The Best SD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2025

If you're a Nintendo Switch owner, you've likely noticed the internal storage can fill up quickly. The standard Switch comes with just 32GB, while the Switch OLED model offers a slightly more generous 64GB. Yet, with many of the best Switch games requiring upwards of 10GB, you'll soon find yourself running out of space, especially if you enjoy downloading games from the eShop. That's where a microSDXC card like the SanDisk 512GB Extreme becomes essential for your gaming needs.

Inserting an SD card into your Switch allows you to store a vast library of games without the hassle of constantly deleting older titles to make room. Options range up to 1TB, providing ample space for your gaming collection. However, remember that game save data remains stored in the console's internal memory. With the Nintendo Switch 2 promising backward compatibility, now is the perfect time to upgrade your storage.

TL;DR - These are the Best SD Cards for Switch:

Our Top Pick### SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card

5See it at Amazon### Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card

2See it at Amazon### SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card

2See it at Amazon### SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card

1See it at Amazon### SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda

1See it at Amazon

SD cards vary in size, speed, and price. For the best gaming experience, opt for a card with UHS-I compatibility and high transfer speeds to ensure smoother gameplay and quicker load times.

If you're searching for the best SD card for your Nintendo Switch, look no further. We've selected top-quality options that seamlessly integrate with your Switch, perfect for storing numerous games, saving gameplay footage, and transferring data to other devices.

1. SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card

Best SD Card for Nintendo Switch

Our Top Pick### SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card

5The perfect blend of speed and storage. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Storage Capacity: 512GB
• Transfer Speeds: Up to 190MB/s
• Includes Adapter?: Yes

Pros

• Fast 190MB/s read speeds
• Reliable

Cons

• No warranty listed

SanDisk is a trusted brand known for its reliability and durability. The SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card offers ample storage space, allowing you to keep a large number of games, save files, and screenshots without needing to delete others. The 512GB option provides excellent value, with a 1TB version available for those seeking even more space.

This SD card includes an adapter for use with other devices, ensuring its versatility. With transfer speeds up to 190MB/s, you can quickly download games directly to your SD card. Its durable design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof, making it ideal for travel with your Switch.

2. Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card

Best Budget SD Card for Nintendo Switch

### Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card

2A cost-effective option with slightly slower speeds. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Storage Capacity: 512GB
• Transfer Speeds: Up to 130MB/s
• Includes Adapter?: Yes

Pros

• Wide range of sizes
• Durable

Cons

• Slower speeds

For those on a budget, the Samsung EVO Select A2 SD card is an excellent choice. Priced around $40, it meets the Switch's minimum requirements with its UHS-I interface and A2 rating. While transfer speeds are slower, they're sufficient for the Switch's capped speed of 95MB/s, ensuring no noticeable difference in game load times. The 512GB capacity allows for a substantial gaming library, with options up to 1TB available for other devices.

This card's durability is impressive, with waterproofing, resistance to extreme temperatures, X-rays, and magnets, and the ability to withstand drops over 16 feet, making it more resilient than the Switch itself.

3. SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card

Best High Capacity SD Card for Nintendo Switch

### SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card

2With 1TB of storage, ideal for over 75 games. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Storage Capacity: 1TB
• Transfer Speeds: Up to 150MB/s
• Includes Adapter?: Yes

Pros

• High capacity
• Fast downloads

Cons

• Pricey

The SanDisk Ultra A1 SD card, with its 1TB capacity, is perfect for the Nintendo Switch, accommodating well over 75 titles. With transfer speeds up to 150MB/s, it ensures quick downloads. Most Switch games are under 15GB, making this card more than sufficient, with extra space for screenshots and video captures.

4. SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card

Best High Speed SD Card for Nintendo Switch

### SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card

1Optimized for the best performance with QuickFlow Technology. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Storage Capacity: 256GB
• Transfer Speeds: Up to 200MB/s
• Includes Adapter?: Yes

Pros

• SanDisk QuickFlow Technology optimizes files
• Top transfer speeds

Cons

• Smaller storage space

The SanDisk Extreme PRO SD card, featuring QuickFlow Technology, offers optimal performance for your Switch. With transfer speeds up to 200MB/s, it excels at launching and downloading games. Its 256GB capacity is sufficient for a significant game library, and while designed for 4K content, it handles 1080p screenshots and videos efficiently.

5. SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda

Best SD Card Design for Nintendo Switch

### SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda

1Unique design with ample storage and good speeds. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Storage Capacity: 1TB
• Transfer Speeds: Up to 100MB/s
• Includes Adapter?: Yes

Pros

• Unique design
• Officially licensed by Nintendo

Cons

• Slower speeds than other cards

The Zelda-themed SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card boasts a striking design featuring the iconic triforce symbol. With 1TB of storage, it's perfect for storing numerous games. Although its speeds are slower than other options, it's officially licensed by Nintendo, making it a great choice for fans of the franchise.

How To Choose an SD Card for Nintendo Switch

Choosing the right SD card for your Nintendo Switch can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Start by considering storage capacity; a 128GB card might suffice for smaller games, but larger titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, at 16GB, may require more space. Ensure the card is compatible with the Switch, supporting microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC formats.

Transfer speed is another crucial factor. Higher speeds enhance gameplay and load times. Look for cards with UHS (Ultra High Speed) class ratings, such as UHS-1, for optimal performance.

Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs

Do you need an SD card for the Switch?

A microSD card is essential for the Nintendo Switch. Without one, you're limited to installing only a few games due to the console's small internal storage. An SD card allows you to store dozens of titles, especially important given the size of some third-party games that exceed the standard Switch's 32GB capacity.

How much storage do you actually need?

A 256GB SD card or larger should suffice for most Nintendo Switch owners. Large Nintendo titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 are relatively small at 16GB and 14GB. However, for third-party titles like Mortal Kombat 1, which can take up over 60GB, consider a 512GB or larger card. The ideal size depends on your gaming preferences, but an SD card is crucial for any Switch user.

Will Switch SD cards be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2?

With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to be backward compatible, it's likely that existing Switch SD cards will work seamlessly. Given the similarity in SD card standards across gaming handhelds, there's no need to worry about specific requirements for the Switch 2. However, for future-proofing, consider purchasing a 1TB or larger card.