The Best Nintendo Switch Memory Cards
As technology gets smaller and memory expands, modern-day video games become more jam-packed with features and details. For Nintendo Switch consoles, in particular, the SD card's paper-thin stature and massive capacity allow you to play and store countless titles on one device. Whether you're a Nintendo addict or causal gamer, additional external storage means quicker downloads and faster run-times, not to mention incredibly convenient storage and sharing abilities. If you're sick of losing individual game cartridges or need to maximize space for travel, our top memory cards for the Switch will take your gaming to the next level. Though SD cards generally share a similar form and function, not all are created equal. While researching the best options for the Switch, we focused on a few key features, including storage size, transfer speed, and value for price. Our favorite is SanDisk’s microSDXC, which was designed specifically for Nintendo products and comes in several different storage sizes. For students and gamers on a budget, we recommend Gigastone’s micro SD card, which boasts great transfer speeds and plenty of memory at a more affordable price. Read on to discover all of our favorite SD cards and to find one that's right for your Switch.
SanDisk 128GB MicroSDXC-Card
Never forget your memory
When you’re looking for long-lasting storage for your enormous game collections, trust the company that started it all. SanDisk’s microSDXC card is a fraction of the size of a standard Switch cartridge but provides several magnitudes more room. This microSDXC card is incredibly fast, allowing users to upload content to your computer of choice in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, the card is made specifically for Nintendo products. If you’re in search of a device with style to match your favorite characters, SanDisk won’t let you down.
Pros:
- In terms of the storage-to-price ratio, this option is pretty unbeatable.
- This card is officially licensed for both the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite, so you know you’re getting top quality.
- As lifelong Nintendo fans, we can’t help but love the special Super Mario Super Mushroom design.
Cons:
- It’s a little pricier than other cards, but worth it.
SanDisk 256GB MicroSDXC-Card
Gaming that never gives up
SanDisk’s 256 GB microSDXC card is the next step up as far as storage solutions are concerned. Since most average Switch games take up approximately ten gigabytes of space and internal storage is limited to 32 gigs, accessories like these are an absolute must for serious gamers. While standard microSD cards work just as well, the XC version allows for storage capacity that puts older chips to shame. Best of all, you can rest assured that this unit won’t interfere with any of your gaming because Nintendo has tested all the chips for compatibility.
Pros:
- With read and write speeds up to 100 and 90 megabytes per second, respectively, it really is fast.
- In addition to adding to its collector value, the bright yellow Super Mario Super Star design makes it extra visible (and therefore harder to lose).
- 256GB is our favorite storage capacity because it’s not too expensive but still offers plenty of space for our games.
Cons:
- A minor amount of the 256GB storage is lost during setup, though that’s not unusual with SD cards.
SanDisk 512GB MicroSDXC-Card
A mountain of memory
If your internal memory is packed to the brim with gameplay footage or other data, the 512 GB microSDXC card from SanDisk is the solution to your gaming problems. While this might seem overkill for the gamer just starting out, you’d be surprised to see how quickly libraries fill up when you get your hands on a Switch. We love these cards because of their stylish designs and light-speed transfer speeds, whether downloading games or uploading content to your followers on a computer. Overall, SanDisk is the memory card maker of choice for gamers who want instant access to their entire library without relying on outdated and agonizingly slow cartridges.
Pros:
- This card works just as well on non-Nintendo devices as it does on the Switch.
- If our math skills are right, we can fit approximately fifteen games on this card, which is awesome.
- For Animal Crossing lovers, the iconic leaf design is hard to pass up.
Cons:
- It’s much more expensive than our other top choices, but it also holds a lot more memory.
Gigastone 128GB Micro SD Card
Bytes that won't break the bank
Gigastone’s Micro SD card has a giant capacity for such a tiny footprint. This chip is the perfect introduction for players who just blew all their money on downloadable games or content creators specializing in one or two titles. While not an officially licensed Nintendo product, you can rest assured Gigastone has the specs you need, thanks to its A1 app performance class rating. This signifies that the card is built to handle multiple applications running, making it ideal for smart devices such as gaming consoles or smartphones.
Pros:
- This card was specifically designed to handle gaming data at higher speeds than similar models, which should please hardcore gamers.
- We found this to be one of the cheapest options out there, making it ideal for anyone on a budget.
Cons:
- The write speed is somewhat slower than other models.
Lexar MicroSDXC UHS-II Card
Storage without speed limits
Lexar’s UHS-II microSDXC memory card is an absolute speed demon. While initially intended for high-definition cameras, this device has no trouble interfacing with consoles either. The read speed maxes out at a blistering 270 MB per second while write sits at a still impressive 150 MB per second. In short, we endorse this unit for serious serious streamers. If you can’t wait to get content uploaded to your channel, Lexar can capture the crispest images in the business. However, if your tastes are less expensive, you may want to look for something more affordable.
Pros:
- With 8k video recording, you can save all your most epic gaming moments at their clearest and crispest.
- Because of its video recording specs, we also love this card for action and security cameras.
- The card comes with an SD adaptor and USB cable, making it a truly great value for the price.
Cons:
- Casual gamers may find the high-end specs unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the origins of the first SD card?
Secure Digital memory cards are the brainchild of the SD Association, a non-profit joint venture created by SanDisk, Panasonic, and Toshiba to standardize and optimize the performance of these accessories. While the SDA has expanded to include over 1,000 independent companies, the non-profit still advances the goal of advocating for uniform designs that ultimately conserve resources and energy. As far as specifics are concerned, the first modern memory flash drive was created by Toshiba engineer Fujio Masuoka two decades before the turn of the millennium.
Can I use my Switch’s memory card for other file types?
It depends. If you’re looking to store documents from your personal computer on your memory card right alongside massive game files, you’re out of luck. For a micro SD card to work on a Nintendo Switch, the cartridge must be formatted to accept Nintendo-specific file types. Fortunately, formatting is not the end of the line for usefulness outside of the gaming realm. If you need to repurpose your memory storage in a pinch for your digital camera, reformatting will delete all current content and return the device to factory settings. Also worth noting is that Nintendo Switches are only compatible with microSDXC cards. microSD and microSDHC cards are identical in size and shape but can only have up to 32 gigabytes of storage per card.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.