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There is no single storage amount that suits every Nintendo Switch library. Game sizes vary, and updates, downloadable content, and screenshots or videos take additional space. Check the requirement for each title you want installed, then choose a compatible microSD card based on that library and leave room to grow.

How much storage does the original Nintendo Switch have?

Nintendo lists 32 GB of system memory for the original Nintendo Switch, with approximately 6.2 GB reserved for system use. The space available for games and other content is therefore less than 32 GB, and the amount currently free changes as you install software and capture media. Check it on the console at System Settings > Data Management.

There is no official universal game-size average or recommended card capacity. Nintendo says storage requirements vary by game, so a useful estimate depends on the specific games and extras you plan to keep installed.

How to estimate the space your library needs

  1. List the games you want installed at the same time. Count digital games and physical games that require additional downloads.
  2. Check each title’s requirement. Review its Nintendo eShop listing before buying digitally, or check the physical game’s packaging. Nintendo notes that additional storage may be needed for either format.
  3. Include updates and DLC. Add the extra content you expect to download for the titles you play.
  4. Leave room for captures. Screenshots and captured videos can also use storage.
  5. Choose a card with headroom. If the library grows, more capacity reduces how often you need to archive or remove software.

Physical game cards may reduce how much full-game software you download, but they do not guarantee that a title needs no storage. Some physical games require additional downloads; check the package notice and game-specific requirements.

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Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Which microSD card works with the original Switch?

Nintendo lists support for microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. Its FAQ gives a supported microSDXC capacity range of 64 GB to 2 TB and says a system update is required to use microSDXC. Nintendo recommends a UHS-I card with a transfer speed of 60–95 MB/sec. See Nintendo’s microSD Card FAQ for the compatibility details.

A larger card provides more room, but it is not a requirement for every player. For example, Nintendo’s US Store lists an officially licensed SanDisk microSDXC card in 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB options. Those are product capacities, not a universal Nintendo recommendation; the listing also notes that actual user storage is lower than the stated capacity. See the microSD card for Nintendo Switch listing for its product details.

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Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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Nintendo recommends using one card rather than spreading data across several: data on multiple cards cannot later be combined into one card. If you outgrow a card, Nintendo describes copying its data to a larger card.

What can you store on a microSD card?

On the original Switch, a microSD card can hold downloadable software, software updates, DLC, screenshots, and captured videos. It does not hold game save data: Nintendo states that save data is stored in System Memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card.

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Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
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If space is tight, Nintendo says you can archive downloaded software. Archiving frees the software’s storage while keeping its HOME Menu icon; the save data remains unaffected, and the software can be redownloaded. Check storage under System Settings > Data Management. Nintendo also says external USB hard drives are not currently supported for Switch storage.

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Do not confuse original Switch cards with Switch 2 cards

These storage recommendations apply to the original Nintendo Switch generation. Nintendo Switch 2 uses microSD Express for game storage; standard microSD cards used with the original Switch cannot save or load Switch 2 digital games. The licensed SanDisk card linked above is also identified as incompatible with Switch 2. Check the card type for your console before buying.

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Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
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UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

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