SD cards for Switch: what Nintendo Switch memory card should you buy?
The Nintendo Switch only comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is less than the Wii U GamePad and 3DS’s built-in SD card slot. If you want to download more games, you’ll probably need an SD card for Switch — but which one? There are currently two options available: Nintendo’s own microSDXC cards, and the older MicroSD cards from third-party manufacturers that use the now-obsolete FAT32 file system instead of Nintendo’s proprietary exFAT format.
Choosing The Right Size
The size of the SD card is important for two reasons. First, it determines how much data you can store on the card. Second, it affects the speed of data transfer. If you’re only looking to store a few save files, then a smaller capacity SD card will suffice. However, if you plan on downloading lots of games or saving videos and photos, then you’ll need a larger capacity SD card.
There are different types of SD cards too. Some SD cards are write-once meaning they can’t be rewritten once the data has been saved. These are best used for storing media such as videos and photos. Re-writable SD cards allow you to delete any file and replace it with another file, so these are better suited for game saves, apps, etc.
MicroSD Cards Under $50
- If you’re looking for a cheap option, the SanDisk Ultra 64GB microSDXC UHS-I card is a great choice. It’s fast, with read speeds of up to 100 MB/s and write speeds of up to 90 MB/s. Plus, it comes with a handy adapter so you can use it with your computer or other devices if needed.
- Another great option is the Samsung EVO Select 64GB microSDXC UHS-I card. It’s slightly cheaper than the SanDisk card, and has similar read and write speeds. It also comes with an adapter, making it versatile and easy to use. 3. If you’re willing to spend a little more, check out the Sandisk Extreme PLUS 64GB microSDXC UHS-I card. You’ll get the same read and write speeds as the two mentioned above (though they’ll be even faster at 160 MB/s), but it also comes with a 10-year warranty, which is twice as long as most other warranties on this list.
- The Lexar Professional 633x 32 GB SDHC LSD6332BULKL card features high speed ratings (95MB/s) and some advanced features like water resistance (rated at IPX7). However, these features come at a price – this one is one of the most expensive options on our list. 5. Lastly, there’s the Kingston Technology 16 GB Class 10 SD Card.
Though not quite as fast as the others (read speeds are only 48 MB/s), it does offer a lifetime warranty that covers accidental damage from handling. So while it might not work well in cameras or camcorders, it would be perfect for storing pictures of your gaming adventures!
Another thing worth mentioning is that each Nintendo Switch console requires an additional storage device (microSDXC memory card) to play downloaded games. You don’t need to worry about using it right away though—the slot will remain empty until you have a game saved onto the console’s internal storage.
64GB SD Cards
The Nintendo Switch only comes with 32GB of internal storage, which isn’t a lot if you plan on downloading a lot of games. So, you’ll probably want to get a microSD card to supplement the system’s storage. Here are some of the best options.
If money is no object, then the SanDisk Extreme Pro is the best option. It’s fast, reliable, and has a capacity of 64GB.
For a more affordable option, the Samsung EVO Select is a good choice. It’s not as fast as the SanDisk card, but it’s still plenty fast enough for most games and it has a capacity of 64GB. If you’re looking for something in between the two prices, then we recommend the Sony A1 Ultra. It has slightly slower read speeds than the other two, but it also costs significantly less than both. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with an SD adapter so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
It’s always a good idea to have multiple SD cards so you can swap them out when they fill up. You could just use one SD card for your Nintendo Switch and another one for your phone or camera, or keep one in your wallet so that way if your phone runs out of space while you’re away from home, then you won’t lose all your data.
128GB MicroSD Cards
If you’re looking for the best value for your money, then getting a 128GB microSD card is the way to go. With this much storage space, you’ll be able to store all your games, save data, screenshots, and more without having to worry about running out of space.
Plus, if you ever decide to upgrade to a higher capacity microSD card, you can always use the 128GB card as an extra storage option. The SanDisk Ultra 200GB Micro SDXC UHS-I Card (SDSQUAR-200G-GN6MA) and Samsung 256GB EVO+ Class 10 Micro SDXC Memory Card (MB-MC256DA/AM) are two great options that offer plenty of storage space.
400+ GB MicroSD Cards
If you want to increase the storage of your Nintendo Switch without breaking the bank, then get a 400+ GB microSD card. You’ll be able to store all your games, DLC, and save data on a single card.
Plus, these cards are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. In fact, they’re cheaper than buying two 200GB SD cards. So if you want to upgrade your Nintendo Switch’s storage without spending too much money, grab a 400GB MicroSD card today!