How To Get More Storage On Switch

Nintendo Switch and memory cards Source: iMore

Best answer: The amount of memory you need depends on how many Switch games you buy and whether they are physical or digital copies. For either format, we recommend no less than a 64GB microSD card.

How much internal storage does the Nintendo Switch have?

The Nintendo Switch only offers 32GB of internal storage. That's a bit of a problem given that many of the best Nintendo Switch games require 10+ GB of space. For instance, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Pokémon Sword and Shield take up 13.4GB and 10.3GB of space, respectively. While you do double your space at 64GB if you have the Nintendo Switch OLED model, if you mainly purchase digital games or buy a lot of physical copies, you will want a larger memory card regardless of which system you have.

If you're purchasing digitally, you'll quickly run out of room with just three hefty Switch games (six on OLED). It will take you a bit longer to run out of space if you're purchasing physical copies, but if you plan on playing several Switch games, then you're going to need a microSD card soon enough.

Finding the best microSD cards for Nintendo Switch to fit your needs can be tricky, but we're here to help.

Minimum recommended microSD card size for Nintendo Switch

MicroSD Nintendo Switch Source: iMore

Our recommendation is to go no smaller than 64GB. This is a comfortable size that allows you to hold a few big games at around 14GB each, a few medium-sized games at around half that mark, and a smattering of smaller games to fill out the bottom.

You should expect to delete, archive, and reinstall Nintendo Switch games sometime in the future at that size. As long as you are OK regularly downloading your games as they rotate in your playing list, you'll get by just fine. Don't forget that you can simultaneously use the internal and external storage, so think of it as having 96GB! Of course, you can always purchase multiple microSD cards or a much larger one if you need more space.

The right microSD card size for digital Switch games

Nintendo Switch Eshop Source: iMore

Considering that Nintendo Switch games are launching with bigger and bigger file sizes every week, anyone who prefers downloading digital games should try to aim for the biggest microSD card they can afford. We highly recommend getting a 256GB card. It has the space to hold plenty of saved data, screenshots, and videos.

Of course, if you have all the games in the world and want to play any of them at a moment's notice, you'll want to look at something much larger, like a 512GB card for maximum storage.

The right microSD card size for physical Switch games

Nintendo Switch Source: iMore

The Nintendo Switch is one of the few gaming consoles remaining that doesn't install game data when using physical media (cartridges). As such, the 32GB of internal storage inside might be more than enough if you're only planning on buying a few physical copies here and there.

Now, if you're planning on purchasing a tangible copy of just about every major title that Nintendo releases, you'll run out of the Switch's internal storage and will want to invest in a large microSD card. I am partial to the SanDisk 128GB card, as it has allowed me to acquire and play several physical versions of Switch games without having to archive or uninstall anything.

Tips for buying a trustworthy microSD card

There are hundreds of memory cards for sale on the internet, but that doesn't mean that you should go for the cheapest option you can find. It's possible that cheaper cards could have malware or won't work nearly as well as others. To keep yourself safe, only purchase from trusted sellers, and be sure to check reviews for a microSD card before deciding on a purchase. We highly recommend purchasing memory cards from the following brands:

Samsung
SanDisk
Lexar
PNY
Pioneer
Silicon Power

Transfering game data from one microSD card to another

Micro Sd Card Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore

Unfortunately, the process for transferring your game data from one microSD card to another isn't the most intuitive thing. Whether you're upgrading your storage or just wanting to go with a different memory card, you will need to use a computer to make this transfer possible. While it isn't easy, it is possible as long as you follow the right steps.

The microSD cards to get for Nintendo Switch

Since the Nintendo Switch only has 32GB of internal storage, it means that you will need to purchase a microSD card if you plan on purchasing several large Switch titles, whether they be physical or digital copies. If you tend to buy more digital versions, you'll want a larger microSD card, while those who purchase cartridges likely won't need as big of a memory card to get the job done.

Versatile card

Samsun microSD Card

Samsung 256GB EVO Plus

Fast, solid, and balanced.

This Samsung card won't break the bank, but it is more expensive than other options. Its size for the price makes it a great value, and it offers a balance of speed and capacity.

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Rebecca Spear

Rebecca Spear is the Games Editor for iMore. She loves playing Nintendo Switch games and is a Zelda nut through and through. On any given day you'll find her drawing, playing video games, or reading a good book. Follow her on Twitter @rrspear.

Alex Huebner

Alex is a writer for iMore who has grown up playing video games with a love for Zelda and all things Nintendo. She now plays Nintendo, Playstation, and PC enjoying horror, indie, adventure, and quirky games.

Which size microSD card is best for Nintendo Switch?

Versatile card

Samsung 256GB EVO Plus

$95 at Best Buy