In March 2017, the Nintendo Switch which is a portable game console was released and it was a popular game device after Wii Ui that was discontinued on 31st Jan 2017. This new game console came with the DS series and GameCube-like features in a single unit using a microSD card slot. Having the best micro SD card for Nintendo Switch is a must that you can use for various purposes including memory storage for apps and games.
Best MicroSD Card For Nintendo Switch
- Sandisk – Officially licensed microSD card for Nintendo Switch
- Lexar – Biggest MicroSD card for Nintendo Switch
- GigaStone Gaming Plus – Best Value for the Money
- Mix a Memory Card – Budget-Friendly
- Inxaric Card for Switch Lite – Best Overall
We all know that Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB internal storage which is not enough storage for current apps and games. But the good part is that you can insert a microSD card into Switch up to 2TB so you don’t have to worry about getting out of storage again.
Out of the popular Nintendo Switch microSD cards, 256GB capacity memory cards are popular among them. Below are a few of our recommendations for MicroSD cards for Switch.
We hope the above list of best SD cards for Nintendo Switch has helped you. Those micro SD cards for the switch will help you extend your storage capacity & store more on it.
You can use microSD cards in Nintendo Switch to transfer apps and games from internal storage and you can have more memory available on your Nintendo Switch storage. Another good part is when you move content from Switch to microSD card, your internal storage can be used to store files like videos, and documents, and more internal memory will be available on your device.
You may find hundreds of good microSD card brands right now in the market that are claiming to be compatible with the Nintendo Switch gaming console. Every card is having different specifications like warranty, performance, and read and write speed. It might be a bit difficult to choose the best one out of many. To ease your search a little, we have compiled a list of some of the most reliable microSD cards that are compatible with the Nintendo Switch Console.
What Else Do I Need for the Nintendo Switch?
So you have finally got the best microSD card for your Switch and are excited to play incredible games on it. Along with the large memory cards, you will require some other cool stuff for your Nintendo Switch that makes your gaming experience even better.
Tempered Glass:
Just like you apply tempered glass screen protectors on your mobile phone upon purchasing it, you can use a screen protector on your Switch to prevent it from scratch. You can consider a protector made of tempered glass. They are cheap and you will not have to hate yourself if the screen gets messed up. Check a few screen protectors for Nintendo Switch below.
Charging Dock:
The Joy-Con controllers for Switch can be charged by placing them onto the switch console, you should consider buying a charging dock to make charging easier.
Choosing the Right MicroSD Card for Your Nintendo Switch
Before diving into our top microSD card recommendations, let’s explore how to choose the right one for your Nintendo Switch:
Criteria | What to Consider | Example Choices |
Capacity | Gauge your storage needs based on your gaming habits. Are you a casual gamer or a digital hoarder? | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Speed Class | Aim for a Class 10 speed rating to ensure quick data transfer and seamless gameplay. | Class 10 |
UHS Speed Class | Choose between UHS-I and UHS-II. For optimal performance, UHS-I usually suffices. | UHS-I, UHS-II |
Brand Reliability | Stick with well-known brands for compatibility and peace of mind. | SanDisk, Lexar, GigaStone |
Now that you know what to consider when choosing a microSD card for your Nintendo Switch.
Troubleshooting MicroSD Card Issues on Your Nintendo Switch
While adding a microSD card to your Nintendo Switch can significantly enhance your gaming experience, it’s not uncommon to encounter issues from time to time.
In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll address common microSD card problems and provide solutions to help you get back to gaming seamlessly.
Problem 1: MicroSD Card Not Recognized by Nintendo Switch
Solution:
- Reinsert the MicroSD Card: Power off your Nintendo Switch, remove the microSD card, and reinsert it firmly. Ensure it clicks into place.
- Check for Dust or Debris: Inspect the microSD card slot for any dust or debris. Gently blow into the slot or use compressed air to clean it.
- Try Another MicroSD Card: If possible, test the microSD card in another Nintendo Switch to determine if the issue is with the card or the console.
- Format the MicroSD Card: Back up any data on the microSD card and format it using your Nintendo Switch. Go to System Settings > Data Management > microSD Card > Format.
Problem 2: Error Message When Opening Games or Apps
Solution:
- Check for Corruption: If you receive error messages, your microSD card data may be corrupted. Back up any important data and format the card.
- Ensure Game Compatibility: Ensure that the games or apps you’re trying to access are compatible with the microSD card. Some titles may require internal storage.
- Update Firmware: Ensure your Nintendo Switch’s firmware is up to date. Sometimes, firmware updates resolve compatibility issues.
Problem 3: Slow Loading Times or Lag in Games
Solution:
- Check Read Speed: Some microSD cards may have slower read speeds, affecting game loading times. Consider upgrading to a higher-speed microSD card.
- Free Up Space: A nearly full microSD card can lead to slower performance. Delete unnecessary games or data to free up space.
- Defragment the Card: Connect the microSD card to a computer and defragment it using appropriate software. This can help improve read and write speeds.
Problem 4: MicroSD Card Write Error
Solution:
- Check Card Lock: Ensure the physical lock switch on the microSD card is in the unlocked position. A locked card will prevent writing.
- Backup and Format: Backup your data and format the microSD card using your Nintendo Switch. This can resolve write errors caused by file system issues.
- File Compatibility: Ensure the files you’re trying to write to the card are compatible with the Nintendo Switch.
Problem 5: MicroSD Card Capacity Not Recognized Correctly
Solution:
- Format the Card: Backup data, format the microSD card on your Nintendo Switch, and let it set up the file structure.
- Check for Counterfeit Cards: Ensure you’ve purchased a genuine microSD card from a reputable source. Counterfeit cards may have inaccurate capacity labels.
Problem 6: MicroSD Card Ejected Unexpectedly
Solution:
- Check the Card Slot: Ensure that the microSD card is securely inserted and the slot’s latch is functioning correctly.
- Clean the Card Contacts: Gently wipe the metal contacts on the microSD card with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dirt or residue.
- Test with Another Card: If the problem persists, test with a different microSD card to determine if it’s a card-specific issue or a console problem.
Problem 7: MicroSD Card Data Loss
Solution:
- Data Backup: Regularly backup your data from the microSD card to a computer or cloud storage to prevent data loss.
- Data Recovery Software: In the event of data loss, you can use data recovery software to attempt to recover lost files.
Remember to always follow Nintendo’s official guidelines and recommendations for using microSD cards with your Nintendo Switch. If the issue persists after trying the solutions above, it’s advisable to contact Nintendo customer support for further assistance. Troubleshooting microSD card problems can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can resolve many common issues and continue enjoying your Nintendo Switch to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maximum Nintendo Switch SD card size supported?
Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB internal storage which is very low if you download bigger games or too many games on it. Hopefully, you can increase its memory capacity using a microSD card slot that supports up to 2TB capacity memory card. The biggest SD card for the switch is 2TB.
Is 256GB enough for Switch?
256GB capacity memory cards are quite popular among gaming console users but considering game sizes increasing with each update 256GB seems enough. But if you are a pro user, you will probably need more storage than 256GB.
Can any SD card be used in the switch?
The Nintendo Switch console is popular because of its portability & smaller size and it supports only the smallest SD card which is the MicroSD Cards. It doesn’t support a regular SD card or even a miniSD card, you will specifically need a microSD card with your Nintendo Switch.
How many games can 1TB hold on Nintendo Switch?
If we think that games with Nintendo Switch are around 19-20GB, you can consider you can store approximately 48-50 high-end games on your 1 TB microSD card.
So always remember how much storage you need & based on your requirement, purchase a micro SD card for the switch to avoid getting out of storage again.
How to install a Micro SD Card on a Nintendo Switch SD card slot?
If you are facing any issues installing a microSD card on your Switch, just refer to the below quick video for help.
What micro SD cards are compatible with Nintendo Switch?
If we talk about the compatibility of microSD cards with Nintendo Switch, there are mainly 2 types of cards that will work with your console according to Nintendo. MicroSDHC & microSDXC types of cards.
If you are purchasing a memory card only for your Nintendo Switch, you need to make sure you are buying the above types of memory cards. If you have any doubts about the memory cards, you can purchase an officially licensed Nintendo Switch memory card from Sandisk.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a microSD card for your Nintendo Switch, make sure to choose a microSDXC card. MicroSDXC cards are available in a variety of capacities, so you can choose a card that has enough storage space for all of your games and saves.
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