Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right SD Card for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch stands out from other gaming consoles with its hybrid-style portable form and wide range of games, but its limited 32 GB storage space can be a drawback for those who prefer digital downloads. However, all Switch models have a microSD card slot that allows for expandable storage, making it necessary for gamers to select a suitable SD card for their console. In this article, we will discuss what an SD card for Switch is, how to choose the right one, and provide the top 5 best SD cards for Switch.
What Is SD Card for Switch
The Nintendo Switch has a limited storage capacity, so users often insert a microSD card to expand their game storage. The Switch's SD card slot is compatible with microSD cards, including UHS-I Micro SD, Micro SDHC, and Micro SDXC cards. This allows users to store more games on their console.
The Nintendo Switch can support SD cards of up to 2 TB, although the largest available microSD card is currently 1 TB, which has not been mass-produced. The largest SD card available for purchase is 512 GB, capable of storing about 76 games.
How to Choose an SD Card for Switch
When choosing an SD card for your Nintendo Switch, there are four key factors to consider. First, ensure the SD card is compatible with the Switch, as there are many options available. Next, think about the storage capacity you need, as different cards offer varying sizes. Additionally, consider the speed of the card, as faster speeds can improve loading times and overall performance. Finally, check the price, as SD cards can range from affordable to expensive.
Storage Capacity
The primary reason to purchase an SD card for the Switch is to expand its storage capacity, so the main consideration when choosing a microSD card is the storage capacity. The Switch can hold a varying number of games depending on the size of the SD card, with capacities such as 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB allowing for 8, 16, and 32 games, respectively, to be stored on the device.
| 🎪SD Card Capacity | 🎮Available Games Number |
|---|---|
| 64 GB | 9 games |
| 128 GB | 19 games |
| 256 GB | 38 games |
| 512 GB | 76 games |
Read Speed
The Nintendo Switch's SD card can handle UHS-1, UHS-1, and UHS-3 cards, but its optimal transfer speed is 60-90 MB/s, making UHS-2's full potential of 312MB/s unusable.
Lifetime warranty
To avoid frequently replacing the microSD card, choose a durable and reliable one. Look for a card that is magnet proof, shockproof, temperature-proof, and waterproof. Additionally, check the warranty period to ensure you're protected in case the card fails. This will give you peace of mind and help you enjoy your gaming experience without worrying about your SD card.
Price
Compared to hard drives, SD cards are quite affordable. However, finding a budget-friendly option with fast reading speed can be a challenge. To make a more informed decision, consider the price per GB when selecting an SD card.
The Qiling editor will help you choose an SD card for your Switch by providing some recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences. They will consider factors such as the type of games you play, the size of your game library, and your budget to suggest the most suitable SD card for your console.
- Qiling Editor's Review
- 128 GB microSD cards are recommended for most users as they provide ample storage for the average 6 GB Nintendo Switch game, and the price difference between larger capacities is minimal. A 128 GB card also offers a read speed of at least 60 MBs, which can improve game download and load times. This capacity strikes a balance between storage and cost, making it the ideal choice for most users.
Best SD Card for Switch [Top 5 Check List]
We will evaluate the speed, capacity, and price of various microSD cards, comparing their performance, storage capacity, and affordability.
1. SanDisk Ultra microSDXC
SanDisk offers a range of products with striking branding from popular games, providing fast transfer rates for quick loading. The SanDisk Ultra microSDXC is reasonably priced and available in various sizes from 64GB to 512GB, making it a convenient option.
- Storage Capacity: 16 GB~512 GB
- Read Speed: up to 100 MB/s
- Warranty: 10 Years Limited lifetime
- Price: $13.79~63.76
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
|
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Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3plwtGQ
2. Micro Center Premium microSDXC
Micro Center Premium MicroSDXC cards offer a budget-friendly solution for affordable microSD cards, with the 64GB capacity option costing $7.99, providing a significant amount of game space at a discounted price. These cards support transfer speeds of 95 MB/s, meeting Nintendo's recommended range.
- Storage Capacity: 64 GB~1 TB
- Read Speed: up to 170 MB/s
- Warranty: 3 Years Limited lifetime
- Price: $7.99~279
| ✅Prons | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
|
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Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3CQtt8g
3. PNY Elite microSDXC
The PNY Elite microSDXC card effectively triples the storage of your Nintendo Switch console, allowing games to run smoothly and consistently without stuttering, thanks to its reading rates of up to 100 Mbps. It's a reliable and affordable option that provides ample storage for your gaming needs.
- Storage Capacity: 16GB-512GB
- Read Speed: up to 100 MB/s
- Warranty: 3 Years Limited lifetime
- Price: $10~51
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
|
It has a relatively lower durability. |
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3r007BR
4. SanDisk Extreme microSDXC
SanDisk's Extreme series of microSD cards can push a Switch console to its maximum capabilities, with read and write rates of up to 160 Mbps and 90 Mbps, respectively.
- Storage Capacity: 16GB-1TB
- Read Speed: up to 160 MB/s
- Warranty: 10 Years Limited lifetime
- Price: $21~209
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
|
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Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/42YzL0t
5. Samsung EVO Select MicroSDXC
The Samsung EVO Select MicroSDXC is a great choice for a budget-friendly and reliable MicroSD card for your Nintendo Switch, offering storage capacities ranging from 64GB to 512GB. With read speeds of up to 130 Mbps, it provides a perfect balance of performance, storage, and affordability for your gaming needs.
- Storage Capacity: 64GB-512GB
- Read Speed: up to 130 MB/s
- Warranty: 10 Years Limited lifetime
- Price: $19.99~39.99
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
|
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Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/46nqi5F
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- Qiling Editor's Review
- For the best overall SD card, the officially licensed SanDisk Ultra microSDXC is a reliable choice. On a tight budget, the Micro Center Premium microSDXC is a good option. For extreme read speeds, the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC is the way to go. If dependability is key, the Samsung EVO Select MicroSDXC is a great choice. Finally, the PNY Elite microSDXC is a good value for most gamers, making it a great option for Switch users.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you'll know what an SD card for Switch is and what to consider when choosing the best one, including storage capacity, read speed, lifetime warranty, and price. We've rounded up the top 5 best SD cards for Switch, along with their basic information, to help you make an informed decision. Our Qiling editors' reviews are also available for reference, and we hope this post will be helpful to you.
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