The Best Nintendo Switch Memory Cards
Nintendo Switch memory cards are essential for speed and storage. That's because the Switch doesn't come with much built-in hard-drive space, but a good SD card can ensure you'll be able to play everything you want to at lightning speed. Of course, not all Nintendo Switch memory cards are going to be best-in-class, which is why we've made this list of the ones we think earn that turn. Read on and get ready to power up your gaming experience.
What to Look For
There were a few questions these Nintendo Switch memory cards had to answer before we felt confident giving them the high score: do they have lots of storage space, do they boast high speeds, and are they compatible with different formats? Our favorite came from SanDisk, with its charmingly themed designs and lightning-quick read speeds. We also had to give it up for Samsung’s entry, which delivered titanic storage space as well as versatile use among a variety of devices. Keep reading to see what else these and other Nintendo Switch memory cards managed to pull off.
SanDisk 128GB Nintendo Switch Memory Card
As one of the few Nintendo Switch memory cards licensed for the system, SanDisk gives us something truly special. The fantastic visual designs make the exterior of the card as appealing as its interior, which boasts quick speeds and capacious storage. And since a multitude of themes is available, matching the card to your favorite games is a breeze. True gamers looking for Nintendo Switch memory cards that reflect their favorite hobby need to look no further.
Pros
- This card offers both faster loading speeds and faster installation times, as well.
- The gaming-themed visuals make them great gifts for kids and diehard Nintendo fans.
- It doesn’t take much time for the Switch to recognize and format the card, unlike some other Nintendo Switch memory cards.
Cons
- It has slightly less space than advertised, as some of the storage is used for configuring the card to the Switch.
Gigastone 256GB Nintendo Switch Memory Card
Tiny but tough
This is one of the few Nintendo Switch memory cards that work as well for other devices as it does for the console. A hefty 256GB of storage lets you keep tons of games, videos, and more safely on hand. There are a surprising number of weatherproofing features as well, making it great for outdoor gaming and travel. Wherever you like to play, Nintendo Switch memory cards don’t come much more rugged than this one.
Pros
- It comes with an adapter that increases its compatibility with more devices, which is a nice bonus.
- Considering the amount of storage it comes with, this is a great price among Nintendo Switch memory cards.
Cons
- The read speed is a bit slower than other Nintendo Switch memory cards.
Samsung EVO Select Nintendo Switch Memory Card
Switch between platforms
Many Nintendo Switch memory cards work well with other devices, and this one is perfect for Android. Incredibly fast transfer speeds of 130mbps along with the ability to reproduce 4K video make this ideal for phone users who need high-quality shots, and need them quickly. Plus, it’s designed to resist high temperatures, water, and magnets, giving it a good longevity factor. If you like to change it up between Nintendo Switch memory cards and phone storage, this is a great option.
Pros
- It can be formatted for use in older dashcams that don’t typically integrate with 256GB cards.
- This takes up less storage space for formatting than other Nintendo Switch memory cards, making the 256GB figure much more accurate.
Cons
- It can run warm if left in powered-on devices for long periods.
PNY 128GB Nintendo Switch Memory Card
Casual meets practical
If your budget is slim, this is a superb option. At 128GB it can still hold plenty of games, and its defenses against weather and dust mean all that data will stay secure. It also includes its own adapter, allowing it to be used with even more devices at no extra cost. There might be bigger Nintendo Switch memory cards out there, but none that present as good of a value as this one.
Pros
- It’s available in multi-packs in case you find yourself wanting more space.
- Because it has a lower storage capacity, it can read data faster than many other competing options.
Cons
- The packaging is frustrating to open without a sharp knife or scissors.
Lexar PLAY 1TB Nintendo Switch Memory Card
Space for every save
Other Nintendo Switch memory cards might hold a lot of games, but nothing comes close to this monster from Lexar. A mind-blowing terabyte of storage space means you’ll practically never have to worry about running low on data. It also reads at 150mbps, making this the rare goliath that’s as fast as it is powerful. One thing is for certain: you won’t have to restock on Nintendo Switch memory cards for a long time with this amount of storage.
Pros
- The terabyte of space makes it ideal for hardcore gamers who play all the latest (and largest) releases.
- It’s a great pick for tablet users who like to record lots of high-end videos and frequently find themselves running low on space.
Cons
- Due to the storage size, it is quite a bit pricier than other Nintendo Switch memory cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are all Nintendo Switch memory cards microSD cards?
Since the Switch is a portable console as much as a home console, it made sense to make its method of storage comparably travel-sized. MicroSD cards can hold a lot of data, making them a better and more convenient value than most other memory cards.
Will slower write speeds affect my games?
The “speed” of Nintendo Switch memory cards mostly refers to the rate at which games and data are downloaded and uploaded. Gameplay is usually unaffected by the card you use.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.