microSD Cards FAQ
Can I use an SD card on Nintendo Switch?
Only microSD cards can be used on the Nintendo Switch console. Due to the slot size, SD cards and miniSD cards are not compatible with Nintendo Switch.
Are microSD cards included with the Nintendo Switch system?
No, microSD cards are sold separately.
Which microSD cards are supported?
The following types of microSD card are supported on Nintendo Switch:
microSD (up to 2 GB)
microSDHC (4 GB - 32 GB)
microSDXC (64 GB and above)
In order to use a microSDXC card on the Nintendo Switch console, a system update is required.
In order to improve your gameplay experience, using a microSD card with a higher transfer speed is recommended.
High-speed microSD card guidelines:
UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) compatible
Transfer speed 60 - 95 MB/sec (the higher the transfer speed, the better gameplay experience on Nintendo Switch)
What data can be saved to a microSD card on Nintendo Switch?
Downloadable software
Software update data
Downloadable content (DLC)
Important:
Game save data is stored to the system memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card.
Can I move data from the system memory to a microSD card?
Screenshots and captured gameplay videos can be moved from the system memory to a microSD card, and vice versa. Downloadable software cannot. If you want to free up space on the system memory, simply delete any saved software, and redownload it from the Nintendo eShop while a microSD card is inserted in the console.
When a microSD card is inserted in the console, it becomes the default save location for downloadable software.
Game save data cannot be copied to a microSD card.
Can I use multiple microSD cards with my system?
We recommend using a single microSD card with your Nintendo Switch console. If you run out of space, you can copy over all the data to a larger microSD card.
Keep in mind that downloadable software saved to multiple microSD cards cannot be combined later into a single microSD card.
If the microSD card runs out of free space
If you run out of free space on your microSD card, you can transfer the data to a higher-capacity microSD card using a computer.
You can also use two microSD cards at the same time without transferring any data, but please be aware that you won't be able to consolidate data saved in this way onto one microSD card at a later date.
The microSD logo, the microSDHC logo and the microSDXC logo are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.
How to Insert/Remove microSD Cards
Gently swing the stand open on the back of the console to show the microSD card slot.
To insert a microSD card.Ensure the microSD card is properly positioned with the label facing away from the console. Then insert it into the microSD card slot and gently push down until it clicks into place.
To remove a microSD card.Gently push down on the top of the microSD Card until you hear a click, then slide it out of the microSD card slot.
How to Format a microSD Card
The ability to format microSD cards on Nintendo Switch is made available after performing a system update.
From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings.”
Scroll down the options on the left and select “System.”
Scroll down the options on the right-hand side and select “Initialize.”
If prompted, enter your Parental Controls PIN.
Select “Format microSD Card,” then “Continue.”Important: The following message will be displayed, “All data on the microSD card will be deleted. Data cannot be restored once it is deleted. Continue?”
To continue, select “Format.” The console will then restart.