Top SD Cards for Nintendo Switch in 2025

If you're a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch, you've likely noticed how quickly its internal storage fills up. The standard Switch comes with a mere 32GB, while the upgraded Switch OLED offers 64GB. Given that many of the best Switch games can take up to 10GB or more, you'll soon find yourself running out of space, especially if you're an avid eShop downloader. That's where a high-capacity microSDXC card like the SanDisk 512GB Extreme becomes indispensable.

By inserting an SD card into your Switch, you can store a vast library of games without the hassle of constantly deleting older titles. You can find SD cards with capacities up to 1TB, ensuring you never run out of space. Remember, though, that game save data remains in the console's system memory. With the promise of backward compatibility for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, now is the perfect time to expand 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 AmazonSD cards vary in size, speed, and price, but for the best gaming experience on your Switch, opt for those with UHS-I compatibility and higher transfer speeds. These features ensure smoother gameplay and faster load times.

If you're in search of the perfect SD card for your Nintendo Switch, you're in the right place. We've selected top-notch SD cards that seamlessly integrate with your Switch, whether you're looking to store numerous games, capture gameplay footage, 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. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage Capacity512GB Transfer SpeedsUp to 190MB/sIncludes Adapter?YesPROSFast 190MB/s read speeds ReliableCONSNo warranty listedSanDisk's reputation precedes it, and the SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC Card lives up to it with its reliability and durability. This card offers various storage options, but the 512GB model strikes a perfect balance between capacity and cost. For those wanting even more, a 1TB version is available.

This SD card comes with an adapter, making it versatile for use across other devices. With transfer speeds up to 190MB/s, you can quickly download and install games. Its robust design is shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and x-ray-proof, ensuring your game files are secure even 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

2A budget-friendly choice with slightly slower transfer speeds. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage Capacity512GB Transfer SpeedsUp to 130MB/sIncludes Adapter?YesPROSWide range of sizesDurableCONSSlower speedsOn 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, though its transfer speeds are slower. However, since the Switch caps speeds at around 95MB/s, you won't notice a difference in game load times.

Despite being affordable, this card offers 512GB of storage, ample space for a large gaming library. It's also available in sizes from 64GB to 1TB, catering to various needs. Its durability is top-notch, with resistance to water, extreme temperatures, X-rays, magnets, and drops over 16 feet, ensuring your game data remains safe.

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, this SD card can hold over 75 titles. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage Capacity1TB Transfer SpeedsUp to 150MB/sIncludes Adapter?YesPROSHigh capacityFast downloadsCONSPriceyThe SanDisk Ultra A1 SD card offers a massive 1TB of storage, perfect for the Nintendo Switch. With transfer speeds up to 150MB/s, it ensures fast downloads. Given that most Switch games are below 15GB, this card can handle a vast library, including space for numerous 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

1QuickFlow Technology for optimal file performance. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage Capacity256GB Transfer SpeedsUp to 200MB/sIncludes Adapter?YesPROSSanDisk QuickFlow Technology optimizes filesTop transfer speedsCONSSmaller storage spaceFor those seeking the fastest SD card for their Switch, the SanDisk Extreme PRO SD card is ideal. It features QuickFlow Technology for quick file optimization, enhancing game load times. Although it offers 256GB of storage, it's perfect for a solid game library. Its speed is optimized for 4K content transfer, making it excellent for moving 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

1A unique design with ample storage and decent speeds. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsStorage Capacity1TB Transfer SpeedsUp to 100MB/sIncludes Adapter?YesPROSUnique designOfficially licensed by Nintendo CONSSlower speeds than other cardsThe Zelda-themed SanDisk 1TB microSDXC Card boasts the iconic triforce symbol, making it a stylish choice for Switch users. Although its speeds are slightly lower, it's the only card on this list officially licensed by Nintendo. With 1TB of storage, you won't run out of space, and it's tailored for the Nintendo Switch, ensuring quality.

How To Choose an SD Card for Nintendo Switch

Choosing the right SD card for your Nintendo Switch can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Start by considering storage capacity; 128GB might suffice for some, but larger games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which requires 16GB, may necessitate more space. Additionally, ensure the card is compatible with the Switch, supporting microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC formats.

Transfer speed is another crucial factor. Higher speeds lead to better gameplay experiences. Look for cards with speed classes graded in 2, 4, 6, or 10, and opt for those with UHS-1 ratings for optimal performance.

Nintendo Switch SD Card FAQs

Do you need an SD card for the Switch?

An SD card is essential for the Nintendo Switch. Without one, you're limited to installing just a few games due to the console's modest internal storage. An SD card allows you to install dozens of titles, making it a must-have accessory, especially for third-party games that often exceed the standard Switch's 32GB capacity.

How much storage do you actually need?

For most Nintendo Switch users, an SD card with 256GB or more is ample. Large Nintendo titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 require around 16GB and 14GB, respectively. If you stick to Nintendo-developed games, 256GB should suffice. However, for larger third-party titles like Mortal Kombat 1 or the latest NBA 2K game, which can take up over 60GB, aim for 512GB or more.

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

With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to support backward compatibility, it's safe to assume that SD cards used with the current Switch will be compatible. Since handheld gaming devices typically use similar SD card specifications, there shouldn't be any need for Switch 2-specific cards. However, for future-proofing, consider a 1TB or larger SD card for use with the next console.