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To expand storage on a Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED, insert a supported microSD card. For a new purchase, choose a microSDXC UHS-I card: Nintendo supports microSDXC capacities from 64 GB to 2 TB and recommends UHS-I cards with transfer speeds of 60–95 MB/sec. You’ll need a system update to use microSDXC. This guidance is for those three Switch models—not Switch 2, which requires microSD Express for game storage.

Which microSD cards are supported?

Nintendo lists three supported card types for Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. Full-size SD and miniSD cards do not fit the console’s microSD slot, and cards are sold separately.

Card type Supported capacity Notes
microSD Up to 2 GB Nintendo lists this as a supported type.
microSDHC 4–32 GB Nintendo lists this as a supported type.
microSDXC 64 GB–2 TB A system update is required.

For a new card, check its packaging or label for both microSDXC and UHS-I. Nintendo recommends UHS-I compatibility and gives 60–95 MB/sec as its high-speed guideline. It says higher transfer speed can improve the gameplay experience, but a card’s advertised peak speed is not a guarantee of the speed the console will achieve. Nintendo’s microSD Card FAQ has the compatibility details.

Choose capacity based on how much downloadable software you expect to keep installed. Nintendo supports microSDXC up to 2 TB; no single capacity is the right choice for every library.

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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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What can a microSD card store?

A microSD card can hold downloaded software, software update data, downloadable content (DLC), screenshots, and captured video. When a card is inserted, Nintendo Switch uses it as the default location for downloadable software.

Game saves are different: they remain in system memory. Nintendo states, “Game save data is stored to the System Memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD card.” A larger card therefore adds room for software and media, not for game save files. See Nintendo’s microSD Card FAQ.

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Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
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How to install a microSD card

  1. Check that the card is a supported microSD type. If it is microSDXC, update the console’s system software first.
  2. Insert the card into the console’s microSD card slot. With a card present, new downloadable software uses the card by default.
  3. To add existing software data that is in system memory, delete that software and redownload it while the card is inserted. Nintendo says existing software data cannot simply be moved from system memory to a microSD card. Follow Nintendo’s FAQ guidance on moving data.

How to upgrade to a larger card without losing installed content

If you already use a card and want to preserve its contents, copy them to the replacement card using a computer. You need access to an SD card slot or a commercially available microSD card reader/writer, as well as both cards.

  1. Turn off the console and remove the original card.
  2. Use a computer to copy the entire contents of the original card to a folder on the computer. Do not erase or alter the original card.
  3. Remove the original card, insert the larger card in the computer, and copy the entire folder onto it.
  4. Safely eject the new card and insert it into the console. Confirm that the console recognizes it and that the expected content is available before erasing or reusing the original.

Nintendo’s card-transfer instructions cover the computer copy process. Use one card with the console where possible: software stored on separate microSD cards cannot later be combined into one card. Keeping the original untouched until you verify the replacement gives you a fallback if the copy does not work.

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Does this advice apply to Nintendo Switch 2?

No. Nintendo Switch 2 uses microSD Express for game storage, so an ordinary microSDXC card is not a way to expand its game storage. Nintendo also says a microSD Express card used with the original Nintendo Switch reads and writes at ordinary microSD speeds. Check Nintendo’s compatibility information before buying a card for either system.

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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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  • 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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