The best SD cards for Switch are a guaranteed way to improve the storage on your console, which is essential if you're a gamer with an extensive gaming library. Although the console champions portability, the storage department massively suffers. With only 32GB out of the box, there's a definite need for an SD card once you've started downloading games.
Of course, the Nintendo Switch OLED doubles the storage to a measly 64GB, but some of the best games on Nintendo Switch will rapidly start to fill up your available space. Fortunately, the prices of SD cards are cheaper than ever, so upgrading your console has never been so affordable.
In fact, we'd go ahead and say that an SD card is one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories, but if you're looking for something a bit more specific, we've put together the best Nintendo Switch controllers too, or the best Nintendo Switch carry cases if you're searching for something a little more grab and go.
- Check out our best microSD card buying guide
The best SD cards for Switch for 2023
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SanDisk's officially licensed microSDXC for Nintendo Switch is our top pick for its wide market availability, competitive pricing, and different sizes available. If you're unsure of whether a microSD card will run inside your machine, you have a lot less to worry about here as this variant is endorsed by the company.
Capacities range from 64GB all the way up to 512GB, which means you're doubling the total storage of the stock Nintendo Switch and matching that of the OLED model straight out of the gate. We personally believe that 128GB to be the sweet spot as this capacity is frequently available for around $25 and will give you likely all the overhead you will ever need to download expansive games from the eShop without worry.
In terms of the rates that other capacities can run you, you can expect to pay around $50 for a 256GB variant and roughly double that for 512GB at MSRP. Deals are common, however, and it's entirely possible to score the largest capacities available for around the $60 mark at trusted retailers.
Kingston Canvas Go Plus microSDXC SD cards put any fears about transfer rates inside of a Nintendo Switch console firmly to bed. While the company recommends rates of between 60 to 95 MB/s as a minimum, you won't have to worry with these cards as they are rated at a blistering 170 MB/s, over double the official suggestion.
The speed of the Kingston Canvas Go Plus microSDXC cards isn't their only strength, though. That's because it's common to find them selling at, or cheaper than, the officially licensed counterparts from SanDisk. For instance, a 128GB capacity card will run you $24 at MSRP, though it's frequently available at $20. This is true of the 256GB card, which retails frequently around the $30 mark.
Although not necessarily marketed towards Nintendo Switch, instead aimed at shooting 4K video, the speed of these cards means that you will have a smooth gameplay experience for a competitive price here. In terms of which capacities offer the best value for money, we recommend either 128GB or 256GB so you won't fill it up any time soon.
If you're after some of the best value for money then you can't go much cheaper than with Micro Center Premium MicroSDXC cards. Prices start from $7.99 for a 64GB capacity card which would give you far more room for your games at a bargain price. What's more, you won't have to worry about the transfer speeds, as all these SD cards run at 95 MB/s, right at the top end of the scale of Nintendo's recommendation.
This option becomes stronger when considering some of the higher capacity variations available. If you're someone who wants the most bang for your buck then the 512GB for $60 is about as cheap as it comes. There's also a 1TB version for $120 if you truly never want to run out of storage space again. All told, this price-to-performance cannot really be argued with here.
Few names are as well regarded in the storage world than SanDisk, and the company's Extreme line of MicroSDXC cards certainly live up to the name. If you're after the fastest available SD card for Switch with the biggest capacity then look no further than the SanDisk 1TB Extreme.
It's a pricey investment compared to some other market alternatives, but with its performance of up to 190 MB/s, you won't need to worry about games not running their best. This 1TB configuration retails currently for $165 and frequently sells closer to the $140 mark. That's down from the previous rates of $190, which the card sold at throughout most of 2022 before MSRP was officially lowered.
If you’re searching for an affordable and reliable MicroSD for your Nintendo Switch, you don’t need to look much further than the Samsung EVO Select MicroSDXC. Prices start at $10.99 for a 64GB card, which would provide ample space to store a substantial game library, and with sizes going up to 512GB for $49.99, it would be a struggle to find a size to accommodate all your games.
Additionally, despite read speeds not being at the top end of the scale, 130MB/s guarantees seamless gaming for a reasonable price. Even though its read speed isn’t as high as other, more expensive models, it still exceeds the base expectations set by Nintendo without breaking the bank. Furthermore, this SD card for Switch is designed to support Full HD video, guaranteeing a solid and seamless performance.
Best SD cards for Switch FAQs
Does the Nintendo Switch need an SD card?
You might not need an SD Card for your Nintendo Switch immediately, especially if it's not your primary console, but if you plan on downloading some of the biggest titles you will undoubtedly run out of space eventually. It's best to purchase an SD Card, even if it's one of the smaller sizes, just to make sure you're not caught short when a big title drops.
What is the best brand of SD card for Nintendo Switch?
Although it doesn't matter which SD card you pick for your console, we tend to rely on brands like Kingston, SanDisk, and Micro Center for our top picks. They may run a little more expensive, especially the Nintendo-branded SanDisk SD cards, but you're guaranteed a high-quality product.
