1. The Quick List
2. Best storage boost
3. Best for eShop fans
4. Best for eShop pros
5. Best future proofer
Whether you're prepping for an eShop haul or just want to future proof your console, Nintendo Switch SD cards can vastly expand your system's memory on the go. Not only that, but they're a must-have if you consider the Switch's limited internal storage.
We've worked out that the average first party Nintendo Switch game sits at around 6.7GB (though there are outliers on either side of that figure), so it's fairly easy to work out which size you need based on your current or future library. Indie games are tend to be far smaller, so there's wiggle room here as well.
The best Nintendo Switch SD cards can expand your system all the way up to 2TB. Of course, very few Ninty fans need that much space. In fact, many can get by on 128GB if splitting between downloads and game carts, potentially upgrading to 200GB or 256GB further down the line. While this is one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories to pick up on day one, you don't need to future proof yourself too much thanks to those relatively low prices.
It's also worth noting that Memorial Day Nintendo Switch deals are on the horizon, so you'll find plenty of discounts across a range of memory cards over the next few weeks.
The Quick List
Best for a storage boost
This 64GB model holds roughly 9 first party games*, which gives you a decent boost if you're just starting out and want to double up your space.
Best for eShop fans
The 128GB SanDisk Ultra is the best size for the majority of players picking up their first card. You'll fit roughly 18 first party titles on here*, which gives eShop fans plenty of room to get started.
Best for eShop pros
If you're always downloading new games to your system but don't quite want to pay for a future proofing card just yet you'll be best placed with this 200GB card from SanDisk, holding somewhere between 25 and 30 first party games*.
Best future proofer
If you're going all out, this 1TB card from Silicon Power hits the Switch's maximum threshold for external storage. This whopper could hold up to 150 first party games* if you're economical with it.
The best Nintendo Switch SD card for a storage boost
Want a solid amount of Switch storage while still remaining in the ‘impulse purchase’ price bracket? You’ll want to check out this 64GB Nintendo Switch SD card. It’ll take a respectable amount of games before filling up, adding double the Switch’s onboard 32GB capacity for a total of triple what you get straight out of the box. That likely won’t last forever, without intermittent deleting install management, but at the same time, it won’t cost you must at all to get started and you'll still get all the current best Nintendo Switch games on there. You'll get between 7-15 games on this SD card, depending on what games they are. The biggies take up 5GB-15GB, whereas some indies only take up 500MB or less.
If you've just picked up a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you may be hoping to substitute a larger SD card with that cloud storage. However, it's worth noting that your save data will still also remain on your system, so it's often worth upgrading your size.
The best Nintendo Switch SD card for eShop fans
Sandisk is one of the biggest and best names in MicroSD cards, and this is the best value model you can buy. For about $20 / £20 you get 128GB of storage, a reliable MicroSD card with decent file transfer speeds, and you even get an adaptor should you want to use this in an SD-based device like a digital camera. That makes it hugely versatile. Nintendo partnered with SanDisk for the official SD card for Switch, so it's a make Ninty trusts too. And yes, we have tested this MicroSD card and it 100% works with your Switch.
The best Nintendo Switch SD card for eShop Pros
Hitting the ‘Goldilocks window’ for Nintendo Switch SD cards (being more than big enough for most game storage needs, but remaining at a price that’s entirely fair), the 200GB SDXC will evaporate all your storage worries for a long time. For the price of roughly one AAA Nintendo Switch game, you’ll get a home for dozens and dozens more – you could fit Super Mario Odyssey on this thing 33 times. If you’re not on a particularly tight budget, and want a robust Nintendo Switch memory card that still won’t cost the Earth, this is the one to go for. It's worth noting that the cost of SD cards continues to fall, so you can pick this one up much cheaper today than it was 6 months ago, so it's worth stretching your budget a little.
The best Nintendo Switch SD card for future proofing
If you're ever thinking about being completely, utterly, and totally future-proofed in terms of your Switch's capacity then the Silicon Power 1TB Superior SD card is for you. Yes, the 1TB capacity will mean it is a larger investment by default to begin with but the sheer value here is ridiculous, and you'll literally never have to worry about storage space again. Pop this in and even the most storage conscious of future-proof worried among us will have their minds eased.
The Superior 1TB SD card also comes with an adapter so you're good to go with any kind of mobile device or laptop should you need to shift gears, and there's a five-year warranty so you can have peace of mind. Simple, massive stuff.
Note: The stock of this Nintendo Switch memory card is fluctuating wildly at retailers right now but it is usually out there, seen in the wild. You may have to bookmark this page and refollow the links after giving it a chance to come back into stock. It'll be absolutely worth it - good luck!
*Based on an average of 6.7GB per title, allowing for unusable storage space on the card itself
How big are Nintendo Switch games?
Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.
It's easiest to find the right Nintendo Switch memory card when you know what you're going to be piling into it. You'll find the install sizes for the latest and greatest Nintendo Switch games just below. It's also worth noting that these are some of the largest titles on the eShop; smaller indie games can be as little as MBs in size.
- Splatoon 3 - 5.2GB
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land - 5.8GB
- Pokemon Legends Arceus - 6GB
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - 6.7GB
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - 13.4GB
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - 6.2GB
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - 13.6GB
- Metroid Dread - 4.1GB
- Luigi's Mansion 3 - 6.3GB
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury - 2.9GB
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - 7.5GB
The average size for a first party Nintendo title is around 6.7GB.
Nintendo Switch memory cards: FAQ
What size Nintendo Switch SD card should you buy?
Nintendo Switch games typically take up between 5 and 10GB of storage , though larger titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can use up far more space.
We'd recommend a 128GB SD card for most users; this will give you enough room for about 15-18 Nintendo Switch games on your console, but it's worth noting that smaller indie titles will take up far less space. If you're going to be playing mostly with physical games, and you don't envision yourself buying too many larger titles from the eShop, you should be able to get by on 64GB. However, if you're going all-digital, a 256GB card will see you through around 35 full sized games.
Are official Nintendo Switch SD cards worth it?
SanDisk is partnered with Nintendo to bring official versions of its MicroSD cards to market. There are a range of different sizes on offer, starting at 64GB and now spanning all the way up to 1TB, all featuring icons from different Nintendo franchises on the card itself. These official Nintendo Switch memory cards just aren't worth it, though. Besides from some fancy colors they're essentially the same as SanDisk's main range, but generally cost a little extra. You won't see that cute Animal Crossing leaf when it's whirring away inside your console, after all.
What is the maximum Nintendo Switch SD card size?
The Nintendo Switch can only run up to 2TB of additional storage in an SD card. However, it should be noted that that's a ton of space, so you'll certainly have to be an eShop pro to fill it to the brim.
Which SD cards are compatible with Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch is compatible with microSDXC cards over 64GB and microSDHC cards between 4GB and 32GB. That really means that pretty much any SD card you have will slot neatly into your console already. However, if you're buying new it's always recommended to grab one with a Class 1 UHS Speed (you'll see a small bucket with a one inside it on the card itself) for the best experience.
If you're after even more accessories, you'll find all the best Nintendo Switch chargers available now, as well as the best Nintendo Switch headsets. We're also rounding up the all the best Nintendo Switch controllers and the latest Nintendo Switch game deals as well.
