The Best SD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2025

Nintendo Switch owners know the struggle: that tiny internal storage fills up faster than you can say "Joy-Con drift!" The base Switch offers a meager 32GB, and even the OLED model only boasts 64GB. Considering many top Switch games easily consume 10GB or more, you'll quickly find yourself running out of space, especially if you're a frequent eShop downloader. That's where a microSDXC card, like the SanDisk 512GB Extreme, becomes a necessity.

Adding an SD card unlocks a world of gaming freedom. Download as many games as you like without the constant worry of deleting precious titles. Options exist with up to 1TB of storage! Remember, your save data remains on the console's internal memory.

With backward compatibility confirmed for the Nintendo Switch 2, upgrading your storage now is a smart move.

Top SD Cards for Nintendo Switch

SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card
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Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card
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SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card
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SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card
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SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda
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SD cards vary in size, speed, and price. For optimal performance, choose a card with UHS-I compatibility and high transfer speeds for smoother gameplay and faster loading.

This guide helps you select the perfect SD card for your Switch, whether you're installing numerous games, saving gameplay clips, or transferring data to other devices.

SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card: Our Top Pick

The SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card strikes the ideal balance between speed and storage. Its reliable performance and generous capacity make it a top choice. While a 1TB option exists for those needing maximum space, the 512GB offers incredible value. An included adapter ensures future compatibility with other devices.

Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card: Best Budget Option

Budget-conscious gamers will appreciate the Samsung EVO Select A2. While its transfer speeds are slightly slower, it meets the Switch's minimum requirements and provides ample storage at a reasonable price. Its durability ensures your game data stays safe.

SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card: Best High-Capacity Option

With 1TB of storage, the SanDisk Ultra A1 offers room for a massive game library. Its fast download speeds ensure quick installation times. It's a premium choice for players who want to own almost every title.

SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card: Best High-Speed Option

For the ultimate in speed, the SanDisk Extreme PRO utilizes QuickFlow Technology for optimized performance and lightning-fast load times. While offering less storage, its speed is unmatched.

SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda: Best Design

Show your love for Zelda with this officially licensed card. While its speeds are slightly slower than others, its unique design and ample storage make it a stylish option.

Choosing the Right SD Card

Storage capacity is paramount. A 128GB card might suffice for some, but larger games like *Tears of the Kingdom* require more space. Ensure compatibility—the Switch supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards (not SD or miniSD).

Higher transfer speeds enhance gameplay. Look for UHS (Ultra High Speed) classes like UHS-I for optimal performance.

Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs

Do you need an SD card for the Switch? Yes, an SD card is highly recommended to accommodate more than a handful of games.

How much storage do you need? 256GB or more is generally sufficient, but 512GB or 1TB is recommended for extensive libraries, especially including large third-party titles.

Will Switch SD cards be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2? High probability, given the confirmed backward compatibility.