The Tool Desk
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What is the biggest card Nintendo supports for a 3DS?
Nintendo lists SDHC and microSDHC cards from 4 GB through 32 GB as compatible with the relevant 3DS models. Standard SD and microSD cards up to 2 GB are also listed. Nintendo Support says, “SDXC and microSDXC cards are not considered compatible.” Its guidance also cautions that it cannot guarantee cards other than the one included with a system will work. Nintendo Support’s compatible-card guidance
That makes 32 GB the answer if you mean Nintendo’s stated maximum. Reports that larger SDXC cards can sometimes be formatted to FAT32 are unofficial; they do not establish a Nintendo-supported limit or a dependable maximum across consoles and setups.
Which card fits your 3DS?
The card slot differs between original and New 3DS-family systems. Match the card to the console rather than relying on “3DS” in a product listing.
#1 Best Overall
- Nintendo Switch 2 uses a new standard of expandable memory card called microSD Express (sold separately). This kind of memory card is needed for faster access speeds and to ensure games will run smoothly.
- Please note: Nintendo Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards. If the microSD cards you have used for Nintendo Switch do not support microSD Express standards, you cannot use them with Nintendo Switch 2.
| Console | Card type and capacity in Nintendo’s guidance | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS | SD up to 2 GB; SDHC from 4 GB through 32 GB. A microSD card can be used with an SD adapter. | 32 GB SDHC, or 32 GB microSDHC with an SD adapter |
| New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 2DS XL | microSD up to 2 GB; microSDHC from 4 GB through 32 GB. | 32 GB microSDHC |
These are card types and capacities in Nintendo’s compatibility guidance, not endorsements of specific retail products.
Can you use a card larger than 32 GB?
Some users report getting larger SDXC cards to work after formatting them as FAT32. That is a workaround, not a capacity Nintendo officially supports, and the reports do not establish a reliable maximum that applies to every 3DS model or setup. If you want the capacity Nintendo specifies, use a card no larger than 32 GB in the correct SDHC or microSDHC format.
Rank #2
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
How to move data to a new card
Nintendo’s transfer instructions call for copying every folder from the old card to the new, empty card using a computer. Use an SD slot or a compatible card reader/writer if the computer does not have one. Keep the original card and its data until the copy is finished. Nintendo’s illustrated directions use Windows 10 as an example. Nintendo Japan’s SD card transfer instructions
- Remove the old card and connect it to the computer through an SD slot or card reader/writer.
- Copy all folders from the old card to a location on the computer.
- Connect the new, empty card and copy the folders onto it.
- Keep the old card’s data until you have completed the copy.
Nintendo warns that downloaded software spread across multiple cards cannot simply be combined by copying them onto one card. Its instructions also say not to keep using duplicate copied data as a second active copy. A straightforward card copy is therefore not a method for merging separate card libraries.
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- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- The official licensed microSD card for Nintendo Switch Systems
- Add games fast with write speeds up to 90MB/s (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.)
- Start playing fast with read speeds up to 100MB/s (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.)
- Store an entire game collection, plus screenshots and videos, with up to 64GB of additional memory (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less)
What can the 3DS store on its card?
Nintendo says downloaded software other than DSiWare is saved to the card; whether other data is stored there depends on the software. Nintendo lists limits of up to 300 software titles, 180 sound files, 3,000 photos, and 3,000 music files. Those are content-count limits, not a promise that a particular number of games will fit: the space each title uses varies. For music, Nintendo also lists up to 100 files per folder and 1,000 folders. Nintendo Support’s SD card usage guidance
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
Rank #4
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Incredible speeds in a microSD card officially licensed for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite systems
- Spend less time waiting and more time playing with read speeds up to 100MB/s(1) and write speeds up to 90MB/s(1).
- Instantly add up to 256GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Store your downloaded games, screenshots and video captures in 1 place so you can travel light.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
