The Best SD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2025

Nintendo Switch owners know the struggle: that internal storage fills up faster than you can say "Joy-Con drift!" The standard Switch's meager 32GB, and even the OLED model's 64GB, vanish quickly when you consider that many top Switch games easily consume 10GB or more. Before you know it, you're deleting games just to download new ones. That's where a microSDXC card, like the SanDisk 512GB Extreme, becomes a lifesaver.

Adding an SD card unlocks a vast library of games without the constant worry of storage space. Options range up to 1TB, giving you room to breathe. Remember, though, your save data remains on the console's internal memory. With backwards 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, prioritize UHS-I compatibility and faster transfer speeds for smoother gameplay and quicker loading times.

SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card: Our Top Pick

The SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card offers a superb balance of speed and storage. Its reliable performance and included adapter make it a versatile choice. While a warranty isn't explicitly listed, SanDisk's reputation speaks for itself.

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

The Samsung EVO Select A2 provides excellent value, meeting the Switch's minimum requirements while offering a durable design. While transfer speeds are slightly slower, the difference in game load times is often negligible compared to faster, pricier cards.

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

With 1TB of storage, the SanDisk Ultra A1 provides ample space for a massive game library. Its fast download speeds ensure a smooth experience, although it comes at a higher price point.

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

For ultimate speed, the SanDisk Extreme PRO utilizes QuickFlow Technology for optimized performance and blazing-fast transfer speeds. The smaller storage capacity might be a drawback for some.

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

This officially licensed Zelda-themed card boasts a unique design and ample storage. However, its transfer speeds are slower than other options.

Choosing the Right SD Card

Storage capacity is key. A 128GB card might suffice for some, but larger games like *Tears of the Kingdom* demand more. Ensure compatibility—the Switch supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards (not SD or miniSD). Higher transfer speeds (UHS-I) enhance gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need an SD card for the Switch? Highly recommended. The internal storage is limited, and an SD card allows for many more game installations.

How much storage do you actually need? 256GB or more is generally sufficient for most users, but larger capacity is beneficial for players of large third-party titles.

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