Top 5 SD Cards For Switch: Best Storage Guide

Ever run out of space on your Nintendo Switch and felt that sting of disappointment? It’s like trying to load your favorite game, only to see a dreaded “storage full” message. You’ve got so many awesome games you want to download, but your Switch is saying “no way!”

Choosing the right microSD card for your Switch can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different brands, sizes, and speeds. How do you know which one is the best for your games and your wallet? It’s easy to get confused and end up with a card that’s too slow or doesn’t hold enough games.

But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you become a microSD card expert. We’ll break down everything you need to know so you can pick the perfect card for your Switch. You’ll learn what makes a good card and how to avoid common mistakes. Get ready to expand your gaming world!

Our Top 5 Sd Cards For Switch Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Sd Cards For Switch Detailed Reviews

1. SanDisk 256GB microSD Card

SanDisk 256GB microSD Card, Licensed for Nintendo-Switch - Made for Nintendo-Switch 1, OLED, and Lite - SDSQXAO-256G-GNCZN

Rating: 9.0/10

Level up your Nintendo Switch gaming experience with the SanDisk 256GB microSD Card. This officially licensed card is built for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite. It lets you store all your favorite games, screenshots, and videos in one convenient spot, so you can take your adventures anywhere. Say goodbye to waiting and hello to more playtime!

What We Like:

  • It’s officially licensed for Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite.
  • It offers super-fast speeds, with read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s. This means less waiting and more playing!
  • You get a huge 256GB of storage.
  • It’s easy to store all your downloaded games and captures in one place.
  • It helps you travel light with all your games ready to go.

What Could Be Improved:

  • This card is not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2.

If you own a Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, or Switch Lite and need more storage, this SanDisk microSD card is a fantastic option. Just remember to check for the correct model if you’re planning to use it with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

2. SanDisk 128GB microSDXC Card

SanDisk 128GB microSDXC Card, Licensed for Nintendo-Switch - Made for Nintendo-Switch 1, OLED, and Lite - SDSQXAO-128G-GNCZN

Rating: 8.9/10

Level up your Nintendo Switch gaming experience with the SanDisk 128GB microSDXC Card. This card is officially licensed and built specifically for your Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite. It gives you plenty of extra space for all your favorite games, screenshots, and video clips. You’ll spend less time waiting for games to load and more time having fun!

What We Like:

  • It’s officially licensed for Nintendo Switch, meaning it’s made to work perfectly with your console.
  • It offers super-fast speeds, with read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s. This makes loading games and saving your progress much quicker.
  • You get a huge 128GB of storage, which is enough for many digital games, updates, and captures.
  • It helps you keep all your game data in one place, making it easy to carry your games around.

What Could Be Improved:

  • This card is designed for the original Nintendo Switch models and is NOT compatible with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

This SanDisk card is a fantastic way to expand your Nintendo Switch’s storage and enjoy your games without worry. Just remember it’s for the current Switch models, not the next generation.

3. SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter – Up to 150MB/s

SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - Up to 150MB/s, C10, U1, Full HD, A1, MicroSD Card - SDSQUAC-256G-GN6MA [New Version]

Rating: 9.0/10

Need more space for your photos, videos, and apps? The SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card is your answer! This handy card expands the storage on your Android smartphones and tablets, Chromebooks, and Windows laptops. It’s even great for your Nintendo Switch (but not the Switch 2). Imagine storing tons of TV shows, movies, and Full HD videos without running out of room. Plus, it helps your apps load faster, so you can get to what you want quicker.

What We Like:

  • Massive storage boost for all your devices.
  • Super-fast file transfers up to 150MB/s.
  • Apps load quickly thanks to A1-rated performance.
  • Easy to manage your phone’s files with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.
  • Comes with an adapter for easy use.
  • Includes a 10-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
  • Compatible with Nintendo Switch (older models).

What Could Be Improved:

  • Not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2.

This SanDisk memory card is a fantastic way to give your devices more room and make them run smoother. It’s a reliable choice for anyone needing extra storage.

4. Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card with Full Size Adapter

Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card with Full Size Adapter, A2, U3, Read Speed up to 100 MB/s, 128 GB, Black

Rating: 8.7/10

The Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card with Full Size Adapter, A2, U3, Read Speed up to 100 MB/s, 128 GB, Black offers a generous 128GB of storage for all your digital needs. This card is built tough, ready to handle different environments and keep your data safe. It’s a versatile option for a wide range of devices.

What We Like:

  • It works with many devices like phones, cameras, gaming consoles, and laptops.
  • It comes with an SD adapter, making it easy to use with more devices.
  • It’s great for storing high-quality photos and videos, including Full HD and 4K.
  • The fast read speed of up to 100 MB/s lets you access files quickly.
  • The card is tough; it’s shockproof, waterproof (IPX6), and can handle different temperatures.
  • It’s also X-Ray and magnetic-proof, offering extra protection for your data.
  • Even though the label says 128GB, you get more than 116GB of usable space.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The write speed is a bit slower at up to 60 MB/s, which might affect how fast you can save files.
  • You need to check if your device can handle a 128GB card, as some older devices might not.
  • It’s not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2.
  • The actual speeds can differ based on the device you use.

This Amazon Basics Micro SD card is a reliable and affordable way to expand your storage. It’s a solid choice for most users looking for durable and fast memory.

5. Samsung EVO Select microSDMemory Card + Adapter

Samsung EVO Select microSDMemory Card + Adapter, 512GB microSDXC, Up-to 160 MB/s, 4K UHD, UHS-I, C10, U3, V30, A2, for Mobile Phone, Smartphones, Nintendo-Switch, and Tablets (MB-ME512SA/AM)

Rating: 9.3/10

Unlock massive storage and lightning-fast speeds with the Samsung EVO Select 512GB microSDXC card. This powerhouse card is designed to keep up with your busy life, whether you’re capturing 4K videos, playing games on your Nintendo Switch, or just need more space for your smartphone photos. Plus, the included adapter makes transferring files a breeze.

What We Like:

  • The included adapter means you can easily connect the card to your computer, tablet, or camera without needing extra accessories.
  • With read/write speeds up to 160 MB/s, you can transfer large files and capture moments instantly.
  • Available in capacities from 64GB up to a massive 1TB, there’s plenty of space for all your photos, videos, and apps.
  • The U3, C10, V30, and A2 ratings ensure smooth performance for high-resolution video recording and app usage.
  • This card is built tough, offering protection against water, extreme temperatures, and more, backed by a 10-year limited warranty.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While speeds are impressive, some users might notice slight variations depending on the device used.
  • For the absolute highest speeds on the newest devices, you might need a UHS-II card, but this is more than sufficient for most users.

This Samsung EVO Select microSD card offers exceptional value and performance for anyone needing reliable, high-capacity storage. It’s a smart choice for upgrading your mobile devices and gaming consoles.

Choosing the Right SD Card for Your Nintendo Switch

Your Nintendo Switch is awesome! It lets you play great games anywhere. But to store all those cool games, you need an SD card. This guide helps you pick the best one.

Why You Need an SD Card for Your Switch

The Switch has limited built-in storage. Digital games, screenshots, and game updates take up space. An SD card gives you more room. This means you can download more games and keep your favorite ones ready to play.

Key Features to Look For

Storage Capacity

SD cards come in different sizes. Think about how many games you want to store. Small games might fit on a 64GB card. Big games, like those with lots of updates, need more space. A 128GB or 256GB card is a good choice for most players. You can even get 512GB or 1TB cards if you download a lot!

Speed (Read/Write Speeds)

SD card speed matters for how fast your Switch loads games. Look for cards with good read and write speeds. The Nintendo Switch recommends UHS-I U3 or faster cards. This means the card can move data quickly. Faster cards make loading times shorter. This helps you jump into your games faster.

Card Type

The Switch uses microSD cards. Make sure you buy a microSD card. You might see terms like microSDHC and microSDXC. MicroSDXC cards are for larger storage sizes (64GB and up). Your Switch supports both, but for more storage, you’ll need microSDXC.

Important Materials and Quality Factors

Materials

Most SD cards are made of plastic. The important part is the internal memory chips. High-quality chips store data reliably. They also last longer.

Factors That Improve Quality

  • Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar. These companies make reliable cards.
  • Speed Class Ratings: Look for speed ratings like U3 and V30. These ratings tell you the card’s speed. U3 means it can write at least 30MB per second. V30 means it can write 30MB per second for video.
  • Official Nintendo Seal: Sometimes, you’ll see cards with an “officially licensed by Nintendo” seal. These are guaranteed to work well with your Switch.

Factors That Reduce Quality

  • Fake Cards: Be careful of very cheap cards from unknown sellers. They might be fake and not have the storage space they claim.
  • Low-Quality Chips: Cards with poor internal chips can be slow. They might also fail over time, losing your data.
  • Unreliable Brands: Avoid brands you’ve never heard of. They might not be tested for Switch compatibility.

User Experience and Use Cases

Seamless Gaming

A good SD card makes your Switch experience smoother. Games load faster. You won’t have to wait as long to start playing. Downloading new games becomes quicker too.

Storing Everything

With enough space, you can keep all your favorite games on your Switch. You can also save more screenshots and video clips of your gameplay. This is great for sharing your gaming moments.

Different Needs

  • Casual Gamer: If you play a few games, a 64GB or 128GB card is probably enough.
  • Heavy Digital Gamer: If you buy most of your games digitally, you’ll need a larger card, like 256GB or 512GB.
  • Content Creator: If you record lots of gameplay, a fast card with high capacity (512GB or 1TB) is best.

Choosing the right SD card for your Switch is important. It helps you store more games and enjoy a better gaming experience. Look for good storage size, fast speeds, and trusted brands. Happy gaming!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best storage size for a Nintendo Switch SD card?

A: For most people, 128GB or 256GB is a good starting point. If you download many games, consider 512GB or 1TB.

Q: What speed does my Switch SD card need?

A: The Nintendo Switch works best with UHS-I U3 or faster cards. This means the card can transfer data quickly.

Q: Can I use any microSD card in my Switch?

A: Your Switch uses microSD cards. It supports microSDHC and microSDXC. For larger storage, you need microSDXC.

Q: How do I know if an SD card is fast enough?

A: Look for speed class ratings like U3 or V30 on the card packaging or product description. Higher numbers mean faster speeds.

Q: What happens if I buy a fake SD card?

A: Fake cards might not hold the amount of data they claim. They can also be very slow or stop working, causing you to lose your games and data.

Q: Are officially licensed Nintendo SD cards better?

A: These cards are guaranteed to work well with the Switch. They are a safe choice, but other reputable brands also work fine.

Q: How do I put an SD card into my Switch?

A: The microSD card slot is on the back of the Switch, under the kickstand. You slide the card in until it clicks.

Q: Can I transfer games from my old SD card to a new one?

A: Yes, you can. You can use a computer or another device to copy the files from the old card to the new one.

Q: Will a faster SD card make my Switch games run better?

A: Yes, a faster SD card can reduce loading times for games. This makes your gaming experience smoother.

Q: Where should I buy my Switch SD card?

A: Buy from trusted retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or directly from the brand’s website. This helps you avoid fake cards.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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