Gaming has taken on a whole new dimension with the Nintendo Switch, allowing players to enjoy their games wherever they go. One of the key factors that contribute to the Switch’s portability and convenience is its expandable storage using SD cards. Understanding the Switch SD card max size can enhance your gaming experience by ensuring you have ample space for your favorite games.
The Nintendo Switch comes with a modest 32GB of internal storage, which can fill up quickly with game downloads, updates, and screenshots. However, the good news is that the Switch supports microSD cards, which can significantly expand your console’s storage capacity.
Nintendo Switch SD Card Max Size
The Nintendo Switch supports microSD cards up to 2TB in size. However, as of this writing, 2TB microSD cards are not commercially available.
The largest readily available microSD cards have a capacity of 1TB. With a 1TB microSD card, you could store about 25 games of varying sizes, including large games like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Super Mario Odyssey,” which take up about 13.4GB and 5.7GB respectively.
To help you make the most out of your Nintendo Switch storage, we’ve put together a list of the top five SD cards with switch SD card max size you can get for your console.
Top 5 SD Cards for Nintendo Switch
If you’re an ardent Nintendo Switch gamer, having the right microSD card can significantly enhance your gaming experience. MicroSD cards not only increase the console’s storage capacity but also determine the speed of game loading.
Here are some excellent microSD card options that offer large storage capacities, high transfer speeds, and reliable durability: vibration, and extreme temperatures. Its included SD adapter provides added convenience, making it a versatile choice.
1. Lexar PLAY 1TB microSDXC
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Legion Go, other portable...
- Faster transfer speeds for quick loading time with up to 160MB/s read
- Improved write speeds of up to 100MB/s for quicker downloads
The Lexar PLAY 1TB microSDXC card is tailor-made for gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch. With 1TB of storage, it offers plenty of space for you to store multiple games, game data, and downloadable content. This card provides high-speed performance, with a read speed of up to 150MB/s that allows for faster game loads and a smoother gaming experience. As with other cards on this list, it’s designed to be resistant to harsh conditions, making it a durable choice to safeguard your valuable gaming data.
2. Samsung EVO Select 512 GB microSDXC
- Ideal for Recording 4K UHD Video: Samsung MicroSD EVO is perfect for high res photos,...
- Enhanced Detail with HDR: 4K depth of detail with High Dynamic Range lets you see...
- Built to last reliability: Shock proof memory card is also water proof, temperature...
The Samsung EVO Select 512 GB microSDXC card is another high-capacity, high-performance choice for your Nintendo Switch. This card guarantees excellent game performance and quick load times, thanks to its ultra-fast read and write speeds. This can make a significant difference when playing games that require heavy rendering.
The EVO Select microSDXC card is built to withstand extreme conditions. It’s resistant to extreme temperatures, water, magnetism, and even X-rays, making it an exceptionally durable and reliable choice.
3. PNY Elite 512GB microSDXC
- Class 10, U3, V30 speed class performance with read speeds up to 100MB/s and write...
- A2 App Performance enables apps to run directly from the microSD card, delivering...
- Record and transfer videos, photos, music, files and more from microSD enabled host...
The PNY Elite 512GB microSDXC card is a solid option if you’re looking for a balance of speed, capacity, and durability. This card provides ample storage capacity with fast transfer speeds, ensuring smooth performance for your most demanding Switch games. It features a Class 10, U1 rating, which means it’s designed for fast and smooth full HD video recording and playback, a feature that could be handy if you’re into recording your gaming exploits.
It’s also constructed to last, offering magnet-proof, shock-proof, and temperature-proof features that add an extra layer of protection to your saved games.
4. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus 512GB microSDXC
- Superior speeds—Transfer and capture content faster in Full HD & 4K UHD with...
- Ideal for action cameras and drones—High-speeds with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) & Video...
- Supports A2 app performance class—Expedite your workflow with faster application...
Kingston’s Canvas Go! Plus 512GB microSDXC card offers high-speeds and ample storage that’s perfectly suited for the portable Nintendo Switch. It delivers high-speed performance with a U3 and V30 speed class that provides a minimum write speed of 30MB/s, allowing your games to load and run smoothly.
It’s also durable, offering protection from water, shock.
5. SanDisk 1TB Extreme microSDXC
- Save time with card offload speeds of up to 190MB/s powered by SanDisk QuickFlow...
- Pair with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD to achieve maximum...
- Up to 130MB/s write speeds for fast shooting (Based on internal testing; performance...
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme microSDXC card is an excellent choice for any serious gamer, providing a vast 1TB of storage. It’s perfect for storing a wide variety of Switch games, including large-size, graphics-intensive titles. With impressive high read speeds of up to 160MB/s and write speeds of up to 90MB/s, this card ensures smooth gameplay and fast load times, minimizing game lag. In terms of durability, this card is built to endure harsh conditions.
It’s shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof, offering added protection for your valuable game data.
Check out: 7 Best SD Cards for Ninntendo Switch OLED
Can Nintendo Switch Use 512GB SD Card?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch can use a 512GB SD card. This is a great option for those who play a lot of games but do not wish to invest in a 1TB card. Several manufacturers produce 512GB SD cards compatible with the Nintendo Switch, such as SanDisk, PNY, and Kingston.
SanDisk 512GB Ultra microSDXC
- Ideal storage for Android smartphones and tablets
- Up to 512GB to store even more hours of Full HD video (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes....
- Up to 150MB/s transfer speeds to move up to 1000 photos per minute (Up to 150MB/s...
The SanDisk Ultra microSDXC offers a large storage capacity and high-speed data transfer. It’s perfect for storing a variety of Switch games and ensures smooth gameplay and fast load times. It’s also designed to withstand harsh conditions, offering protection for your game data.
PNY Premiere-X 512GB microSDXC
- Class 10, U3, V30 speed class performance with read speeds up to 100MB/s and write...
- A2 App Performance enables apps to run directly from the microSD card, delivering...
- Record and transfer videos, photos, music, files and more from microSD enabled host...
The PNY Premiere-X offers high-speed performance with large storage. Its Class 10, U3 rating ensures smooth game performance and quick load times. It’s a durable and reliable option, offering magnet-proof, shock-proof, and temperature-proof features.
Kingston Canvas Select Plus 512GB microSDXC
- Faster speeds — Class 10 UHS-I speeds up to 100MB/s.
- Optimized for use with Android devices — improved performance when used with an...
- Multiple capacities — Up to 512GB1 to store all your memorable photos and videos.
Kingston’s Canvas Select Plus provides high-capacity storage and impressive speed. It’s designed for reliability and high capacities, making it ideal for storing your favorite Switch games. It’s also built to withstand harsh conditions, providing added data protection.
Is 256GB Enough for Nintendo Switch?
The answer to this depends on how you use your Nintendo Switch. If you’re a casual gamer who only plays a handful of games, a 256GB card should be enough.
However, for gamers who play a wide range of games and download many titles, a larger capacity SD card would be more suitable. Manufacturers like SanDisk, Kingston, and Lexar produce 256GB cards that are compatible with the Nintendo Switch.
SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC
- Ideal storage for Android smartphones and tablets
- Up to 256GB to store even more hours of Full HD video (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes....
- Up to 150MB/s transfer speeds to move up to 1000 photos per minute (Up to 150MB/s...
The SanDisk Ultra 256GB microSDXC card is designed for maximum performance. This card can deliver high-speed transfer rates, allowing you to load games faster and enjoy smoother gameplay. It’s rated A1 for faster app performance and Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback.
The card is also built to last, designed to be waterproof, temperature-proof, shockproof, and X-ray proof.
Samsung EVO Select 256GB microSDXC
- ALL THE SPACE YOU NEED: Store tons of media on your phone, load games or download...
- FAST AND SMOOTH: With superfast U3, class 10 rated transfer speeds of up to...
- EXPAND AND STORE BIG: Find your perfect fit from 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB; Select...
Samsung’s EVO Select 256GB microSDXC card provides reliability with great performance. This high-capacity card offers plenty of space for your games, along with fast read and write speeds to ensure your games load quickly and run smoothly.
It is also designed for durability, featuring 4-proof protection that makes it resistant to severe conditions such as extreme temperatures, water, and shocks.
Find the full comparison between SanDisk Ultra vs Samsung Evo Select>>>
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus 256GB microSDXC
- Superior speeds—Transfer and capture content faster in Full HD & 4K UHD with...
- Ideal for action cameras and drones—High-speeds with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) & Video...
- Supports A2 app performance class—Expedite your workflow with faster application...
Kingston’s Canvas Go! Plus 256GB microSDXC card is an excellent choice for those seeking high-speed performance and large storage. This card provides the speed and capacity necessary to support your Nintendo Switch gaming, ensuring you can store and load games quickly and effectively.
The card is also built to be durable, offering protection from water, shock, temperature changes, and vibrations, ensuring your game data remains safe.
More useful info on gaming SD cards:
What About Smaller SD Cards?
The Nintendo Switch also supports smaller SD cards like 64GB or 32GB. These would be suitable for gamers who primarily play games from cartridges and use the storage mainly for game saves and small downloads. However, with digital downloads becoming more prevalent, it may be beneficial to opt for larger sizes to future-proof your storage needs.
If you need to format your SD card, read:
What is Switch SD Card max Size?
When choosing the SD card size for your Nintendo Switch, the main factors to consider are your gaming habits, budget, and the types of games you play. Whether a 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB card is right for you depends on these factors. It’s worth noting that as games become more complex, they require more storage space. Therefore, investing in larger storage may be more beneficial in the long run.
With the right SD card, you can enhance your gaming experience, ensuring smooth performance and ample storage for your favorite games.
To learn more about SD card capacities, check out:
How Many Pictures a 32gb SD Card CAN Hold (RAW + JPEG)
How Many Pictures a 64gb SD Card CAN Hold (RAW + JPEG)
How Many Pictures a 128gb SD Card CAN Hold (RAW + JPEG)
Thank you for reading this guide! I hope that it was helpful in teaching you everything you need to know about Switch SD card max size:)
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