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." The standard Switch’s paltry 32GB, and even the OLED model’s 64GB, vanish quickly when you consider that many top Switch games easily consume 10GB or more. Downloading games from the eShop? Space disappears in a flash. That's why a microSDXC card, like the SanDisk 512GB Extreme, is practically essential.

Adding an SD card unlocks the ability to load up on games without the constant worry of deleting old favorites. Options exist up to 1TB! 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.

Best 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 UHS-I compatible card with high transfer speeds for smoother gameplay and faster loading.

This guide helps you select the perfect SD card for your Nintendo Switch, whether you're a serious gamer, a casual player, or simply need extra storage for screenshots and videos.

SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card: Top Pick

The SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card offers a superb balance of speed and storage. Its reliable performance and generous capacity make it a top choice for gamers. The included adapter allows for use with other devices. Its durable design offers shock, temperature, water, and x-ray protection.

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

The Samsung EVO Select A2 provides excellent value. While transfer speeds are slightly slower than premium options, they still meet Switch requirements, and the difference in load times is negligible. Its durability and range of storage sizes make it a budget-friendly winner.

SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card: Best High Capacity

With 1TB of storage, the SanDisk Ultra A1 provides ample space for a massive game library. Its fast download speeds ensure quick installation times. While pricier, it’s ideal for players with extensive collections.

SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card: Best High Speed

The SanDisk Extreme PRO boasts incredibly fast transfer speeds thanks to SanDisk QuickFlow Technology. This translates to significantly reduced load times. While storage is smaller than other options, its speed is unmatched.

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

This officially licensed Zelda-themed card is a stylish choice. It offers a large 1TB capacity, though speeds are slightly slower than other options. A great option for Zelda fans.

Choosing the Right SD Card

Storage capacity is paramount. A 128GB card might suffice for some, but larger games demand more space. Consider your gaming habits and the size of the games you play. Ensure compatibility; the Switch uses microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. Higher transfer speeds (UHS-I) improve gameplay.

Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs

Do you need an SD card for the Switch? An SD card is highly recommended, if not essential, to accommodate multiple games. The internal storage is severely limited.

How much storage do you actually need? 256GB or more is usually sufficient for most players. However, larger third-party titles may require 512GB or more.

Will Switch SD cards be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2? High probability of compatibility given the confirmed backward compatibility. Consider a larger capacity for future-proofing.