The Nintendo Switch has been a massive hit since its launch, and with the arrival of the Switch 2, we are looking at a very exciting present. In 2025, games have gotten bigger, visuals sharper, BUT heavy storage demands are now more than ever. If you’ve ever tried downloading a game only to be stopped by a “not enough space” message, you know how frustrating it feels!
That’s where microSD cards come in. For Switch owners, they are not just a convenient add-on. They are the foundation of your digital library. With the Switch 2 introducing support for microSD Express, the type of card you choose now affects both speed and capacity.
This guide breaks it all down in simple terms: why storage matters, what specs are worth paying attention to, which cards stand out in 2025, and how to avoid wasting money on fakes. By the end, you’ll know exactly which card matches your gaming style.
Summary/Quick TL;DR
- If you own a Switch 2, buy a microSD Express card. The Switch 2 will only work with microSD Express cards for game storage.
- For Switch 2: aim for 512 GB to 1 TB if you buy most games digitally. Faster cards (800 to 900 MB/s reads) give the smoothest experience.
- For original Switch and OLED: UHS-I cards are still fine. Official Nintendo-branded SanDisk UHS-I cards remain reliable for those who mostly buy physical cartridges.
- Save data lives on the console system memory. Use Nintendo Switch Online cloud saves or system transfer options to protect progress. You cannot move save data to a microSD card.
Why Storage Matters More Than Ever
The Switch 2 has launched with built-in storage of 256 GB, which may sound like a lot, but after setting up, you only get around 230 GB of usable space. A couple large games, some downloaded content, and frequent updates will eat into that very quickly. For players who prefer to keep a library of games ready to go, storage expansion is the only option.
The Switch 2 is also designed with using microSD Express in mind. These newer cards don’t just have more space, they have more speed. Which means that it is faster, quicker, and a gaming experience that feels closer to playing on an SSD.
Storage Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Switch / Switch OLED | Switch 2 |
| Internal storage | 32 GB (Switch), 64 GB (OLED) | 256 GB total, about 230 GB usable |
| Card support | microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC | microSD Express only for game storage |
| Typical real-world speeds | Around 90–100 MB/s | Around 800–900 MB/s |
| Max card sizes today | Up to 1 TB common | 1 TB supported, larger expected later |
| What this means | Fine for lighter digital libraries | Built for large digital libraries and faster loading |
What Specs Actually Matter
Shopping for a microSD card can be confusing because of all the numbers on the box. Here’s what actually counts:
1. Bus Type
- Switch: UHS-I cards, topping out around 100MB/s.
- Switch 2: microSD Express, capable of speeds close to 900MB/s.
2. Read and Write Speeds
- For the original Switch: aim for at least 60MB/s read speed to keep downloads smooth.
- For Switch 2: cards with 800 to 900MB/s reads and 600MB/s or more on writes give the best performance.
3. Speed Ratings
- U1 vs U3: U3 handles larger files better.
- Application Class: A2 cards are ideal for games that frequently load assets.
4. Durability and Warranty
Look for cards with strong endurance ratings and long warranties. Many of the top brands offer lifetime coverage.
What Nintendo actually says
A lot of confusion online comes from older Switch habits. For the Switch 2, Nintendo’s support pages are very direct: Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards.Nintendo
So if you already own a big UHS-I card from your original Switch, treat it like a “nice to have” for older hardware, not something to rely on for Switch 2 storage planning.
The Best microSD Cards in 2025
Now let’s get to the cards that actually deliver for Switch players this year.
For Switch 2 (microSD Express)
- Lexar Play Pro (256 GB to 1TB)
Great choice for big digital libraries. - SanDisk microSD Express (128 GB to 512 GB)
Often comes with Nintendo branding. - Samsung microSD Express (256 GB)
Balanced option. - PNY microSD Express (128 GB to 256 GB)
Budget-friendly..
For the Original Switch (UHS-I)
- Samsung Pro Plus microSDXC
Solid read speeds (up to 180MB/s) and built to last. - SanDisk microSDXC for Nintendo Switch
Officially licensed and available up to 1TB. - Kingston Canvas Go Plus
Affordable, with read speeds around 170MB/s, and easy to find.
Price and Performance
| Card | Type | Typical capacities | Approx price | Who it’s for | Why it makes sense |
| Lexar Play Pro | microSD Express | 512 GB, 1 TB | High | Power users | Extremely fast, ideal for Switch 2 |
| SanDisk microSD Express | microSD Express | 128–512 GB | Mid | Most Switch 2 owners | Reliable and widely available |
| Samsung microSD Express | microSD Express | 256–512 GB | Mid | Digital players | Balanced speed and endurance |
| SanDisk Nintendo Edition | UHS-I | 256 GB–1 TB | Mid | Original Switch owners | Stable and officially licensed |
| Kingston Canvas Go Plus | UHS-I | 128–512 GB | Lower | Budget setups | Good speed for the price |
| Samsung Pro Plus | UHS-I | 128–512 GB | Lower | Backup cards | Reliable everyday option |
Everyday Benefits of Faster Storage
You notice the benefits in most modern games that constantly load new content in the background. Instead of minor stutters or delays when moving into a new area, gameplay feels more fluid. Even switching between save files or navigating menus becomes quicker.
If you’ve used SSDs on a PC or other consoles, microSD Express brings the Switch 2 much closer to that level of responsiveness.
Save data and backups
Save data is stored on the console system memory. You cannot move save files to the microSD card. If you want backups, use Nintendo Switch Online cloud saves for supported titles, or perform system-to-system transfers. The Switch 2’s updated mobile app also makes media uploads easier, but save data cloud backups still require Nintendo’s cloud service for supported games.
Small but meaningful tips
- If you travel with your Switch 2, choose cards with higher endurance ratings and heat-resistant coatings. The Switch 2 runs warmer during long sessions. Premium cards often list operating temperature and durability specs.
- Consider a second smaller card for quick swaps if you share the console with family or friends and want separate libraries. That saves time when someone wants their own setup.
- Keep a local backup of large game installers on a PC or external SSD if you frequently reinstall games. That can save bandwidth and time.
Future-Proofing Your Storage: Why Your Next Card Matters
Apart from it’s primary feature of storage, your card should also have consistent performance over time. Unverified microSDs often cause more harm than do good and can lead to lags.
Hot Tip: The Switch 2 runs warmer than the original model, especially during extended play sessions or downloads. Premium microSDs include heat-resistant and waterproof coatings that help prevent data loss. It’s might seem like a small detail, but it means your saved files are safer if your console runs hot or travels with you in unpredictable weather conditions.
Not every player needs the biggest or fastest card. Your choice should reflect how you play:
- Casual players who mostly buy physical cartridges can use a smaller, affordable UHS-I card.
- Digital-first players who download everything should go for larger, faster cards.
- Families or collectors sharing one console may want to invest in 1TB.
Final Thoughts
The Switch 2 is all about gaming on the go, and just by supporting microSD Express, it delivers speed and responsiveness that bring it closer to some modern day consoles.
If you are upgrading to the Switch 2, it is best to stick with known legacy brands. If you are keeping the original Switch, UHS-I cards from Samsung, SanDisk, and Kingston remain dependable and affordable.
Your storage card shapes how smooth and enjoyable your gaming experience will be. Make the right choice!
