.
– Install the games you play most often to internal storage rather than microSD.
Card read speed has the biggest impact on load times. Factors like capacity and brand are less important for performance. As long as you choose a reputable, high-speed microSD card, your games should run smoothly without big differences in loading or lag.
Can I use the same microSD card for multiple Switches?
You cannot use the same microSD card interchangeably between multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. When you insert a card into a Switch, it will prompt you to format the card. This formatting process encrypts the card to that specific Switch.
The microSD card remains tied to that single Switch unless you reformat it again on a different console. Reformatting erases all data, so you’d have to re-download games and saves.
To use a card on multiple Switches:
1. Format the card on Switch A and download games/data to it.
2. When you want to use it on Switch B, reformat the card on that console.
3. Re-download games and saves for Switch B.
4. Repeat reformatting each time you swap Switches.
While inconvenient, this system prevents piracy by encrypting cards individually per console. You cannot share digital games between systems by using the same microSD card.
Can I use the same microSD card for a Switch and 3DS?
No, Nintendo 3DS consoles do not support the microSD cards used by the Nintendo Switch. The 3DS uses smaller microSD cards whereas the Switch uses microSDHC/microSDXC cards.
These are the compatible card types for each system:
– Nintendo Switch – microSDHC or microSDXC (64GB and above)
– Nintendo 3DS – Standard microSD (4GB to 32GB)
So you cannot physically insert the same card into both systems. The 3DS also does not support capacities above 32GB.
To share a microSD card, you would need to backup your data and reformat the card to the appropriate filesystem for each device. This is impractical, so it’s better to use separate microSD cards for your Switch and 3DS.
Troubleshooting microSD card issues
If you experience issues with reading or detecting a microSD card on your Switch, here are some steps to try:
– Reinsert the microSD card to ensure it is making full contact in the slot.
– Try gently cleaning the contacts on the card with a soft cloth. Avoid bending the card.
– Check for any damage or corrosion on the contacts. Damaged cards should be replaced.
– Try formatting the card again on the Switch.
– As a last resort, try inserting the card into your computer. This can help identify if the card itself is faulty.
– For frequent read errors, upgrade to a higher quality microSD card from a reputable brand.
– If the issue persists, contact Nintendo Support for further troubleshooting. A hardware issue with the Switch may require repair.
Following proper insertion and formatting protocols can help minimize card issues. But occasionally bad cards slip through from a manufacturer. Performing the above basic troubleshooting steps should help identify and resolve most problems.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch is compatible with most standard microSD cards on the market, but you’ll want to choose cards that meet the minimum speed class recommendations for optimal performance. Top-tier UHS-I cards in the 64GB to 1TB range from trusted brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Kingston work great. While you don’t need an official Nintendo branded microSD, these vetted cards ensure compatibility and reliable speeds for expanding your Switch’s storage and enjoying your games.