Can I use an SD card on Nintendo Switch?
Power off Nintendo Switch Lite, then gently open the microSD card slot cover. Ensure the microSD card is properly positioned with the label facing away from the system. Insert the microSD card into the slot and gently push down until it clicks into place, then close the slot cover. Though the Nintendo Switch may have a relatively small amount of storage, you do have the option of using a microSD card to expand that space. At times, like any technology, the microSD card may not work or be recognized. This guide will help you resolve these. Kingston offers microSD cards that are the perfect choice for your Nintendo Switch. For instance, the Canvas Go!Plus microSD card is an optimal storage solution for gamers who love downloadable content and downloadable games, but don’t want to buy multiple cards or deal with long load times.
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.
Microsd Switch Slot
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 cards are supported on Nintendo Switch:
- microSD (up to 2 GB)
- microSDHC (4 GB - 32 GB)
- microSDXC (64 GB and above)
Important: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 recommendations:
- 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 information can be saved to a microSD card on Nintendo Switch?
- Downloadable software
- Software update data
- Downloadable content (DLC)
- Screenshots and captured videos
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. You can also transfer downloadable software if the system is updated to Version 10.0.0 or higher.
- 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.
Important
- If a microSD card is inserted or removed while the console is powered on or while in sleep mode, you will be prompted to restart the console.
- To ensure proper use, always shut off the console before removing or inserting a microSD card.
Note: For information about what type of data can be stored on a microSD card, check the microSD Card FAQ.
What to do
- Power off the Nintendo Switch console.
- Remove the microSD card from the console and check for any dirt or debris either in the microSD card slot or on the microSD card connectors.
- If there is visible contamination on either one, the microSD card may need to be replaced and the console will need to be sent in for repair.
- Verify that the microSD card is compatible with Nintendo Switch.
- If the microSD card is not compatible with the console, replacing it with a compatible type may resolve the problem.
- If the microSD card label indicates it is SDXC, reinsert the microSD card back into the console. Then power on Nintendo Switch and be sure to perform a system update.
Important: The system menu version will not change after this update.
- If the microSD card is still not detected, it may need to be formatted.
Important
- Once formatted, the information on the microSD card cannot be recovered. If screenshots are stored on the microSD card, be sure to first back up the information on a computer.
- If downloadable software was saved to the microSD card, it can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account where it was purchased.
- If after formatting the microSD card, it cannot be detected, the microSD card will need to be replaced.
Situation not resolved
If multiple microSD cards cannot be read on the console, the console will need to be repaired. For testing purposes, be sure to include one or more of the problematic microSD cards that were being used with the console.
Micro Sd Card Switch Amazon
For your convenience, Nintendo offers a quick and easy-to-use online repair process.