Top SD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2025 Revealed

If you own a Nintendo Switch, you've likely noticed how quickly the internal storage can fill up. The standard Switch comes with just 32GB, while the Switch OLED model offers a slightly better 64GB. However, with many of the best Switch games averaging at least 10GB in size, you'll find yourself running out of space fast, especially if you enjoy downloading games from the eShop. That's where a microSDXC card, such as the SanDisk 512GB Extreme, becomes essential for your gaming experience.

Inserting an SD card into your Switch allows you to store a vast library of games without the need to delete older titles to free up space. With options available up to 1TB, you can significantly expand your storage capacity. Remember, though, that your game save data will remain in the console's system memory by default. Given the confirmation of backward compatibility for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, 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 higher transfer speeds, which can enhance gameplay and reduce loading times.

If you're looking for the best SD card for your Nintendo Switch, you're in the right place. We've carefully selected top-notch SD cards that are fully compatible with your Switch, whether you want to store numerous games, save video clips, or transfer 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 balance of speed and storage, the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card is a reliable choice. 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, and the 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card offers both reliability and durability. With various storage options available, you can maximize your Switch's storage, allowing you to install numerous games, save files, and screenshots without needing to delete others. The 512GB version offers excellent value, but if you need more space, a 1TB option is also available.

This card comes with an adapter for use in other devices, ensuring you can transition smoothly if you decide to upgrade in the future. With data transfer speeds of up to 190MB/s, you can quickly download and install games directly onto your SD card.

The card's durable design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof, providing peace of mind when taking your Switch on trips.

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 transfer speeds that still meets the Switch's requirements. 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

On a budget but need a capable microSD card? The Samsung EVO Select A2 is ideal. Priced around $40, it meets the Switch's minimum requirements with its UHS-I interface and A2 rating for faster optimization. While transfer speeds are slower than premium cards, they're sufficient for the Switch, as Nintendo caps speeds around 95MB/s, meaning game load times remain unaffected.

With 512GB of storage, you'll have ample space for a substantial gaming library, gameplay clips, and more. Options from 64GB to 1TB cater to different needs. Despite its affordability, the Samsung EVO Select A2 is built to last, with waterproofing, resistance to extreme temperatures, X-rays, magnets, and drops over 16 feet, making it more durable 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, the SanDisk Ultra A1 is perfect for storing over 75 games on your Switch. 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 offers 1TB of storage, making it an excellent choice for the Nintendo Switch. With transfer speeds up to 150MB/s, it's well-suited for fast downloads. You'll likely never run out of space, with room for over 75 games. Most Switch games are under 15GB, so this SD card easily accommodates your needs. Larger games range from 30GB to 60GB, but there are fewer than ten in this category. The extra space is perfect 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

1Utilizing QuickFlow Technology, this card optimizes files for superior performance. 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

For those seeking the fastest SD card for the Switch, the SanDisk Extreme PRO is the ideal choice. Its QuickFlow Technology optimizes files for the best performance, significantly reducing load times for games. With 256GB, you can maintain a robust game library. While the Switch doesn't support 4K, this card's high-speed capabilities make it excellent for transferring 1080p screenshots and videos to other devices quickly.

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

### Best SD Card Design for Nintendo Switch

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

1Featuring a unique design, ample storage, and solid speeds, this card is a must for Zelda fans. 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

This Zelda-themed SD card boasts a 1TB capacity and the iconic triforce symbol, making it a stylish choice for fans. Though its speeds are lower than other options, it's the only card on this list officially licensed by Nintendo. Tailored for the Switch, it ensures quality and performance, making it a great pick for those who appreciate unique designs.

**How To Choose an SD Card for Nintendo Switch**

Selecting the right SD card for your Nintendo Switch can enhance your gaming experience. Consider storage capacity first; 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. Additionally, save files and screenshots will add to your storage needs.

Ensure the card is compatible with the Switch; it must be a microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card, as SD and miniSD cards won't work. Once you've identified a compatible card with sufficient storage, consider its transfer speed. Higher speeds improve gameplay. Look for cards with UHS (Ultra High Speed) class ratings like UHS-1 for the best performance.

**Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs**

### Do you need an SD card for the Switch?

Yes, a microSD card is crucial for the Nintendo Switch. Without one, you'll be limited to a few games due to the console's internal storage constraints. An SD card allows you to install dozens of titles without worrying about deleting games to free up space. Many third-party games exceed 32GB, which is the standard storage for the Switch and Switch Lite.

### How much storage do you actually need?

A 256GB SD card or higher should be sufficient for most Switch users. Larger Nintendo titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 are around 16GB and 14GB, respectively. If you mainly play Nintendo-developed games, 256GB will be more than enough.

However, for larger third-party releases like Mortal Kombat 1, consider an SD card with over 512GB. Games like the latest NBA 2K title can take up over 60GB. The ideal SD card size depends on your game preferences, but having one is essential for any Switch owner.

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

With the Nintendo Switch 2 confirmed to support backward compatibility, it's likely that SD cards used with the current Switch will also be compatible. Handheld gaming devices typically use similar SD cards, so you won't need to worry about specific Switch 2 requirements. However, consider purchasing a 1TB or larger card if you plan to use it with the next console.