The Nintendo Switch has become one of the most popular gaming consoles in recent years, and it’s no surprise why. With its wide selection of games and portability, it’s an ideal console for gamers of all ages. As such, it’s important to ensure that you have the best setup possible, which means having the right storage. Suppose you’re looking for the best MicroSD cards for Nintendo Switch; it’s best to do a comprehensive review to ensure your device has the capacity and speed needed for the best gaming experience possible.
When picking the best microSD card for your Nintendo Switch, it is crucial to review all available options thoroughly. MicroSD cards are an essential switch component, as they store and expand the console’s internal memory. Your gaming experience will improve when you have a reliable and fast microSD card. You won’t experience slow loading times and other technical issues. Therefore, it’s essential to review the various microSD cards available and make an informed decision best suited to your needs.
We’ve compiled a list of the best microSD cards for the Nintendo Switch to ensure you purchase the best MicroSD card for your device. From the best overall options to the best for moderate usage, we’ve evaluated the features and specs of each option to help you determine which card is the right choice for you. Our comparisons cover read/write speeds, storage capacity, pricing, and more. With this information, you can confidently decide what best suits your needs. Here’s the list of our top five picks for the best MicroSD cards for Nintendo Switch:
- Best Overall: Samsung 256GB EVO Plus
- Best for Large Storage: SanDisk Ultra 1TB microSDXC Memory Card
- Best Mid-Range: Samsung EVO Plus 512GB microSDXC
- Best Minimal Storage: Samsung 32GB 80MB/s EVO
- Best for Moderate Usage: SanDisk 400GB Ultra microSDXC
Best Overall: Samsung 256GB EVO Plus
- Up to 95 MB/s read and 90 MB/s write speed with class 10 and U3 compatibility; includes full-size SD adapter
- Free up your devices with the largest capacity and highest read/write speeds in Samsung's class, suitable for full HD video
- Backed by 4-proof protection, the EVO Plus can withstand up to 72 hours in seawater, extreme temperatures, airport X-ray machines and magnetic fields equivalent to an MRI scanner
- With astonishing performance and reliability, Evo plus lets you save and treasure the richness of life
- 10-year limited warranty
Samsung 256GB EVO Plus is one of the best MicroSD cards for Nintendo Switch. This card features a read speed of up to 95 MB/s and a write speed of up to 90 MB/s with Class 10 and U3 compatibility. This ensures you will have no problems loading and playing your games.
This MicroSD card also has 4-proof protection, meaning it can withstand up to 72 hours in seawater, is magnet-proof, and comes with a 10-year limited warranty. This makes it an excellent choice for people constantly on the go or in unpredictable environments.
The Samsung 256GB EVO Plus also has a Speed Class of Grade 3, Class 10. This means it is suitable for full HD video recording and playback with minimal lag time. It is also great for taking pictures as well.
The Samsung 256GB EVO Plus is the perfect choice for Nintendo Switch users looking for the best overall MicroSD card. Its combination of read and write speeds, 4-proof protection, 10-year limited warranty, and Speed Class make it an excellent choice for those looking for maximum performance from their games and applications.
Check out Samsung 256GB EVO Plus on Amazon.
Best for Large Storage: SanDisk Ultra 1TB microSDXC Memory Card
- Up to 1TB to store even more hours of Full HD video (2). 1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. 1TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less. (2) Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon host...
- Up to 120MB/s transfer speeds let you move up to 1000 photos in a minute (5). Up to 120MB/s read speed, engineered with proprietary technology to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, require compatible...
- Load apps faster with A1-rated performance (1). (1)A1 performance is 1500 read IOPS, 500 write IOPS. Based on internal testing. Results may vary based on host device, app type and other factors.
- Ideal for Android smartphones and tablets, and MIL cameras
The SanDisk Ultra 1TB microSDXC Memory Card is an excellent choice for anyone looking to increase the storage capacity of their Nintendo Switch. It offers an impressive 1TB of storage, making it perfect for anyone who intends to download many Nintendo Switch games. This card also has fast read and write speeds, so it can save data, images, and software while working efficiently. The SanDisk Ultra 1TB microSDXC Memory Card will provide plenty of extra storage space for your Nintendo Switch and ensure your games run smoothly.
In addition, this SanDisk card is a Class 10 UHS-I with a read speed of up to 120MB/s and a write speed of 80MB/s. It also features an A2 rating, so it’s optimized for loading apps faster. This card is perfect for anyone who intends to download many Nintendo Switch games, as it can save data, images, and software while working efficiently at reading and writing data. The SanDisk Ultra 1TB microSDXC Memory Card is the best large storage option for Nintendo Switch users.
Check out SanDisk Ultra 1TB microSDXC Memory Card on Amazon.
Best Mid-Range: Samsung EVO Plus 512GB microSDXC
The Samsung EVO Plus 512GB microSDXC is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and fast MicroSD card for their Nintendo Switch. This card offers up to 100MB/s of read and write speed, making it one of the fastest cards on the market. It also features a UHS-I interface, which can be used with any device that supports UHS-I or HS interface. The EVO Plus is backed by a 10-year limited warranty, providing users with peace of mind regarding quality and performance.
The EVO Plus 512GB microSDXC can reach speeds of up to 130MB/s with a UHS-1 interface. This is enough speed to keep up with demanding applications such as online gaming, HD video streaming, and file transfer. The card is also compatible with 4K Ultra HD video recording, allowing users to take advantage of the high-resolution formats that are becoming increasingly popular.
Overall, the Samsung EVO Plus 512GB microSDXC is a great choice for a reliable and fast MicroSD card for their Nintendo Switch. The high read and write speeds, combined with its compatibility with UHS-I and HS interface, make this card an ideal solution for gamers, videographers, and other professionals who need a reliable storage solution. Its 10-year limited warranty also adds an extra layer of security, giving users confidence in the quality and performance of their purchase.
Check out Samsung EVO Plus 512GB microSDXC on Amazon.
Best for Minimal Storage: Samsung 32GB 80MB/s EVO
- Up to 80MB/s transfer speed
- Works with Cell phones, Smartphones, Android Tablets, Tablet PCs, and more.
- High-performance up to 80MB/s for full HD video recording, high resolution pictures, mobile gaming, music and more.
- Reliability Built to Last - Water, Temperature, X-ray and Magnetic Proof
- 10-year limited warranty
The Samsung 32GB 80MB/s EVO is the best minimal storage solution for any device. It features an impressive transfer speed of up to 80MB/s, making it great for full HD video recording, gaming, and other tasks. Additionally, it has several robust protections, such as X-ray proofing, temperature proofing, waterproofing, and magnetic proofing. This allows it to perform reliably in even the most extreme conditions.
This MicroSD card also offers enough storage for up to 1 hour and 30 minutes of 4K UHD video, 5 hours of Full HD video, and 9,400 photos. This makes it a great choice for those looking for an efficient yet affordable storage solution.
All things considered, the Samsung 32GB 80MB/s EVO is the best minimal storage solution for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable storage option. Its robust protection and impressive transfer speeds make it a great choice for any device.
Check out Samsung 32GB 80MB/s EVO on Amazon.
Please Note: As of July 18, 2023, the Samsung 32GB 80MB/s EVO card is currently unavailable on Amazon. If you are unable to locate this product elsewhere, please check back later.
Best for Moderate Usage: SanDisk 400GB Ultra microSDXC
- Ideal for Android smartphones and tablets, and MIL cameras
- Capacities up to 512GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.) to store even more hours of Full HD video (Approximations; results and Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based on...
- Up to 100MB/s transfer read speed (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors.) lets you move up to 1000 photos in a...
- Load apps faster with A1-rated performance (A1 performances is 1500 read IOPS, 500 write IOPS. Based on internal testing. Results may vary based on host device, app type and other factors.)
- Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback (Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors.)
The SanDisk 400GB Ultra microSDXC is one of the best MicroSD cards for Nintendo Switch, as it offers users plenty of storage space and fast transfer speeds. The card is a series SDSQUAR-400G-GN6MA, which makes it ideal for moderate usage. It has an impeccable read speed of up to 100MB/s, which helps to load apps faster and improves overall performance. This card also comes with a 10-year limited manufacturer warranty, so you can rest assured that your device is worth the value.
The MicroSD card is perfect for those who want to upgrade their Nintendo Switch and make sure it can handle more intensive tasks. The fast read speed ensures that applications load quickly and users can enjoy their games without lagging or delays. Furthermore, the 10-year warranty means you don’t have to worry about the card going bad in a few years. All these features make the SanDisk 400GB Ultra microSDXC the best choice for those looking to upgrade their device for moderate usage.
Check out SanDisk 400GB Ultra microSDXC on Amazon.
How To Pick The Best MicroSD Cards For Nintendo Switch
When purchasing MicroSD cards for gaming consoles, it is essential to consider various factors before making a final decision. The main criteria for choosing the best MicroSD cards for Nintendo Switch include storage capacity, speed, reliability, and price. It is critical to understand that each of these factors affects the overall performance of your console. So, when choosing MicroSD cards for your Nintendo Switch consider these four main factors.
- Capacity
- Speed
- Reliability
- Price
Let’s review each of these factors comprehensively and help you make an informed decision on which is right for you.
Capacity
Storage capacity is the most obvious factor when selecting a MicroSD card for your Nintendo Switch. There are several sizes available, 16GB, 32GB, and up to 1TB but you can purchase larger capacity cards if necessary. While 16GB may be sufficient for basic gaming needs, 32GB or more may be necessary if you download large files or play multiple games simultaneously. Nintendo Switch games can take up a lot of space, so choosing the highest capacity that fits your budget is wise.
Speed
Speed is another key factor when selecting a MicroSD card for your Nintendo Switch. If you are using your Switch to download and store large files, such as digital game downloads, you will need a faster card to handle the increased load. You can generally find speed ratings listed on the card’s packaging, but check customer reviews to get a better idea of which cards are faster. Also, a faster MicroSD card will help ensure your game loads quickly and smoothly. Be sure to look for a card with a minimum read speed of 100 MB/s and a write speed of 60 MB/s.
Reliability
Not all MicroSD cards are created equal. It is important to find a reliable and durable card, as there is no room for errors with your gaming data. Look for cards with long warranties, as this can indicate the quality and reliability of the card.
Price
Price is a major factor when selecting a MicroSD card for your Nintendo Switch. Although more expensive cards may offer faster speeds and more storage space, budget-minded shoppers should look for cards that offer the best balance between speed, capacity, and price. Be sure to read customer reviews to accurately assess how well each card performs at its price point. In addition, you could also shop around and compare prices to ensure you get the best deal possible on your MicroSD cards.
Once you have considered all four of these factors, you can decide which MicroSD card is best for your Nintendo Switch. With so many options available, you can be sure that you will find a card that meets all your needs. Always research and read customer reviews to ensure that you are purchasing the best MicroSD cards for your needs.
What to Know Before Buying MicroSD Cards for Nintendo Switch
When shopping for a MicroSD card for your Nintendo Switch, you should always consider the quality of the card. The best MicroSD cards will offer a high read and write speed, as well as good durability and longevity. There are many different brands to choose from, but the main things to look for when choosing are performance, storage size, cost, and brand. Some popular brands to consider include Samsung Evo Select, SanDisk Extreme, Lexar Professional, and PNY Elite-X.
Another important factor to consider is the type of data you will be storing on the card. If you plan on using it for games, then a high-performance UHS-I or UHS-II card is recommended. However, if you are only using it for general data storage, then Class 10 cards are fine. Some cards also come with special features such as an Adapter or a Speed Booster, which can provide additional performance improvements. Finally, make sure that the card is compatible with your Nintendo Switch console.
Using MicroSD Cards For Nintendo Switch: What It’s Like
MicroSD cards are essential for Nintendo Switch users to be able to store and access their favorite games and other data. With the right card, users can enjoy a seamless gaming experience with no lag or slow loading times.
The Nintendo Switch is capable of accepting MicroSD cards up to 2TB in size, allowing plenty of storage space for large game collections. When inserted into the slot, the card will appear as an additional storage device on the console’s home screen. After the card is formatted correctly, it’s ready to use for saving files and installing games.
Using a MicroSD card for the Nintendo Switch provides an extra layer of convenience and performance. Transferring files between devices, such as screenshots and videos, is incredibly easy with a MicroSD card. Furthermore, downloading large games and digital content is much quicker when done directly onto the MicroSD card rather than onto the internal storage of the console itself.
In general, having the right MicroSD card can make playing your favorite games on the Nintendo Switch a more enjoyable experience. With the added storage and faster loading speeds, players can access their games quickly and have plenty of space for future downloads.
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