The Best MicroSD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2023
The Nintendo Switch doesn't come with much internal storage — only 32 to 64GB, depending on the model — which means there isn't a ton of space for downloading games or storing save data, photos, and videos. That's why we recommend expanding the system's storage with a microSD card. The best microSD cards for the Nintendo Switch can help you fit dozens of additional games and files on your console, nearly all for a budget price.
Our top picks include the classic SanDisk 256GB, which is officially licensed by Nintendo, and the Samsung Pro Plus 256GB, which even comes with its own USB adapter. All of our recommendations feature fast transfer speeds too, which makes downloading games quick and easy.
Switch games are only getting bigger — The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes 16GB just by itself — so a microSD card is a must-have Switch accessory. Here are nine of the best microSD cards for your Nintendo Switch, all of which have enough speed and space to turn your console into the ultimate portable gaming machine.
For even more fantastic accessory ideas, check out our guides on the best Nintendo Switch controllers, the best Nintendo Switch cases, and the best Nintendo Switch chargers.
When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
This high-speed microSD card is officially licensed by Nintendo, and comes in a variety of cool designs.
This Lexar card has a max read speed of 150MB/s and a large capacity of 512GB, making it great for loading and storing big games.
Kingston's Go Plus cards offer speeds of up to 170MB/s, which are some of the fastest on the market.
This package comes with a 256GB microSD card and a USB reader that lets you easily move videos and screenshots to your computer.
This PNY microSD card isn't quite as fast as more expensive options, but it's still speedy enough for Switch games.
This SanDisk card earns its "Extreme" name with nearly unmatched speeds rated for up to 170MB/s.
Evo Select cards are water, temperature, and X-ray proof, and even come with a 10-year limited warranty.
This Samsung Evo Plus card offers the same sturdy construction and warranty with a large 512GB capacity.
This Kingston card doesn't have a lot of storage space, but it's a fantastic price for the transfer speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a microSD card for my Nintendo Switch?
Unlike most accessories, a microSD card is practically a must-have for any Switch owner. The standard Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite only come with 32GB of built-in storage, and even the upgraded Switch OLED only comes with 64GB. If you download more than a few games — especially big RPGs like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which takes up 16.3GB — that space will run out quickly.
Buying a microSD card is the best way to expand your Nintendo Switch's storage so you can download more games and store more videos and screenshots. It also makes it easier to transfer those files to a computer, so you can edit or share them online. Considering how affordable microSD cards are these days, investing in one is a no-brainer.
What size microSD card should I buy for my Nintendo Switch?
Most microSD cards range in memory capacity size from 32 to 1TB, but there's not much reason to buy anything smaller than 256GB.
Right now, microSD cards are more affordable than ever, so you can often buy fantastic 256GB cards on sale for less than $30. That 256GB will be enough to hold dozens of games and hundreds of videos and screenshots. There's a low chance that you'll ever need more space than that.
However, if you really want to spend less, you can grab a 128GB microSD card for around $15 or lower. You'll just need to pay more attention to how much space your big games take up.
Does every microSD card work with every version of the Nintendo Switch?
The standard Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch OLED are all compatible with microSD cards that have up to 2TB in memory capacity — anything higher won't work. But this shouldn't be an issue, since microSDs above that aren't on the market yet.
Additionally, Nintendo recommends that any microSD card you use should be UHS-I compatible, and it should have a transfer speed of at least 60MB/s. The Switch generally supports transfer speeds up to 95MB/s — beyond that, you probably won't notice much difference.
All of the products we highlighted as the best microSD cards for Nintendo Switch fit these criteria. But other cards, especially older ones, might not.
Do I need to buy a microSD card that says it's 'Made for Nintendo Switch?'
When shopping for microSD cards, you'll notice that a lot of them specifically state that they're "made" or "designed" for the Nintendo Switch. Don't worry — this is entirely a marketing tactic. It's usually just an easy way to signal that the card fits the guidelines we mentioned above.
Even if the card you buy doesn't say it's made for the Nintendo Switch, as long as it fits those guidelines, it'll be fine.
William Antonelli
Tech Reporter for Insider Reviews
William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He's also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at wantonelli@insider.com. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnpJqwqXvBnqqtZZ2esLO70p1knJmimcBuss6rZKehnqmyr7DOZqqwoaSYtQ%3D%3D