Top SD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2025 Revealed

If you're a Nintendo Switch owner, you've likely noticed that the internal storage fills up quickly. The standard Switch comes with just 32GB, while the upgraded Switch OLED offers 64GB. With many of the best Switch games averaging at least 10GB in size, it's easy to run out of space, especially if you're downloading games from the eShop. That's why a Switch microSDXC card, like the SanDisk 512GB Extreme, is essential for expanding your storage capacity.

By inserting an SD card into your Switch, you can store numerous games without the hassle of deleting old ones to free up space. These cards can offer up to 1TB of storage, providing ample room for your gaming library. However, remember that game save data remains in the console's system memory by default. With the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 promising backward compatibility, upgrading your storage now is a smart move.

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### SanDisk256GB 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 experience, choose cards with UHS-I compatibility and higher transfer speeds for smoother gameplay and faster loading times.

If you're seeking the best SD card for your Nintendo Switch, you're in the right place. We've selected top SD cards that seamlessly integrate with your Switch, perfect for installing a vast array of games, saving video clips, or transferring 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 SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card offers an ideal balance of speed and storage. 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 performance

Cons

• No warranty listed

SanDisk, a well-known brand, ensures reliability and durability with the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card. With various storage options, you can maximize your Switch's storage, allowing you to install multiple games, save files, and screenshots without needing to delete others. The 512GB variant offers great value, while a 1TB option is available for those wanting even more space.

This SD card comes with an adapter, ensuring compatibility with other devices for future use. Its transfer speeds of up to 190MB/s enable quick game downloads and installations. The card's robust design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof, providing peace of mind when taking your Switch on the go.

2. Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card

Best Budget SD Card for Nintendo Switch

### Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card

2This budget-friendly SD card meets the minimum requirements for the Switch, offering slightly slower transfer speeds. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications

• Storage Capacity: 512GB
• Transfer Speeds: Up to 130MB/s
• Includes Adapter?: Yes

Pros

• Wide range of sizes
• Durable construction

Cons

• Slower speeds

For those on a tight budget, the Samsung EVO Select A2 SD card is an excellent choice. Priced at around $40, it meets the Switch's minimum requirements with its UHS-I interface and A2 rating for faster optimization. Though its transfer speeds are slower, the Switch's speed cap around 95MB/s means there's little difference in game load times compared to faster cards. The card's 512GB storage is ample for a large gaming library, and it's expandable to 1TB for use with other devices. Smaller options (64GB, 128GB, 256GB) are also available for lighter gamers.

Despite its budget price, the Samsung EVO Select A2 is built to last, with waterproofing and resistance to extreme temperatures, X-rays, and magnets. It can even withstand 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

2The SanDisk Ultra A1 SD Card provides 1TB of storage, perfect for over 75 game titles. 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 SD card is ideal for the Nintendo Switch, offering 1TB of storage. With transfer speeds up to 150MB/s, it's well-suited for fast downloads. Most Switch games are under 15GB, so this card can easily accommodate over 75 titles, leaving plenty of room for screenshots and video captures.

4. SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card

Best High Speed SD Card for Nintendo Switch

### SanDisk256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card

1This SD card uses SanDisk QuickFlow Technology for optimal file 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 the fastest SD card on your Switch, choose the SanDisk Extreme PRO. With SanDisk QuickFlow Technology, this card optimizes files for the best performance, significantly reducing load times for games and downloads. Although it offers 256GB of storage, it's designed for rapid 4K content transfer, ensuring swift movement of your 1080p screenshots and videos to other devices.

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

Best SD Card Design for Nintendo Switch

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

1This Zelda-themed SD card combines a unique design with ample storage and decent speeds. 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

The Zelda-themed SD card boasts the best design for Switch-compatible SD cards. With 1TB of storage, it's perfect for storing a large game library. Though its speeds are lower than other options, it's the only card on this list officially licensed by Nintendo. Featuring the iconic triforce symbol from The Legend of Zelda series, it's a great way to showcase your love for the franchise.

How To Choose an SD Card for Nintendo Switch

Adding an SD card to your Nintendo Switch can transform your gaming experience. When choosing, consider storage capacity first. A 128GB card may suffice for lighter gamers, but larger games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which requires 16GB, may necessitate a bigger card. Don't forget about save files and screenshots, which also take up space.

Ensure the SD card is compatible with the Switch, which supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. Avoid SD or miniSD cards as they won't work. After securing compatibility and required storage, check the transfer speed. Higher speeds enhance your gameplay experience. Look for cards with a UHS (Ultra High Speed) class like UHS-1 for optimal performance.

Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs

Do you need an SD card for the Switch?

A microSD card is essential for the Nintendo Switch. Without it, you're limited to installing only a few games due to the console's modest internal storage. An SD card lets you store dozens of titles without the need to delete games to make room.

While Nintendo games tend to be smaller, many third-party titles exceed 32GB, the onboard storage for standard Switch and Switch Lite models, making an SD card necessary for these larger games.

How much storage do you actually need?

A 256GB SD card or larger should be sufficient for most Switch users. Large Nintendo titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 are around 16GB and 14GB, respectively. For primarily Nintendo-developed games, 256GB is more than enough.

However, if you play big third-party releases like Mortal Kombat 1 or the latest NBA 2K game, which take up over 60GB, aim for an SD card with at least 512GB. The ideal storage size depends on your gaming preferences, but an SD card is crucial for any Switch owner.

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

With the Nintendo Switch 2 confirming backward compatibility for most games, it's likely that SD cards used with the current Switch will also be compatible. Gaming handhelds typically use similar SD cards, so no Switch 2-specific specifications are expected. However, consider purchasing a 1TB or larger card if planning to use it with the next console.