The simplest way to add room for Nintendo Switch 2 games is to use a compatible microSD Express card. You can also free the console’s built-in storage by deleting downloaded software you are not playing; Nintendo says that does not delete the software’s save data.
What storage can you use on Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards up to 2 TB. The card can hold downloaded games, game updates, downloadable content (DLC), screenshots, and captured videos. Cards are sold separately. See Nintendo’s microSD Express support guidance for compatibility details.
A standard microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card—even one used on the original Nintendo Switch—cannot store or load digital games or save data on Switch 2. Look for the microSD Express marking and a card that meets the standard. If it is the card’s first use, Nintendo says an internet system update is required.
Nintendo lists 256 GB of system storage, with a portion reserved for system use. The microSD Express card adds storage for eligible content; it does not expand the space available for game saves.
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- 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.
How to add storage with a microSD Express card
- Choose a microSD Express card that meets Nintendo’s compatibility requirements. Nintendo supports capacities up to 2 TB; that is a supported maximum, not a guarantee of retailer availability.
- Insert the card into the console’s microSD Express card slot. For first use, connect to the internet and install any required system update.
- New downloadable software is saved to the inserted card by default, according to Nintendo’s support guidance.
To move eligible software that is already in system memory, open System Settings > Data Management > Move System / microSD Express Card Data, select the data you want to move, and confirm. Save data and some update data cannot be migrated. Nintendo also notes that after you play software you moved, update data may be saved in a different location from the software.
How to free up the console’s built-in storage
Open System Settings > Data Management to review and manage storage. Delete downloaded software you are not currently playing to reclaim space. Nintendo says deleting downloaded software does not delete its save data, and you can redownload the software later.
Rank #2
- NEXT GEN GAMING: Works with Nintendo Switch 2.
- READY FOR TOMORROW. Ready for future products with a PCIe-NVMe interface; performs at UHS-I speeds with microSD UHS-I and UHS-II devices.
- EXPONENTIALLY FASTER PERFORMANCE. Up to 4.4 times faster transfer speeds than our fastest microSD UHS-I cards [9]. Transfer a 2-hour HD movie in less than 3.5 seconds [1]; save up to 2.8 minutes transferring 60 minutes of 4K UHD video [4] shot at 30 fps when paired with the SanDisk PRO-READER SD Express Dual Card (sold separately) [9]
- DURABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON: Cards are waterproof, temperature-proof, humidity-proof, drop-proof, shock-proof, magnetic-proof, x-ray proof, and wear-out proof [5].
- HEAT MANAGEMENT REIMAGINED. SanDisk ThermAdapt helps keep devices from overheating with a specially designed enclosure and controller that uses dynamic adaptive thermal management.
Before removing screenshots or captured video, save copies you want to keep. Nintendo’s support FAQ describes uploading captures to the Nintendo Switch App or transferring them to a computer with a USB cable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where game saves are stored
Game save data stays in system memory and cannot be copied or saved to a microSD Express card. Do not treat the card as a backup location for saves. Nintendo Switch Online members can use Save Data Cloud for supported software.
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Rank #3
- Ultra-Fast Read Speeds — Experience read speeds up to 900 MB/s and write speeds up to 620 MB/s, delivering rapid file transfers and smooth performance for gaming, photography, and 4K video recording.
- Optimized for Gaming & Devices – Tested with Switch 2 and compatible with laptops, tablets, cameras, and Android devices that support microSD Express or UHS-I. Ideal for expanding storage without lag.
- 4K Video & High-Resolution Support – Capture and store 4K UHD videos and high-res photos seamlessly thanks to Class 10, U3, V30, and A2 performance ratings.
- Reliable & Durable Design – Built for long-term use with shockproof, temperature-resistant, waterproof, and X-ray-resistant protection, keeping your data safe wherever you go.
- Multiple Capacity Options – Available in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB options to suit your storage needs. Note that actual usable storage may be slightly less due to system formatting and a portion reserved for card management functions, which is a standard industry practice to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Deleting downloaded software preserves its save data, but deleting a user is different: Nintendo says that user’s associated save data is deleted and cannot be restored.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TRANSFER SPEEDS UP TO 800 MB/S: With sequential read speeds up to 800 MB/s, get into your game up to 4× faster than our standard microSD cards (UHS I)¹.
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: Keeps its cool even when the action heats up. Dynamic Thermal Guard helps reduce overheating for fast, smooth gameplay.
- ALL YOUR GAMES ON ONE TINY CARD: Store all your games and downloadable content (DLCs) with up to 512GB of reliable storage. No deleting. No compromises.
- 6-PROOF PROTECTION WITH 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Built to last, made for peace of mind. Anything can happen when you’re gaming on the go. With 6 types of protection²⁻⁹, the P9 Express can handle it all—helping maintain your game progress.
- NEXT-GEN AND BACKWARD COMPATIBLE: Your microSD Express card is compatible with Nintendo Switch 2¹⁰ and microSD UHS-I¹¹ devices, including tablets, drones, cameras and more.
Rank #4
- The perfect card for the Nintendo Switch 2 delivers revolutionary performance that is 4x faster than typical UHS-I microSD cards
- PCIe technology delivers read speeds up to 900MB/s so the game loads faster
- Write speed up to 600MB/s deliver accelerated download speeds when paired with the Lexar microSD Express card reader
- Level-up your handheld gaming experience with next-gen tech
- 1TB microSD Express card offers more space for your favorite games
What will not add usable game storage?
- An ordinary microSD card: Switch 2 requires microSD Express for digital game storage and loading.
- An external USB hard drive: Nintendo says external USB hard drives are not currently supported.
- Several microSD Express cards combined later: Nintendo recommends using one card; software stored across multiple cards cannot later be combined onto one card.
- Physical game media as a blanket workaround: Nintendo says no individual Switch 2 games currently require additional storage to play, but game-key cards require downloading the full game data to the console.
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