Top SD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2025

If you're a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch, you've likely noticed how quickly the internal storage fills up. The standard Switch comes with just 32GB, while the upgraded Switch OLED model offers 64GB. Given that many of the best Switch games require at least 10GB of space, you can run out of room fast, especially if you're downloading games from the eShop. That's why investing in a high-capacity Switch microSDXC card, such as the SanDisk 512GB Extreme, is crucial.

Adding an SD card to your Switch allows you to install numerous games without the need to delete older ones. You can find SD cards with capacities up to 1TB, offering ample storage. Remember, though, that your game save data remains in the console's system memory by default. With the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 promising backward compatibility, now is an excellent time to boost 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### 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 performance, opt for a card with UHS-I compatibility and higher transfer speeds to ensure smoother gameplay and quicker loading times.

If you're looking for the perfect SD card for your Nintendo Switch, you're in the right place. We've selected top-performing SD cards that integrate seamlessly with your Switch, whether you want to store a large game library, save gameplay videos, or transfer data to other devices.

SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card

Best SD Card for Nintendo Switch

Our Top Pick### SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card

5The perfect blend 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

CONS

No warranty listed

SanDisk, a trusted brand, ensures reliability with the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card. This card offers a range of storage options, allowing you to maximize your Nintendo Switch’s capacity. The 512GB version provides great value, though a 1TB option is available for those who need even more space. The included adapter makes it versatile for use with other devices, and with transfer speeds up to 190MB/s, you can quickly download and install games. This card's robust design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof, ensuring your game files remain safe on your travels.

Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card

Best Budget SD Card for Nintendo Switch

### Samsung EVO Select A2 512GB microSDXC Card

2An affordable choice that 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? The Samsung EVO Select A2 SD card is an excellent choice. Priced around $40, it meets the Switch's minimum requirements with its UHS-I interface and A2 rating. Although transfer speeds are slower compared to premium options, they're still sufficient for the Switch, which caps speeds at around 95MB/s. This card offers 512GB of storage, ideal for a substantial gaming library. It's also available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB sizes, and can be upgraded to 1TB for use with other devices. Its durability is impressive, with resistance to water, extreme temperatures, X-rays, and magnets, making it perfect for travel.

SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card

Best High Capacity SD Card for Nintendo Switch

### SanDisk 1TB Ultra A1 microSDXC Card

2With 1TB of storage, perfect for extensive game collections. 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, with 1TB of storage, is ideal for Nintendo Switch users who want to install over 75 games at once. With transfer speeds up to 150MB/s, it ensures quick downloads. Most Switch games are under 15GB, making this card more than sufficient for your needs. The extra space is perfect for storing countless screenshots and video captures.

SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card

Best High Speed SD Card for Nintendo Switch

### SanDisk256GB Extreme PRO microSDXC Card

1Optimizes files for peak 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 their Switch, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD card is the top choice. Utilizing SanDisk QuickFlow Technology, it optimizes files for superior performance, significantly improving load times for games. With 256GB, you can easily install a substantial game library. Although designed for 4K content transfer, it's perfect for your 1080p screenshots and videos, ensuring quick transfers to other devices.

SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card - The Legend of Zelda

Best SD Card Design for Nintendo Switch

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

1Unique design with ample storage. 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 SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card stands out with its iconic Triforce design. While its speeds are lower compared to other options, it's the only card on our list officially licensed by Nintendo. With 1TB of storage, it ensures you won't run out of space for new games. This card is tailored for the Switch, guaranteeing quality and a stylish way to show your love for the Nintendo franchise.

How To Choose an SD Card for Nintendo Switch

Choosing the right SD card for your Nintendo Switch can transform your gaming experience. Storage capacity is your first consideration; 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. Ensure the card is compatible with the Switch, which supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. Avoid SD or miniSD cards, as they won't work.

Transfer speed is crucial for optimal gameplay. Look for cards with higher speed classes, ideally those with a UHS (Ultra High Speed) class like UHS-1, for the best performance.

Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs

Do you need an SD card for the Switch?

An SD card is essential for Nintendo Switch users. Without one, you're limited to installing just a few games due to the console's modest internal storage. An SD card enables you to store dozens of games without the hassle of deleting others to make room. Many third-party titles exceed 32GB, which is the storage capacity of the standard Switch and Switch Lite models, making an SD card necessary for these larger games.

How much storage do you actually need?

For most users, an SD card with 256GB or more should be sufficient. Larger Nintendo titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 require about 16GB and 14GB respectively. If you primarily play Nintendo-developed games, a 256GB SD card should be more than adequate.

However, if you enjoy third-party releases like Mortal Kombat 1 or the latest NBA 2K, which can take up over 60GB, consider an SD card with 512GB or more. The right SD card size depends on your gaming preferences, but it's a vital accessory for any Switch owner.

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

With the Nintendo Switch 2's confirmed backward compatibility, it's likely that your current Switch SD card will be compatible with the new console. Gaming handhelds generally use similar SD card specifications, so no special Switch 2-specific cards should be needed. However, if you're planning to use your SD card with the Switch 2, consider purchasing one with at least 1TB of storage to future-proof your gaming experience.