Overview
Whether you need more memory on your Nintendo Switch or you've just gotten your hands on a fresh one and still want to make sure it has plenty of space from the start, you've come to the right place. The best SD cards for Switch options can be found in the guide below, where you can buy and get started right away.
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Best overall: Sandisk microSDXC
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Best value: Kingston Canvas Select microSDXC
- Best for storage: SanDisk Ultra 400GB microSDXC
Buying Guide
If you wish to buy your games electronically, you'll need to get an sd card for the Nintendo Switch. The machine has 32GB of inbuilt memory but does not include a microSD card when purchased. With that in mind, here are some pointers to consider when deciding which SD card to buy.
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If you plan to download a large number of AAA titles, you should allocate at least 200GB. Dragon Quest Heroes 1 and 2, for example, will take up 32GB of memory each, whilst The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Complete Edition will take up roughly 31GB.
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Aside from storage, speed is a crucial consideration when selecting the best microSD card. To mark a card's minimum standard speed, speed classes are allocated a grade — 2, 4, 6, or 10 — A grade of 2 indicates a standard speed of 2MB/s, a grade of 4 indicates a speed of 4MB/s, and so on. For the Switch, however, you should only buy cards with a class 10 speed rating. Because the console will retrieve games from the card, a class 10 card will likely reduce lag and downturns.
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Another important factor to consider when choosing a microSD card is the brand. As with all technology, opting with lesser-known brands might occasionally save you money, but you forfeit functionality in the process. External storage, whether hard disks, storage devices, or SD cards, requires rigorous testing and warranty concerns. The same principle applies to microSD cards, as you don't want a card to die on you, especially one with a short or no manufacturer warranty.
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Bear in mind that it used to be difficult to find a fairly priced card larger than 200GB. However, even 256GB card options have gotten more inexpensive in recent months. As a result, you may want to plan ahead of time by obtaining a larger card. After all, when it comes to gaming, there really is no such thing as "too much" room. Consider these memory expansion choices if you're ready to upgrade your Switch's integrated memory.
FAQs
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What SD cards are compatible with the switch?
The Switch supports SDXC cards, which are technically compatible with older, lower capacity SD and SDHC cards. So, basically, any microSD card from an old Android phone or camcorder should work in the Switch.
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Will any SD card work on the Nintendo Switch?
Only microSD cards can be loaded on the Nintendo Switch. SD cards and miniSD cards are not interoperable with the Nintendo Switch due to the slot capacity.
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How many switch games can 128GB hold?
You can get up to 128+ games. However, if you want AAA games, you'll need at least 20-25.
Final Thoughts
The switch has a plethora of low-cost memory upgrade choices. It's also possible to get a hefty 1TB Micro SD card for your Nintendo Switch. While that particular card will take some time to become more reasonable, smaller Micro SD cards are becoming more inexpensive all the time, and even modest capacities offer a significant increase over internal memory. As conclusion, there's never been a better time to acquire the best SD cards for Switch than right now.
