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How to Add External Storage to Your Nintendo Switch: The Ultimate Guide

So, you're running out of space on your Nintendo Switch? Don't worry, you're not alone! With so many amazing games available digitally, that built-in storage can fill up fast. But fear not, adding external storage to your Nintendo Switch is a simple and effective solution. This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know to expand your Switch's storage and keep playing all your favorite games.

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Why You Need Switch External Storage

The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite come with either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. While that might seem like a decent amount, it's surprisingly easy to fill up, especially if you download a lot of games. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons can take up a significant chunk of space. Plus, system updates and downloadable content (DLC) also eat into your available storage.

Running out of space means you'll have to start deleting games to make room for new ones, which is a real pain. Adding external storage eliminates this problem, allowing you to keep all your games and save data in one place. It's a simple upgrade that makes a huge difference in your overall gaming experience.

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Step-by-Step Guide: Adding External Storage to Your Nintendo Switch

Here's how to add external storage to your Nintendo Switch:

Step 1: Choose the Right microSD Card

Not just any microSD card will work with your Nintendo Switch. You need to choose one that meets the required specifications for optimal performance. Here's what to look for:

• Type: microSDHC or microSDXC
• Capacity: Up to 2TB (though cards larger than 1TB are still relatively expensive)
• Speed: UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) compatible
• Read Speed: Minimum 60MB/s, but 90MB/s or higher is recommended for faster loading times.

Generally, a card with an A1 or A2 rating is preferred as it ensures better performance when loading apps and games. Nintendo officially recommends cards from SanDisk and Samsung, but other reputable brands like Lexar and PNY also offer compatible cards.

Step 2: Insert the microSD Card into Your Nintendo Switch

The microSD card slot is located under the kickstand on the back of your Nintendo Switch.

1. Power Off Your Switch: Before inserting or removing a microSD card, always power off your Nintendo Switch completely.
2. Open the Kickstand: Gently lift the kickstand to reveal the microSD card slot.
3. Insert the microSD Card: Carefully insert the microSD card into the slot with the label facing the same direction as the screen. Push it in until it clicks into place.
4. Close the Kickstand: Close the kickstand.

For the Nintendo Switch Lite, the microSD card slot is located on the bottom of the console, covered by a small flap.

Step 3: Format the microSD Card (If Necessary)

When you insert a new microSD card into your Nintendo Switch for the first time, the console will prompt you to format it. Formatting prepares the card for use with the Switch and ensures compatibility.

1. Power On Your Switch: Turn on your Nintendo Switch.
2. Go to System Settings: From the Home Menu, select "System Settings."
3. Navigate to Data Management: Scroll down and select "Data Management."
4. Select "Move Data Between System / microSD Card": Choose this option to manage your storage.
5. Select "Format microSD Card": This will erase all data on the microSD card. Make sure you have backed up any important files before proceeding.
6. Confirm Formatting: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm that you want to format the microSD card.

The formatting process usually takes only a few seconds. Once it's complete, your microSD card is ready to use.

Step 4: Choose Where to Save Games and Data

Once the microSD card is formatted, you can choose where to save your downloaded games and data. By default, the Nintendo Switch saves downloaded games and updates to the system memory. To save them to the microSD card instead:

1. Go to System Settings: From the Home Menu, select "System Settings."
2. Navigate to Data Management: Scroll down and select "Data Management."
3. Select "Save Data/Screenshots": Choose this option to manage your save data and screenshots.
4. Select "Save Data Destination": Choose "microSD Card" as your preferred save data destination.

Now, any new games you download will automatically be saved to the microSD card.

Step 5: Moving Existing Data to the microSD Card

If you already have games and data saved on your system memory, you can move them to the microSD card to free up space.

1. Go to System Settings: From the Home Menu, select "System Settings."
2. Navigate to Data Management: Scroll down and select "Data Management."
3. Select "Move Data Between System / microSD Card": Choose this option to manage your storage.
4. Select "Move to microSD Card": This will move all compatible data from your system memory to the microSD card.
5. Confirm Moving: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm that you want to move the data.

The transfer process may take some time, depending on the amount of data being moved. Once it's complete, your games and data will be stored on the microSD card.

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Tools for the Job

While the process of adding external storage is straightforward, having the right tools can make it even easier. Here are a couple of recommended products:

SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card

• Key Features: 128GB storage capacity, UHS-I speed class, A2 app performance, read speeds up to 160MB/s, write speeds up to 90MB/s, RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software.
• Why We Like It: The SanDisk Extreme microSDXC card offers excellent performance and reliability, making it perfect for storing your Nintendo Switch games. Its high read and write speeds ensure fast loading times and smooth gameplay. Plus, the included RescuePRO Deluxe software can help you recover accidentally deleted files. This is a solid choice for most Switch owners.

Samsung EVO Select 256GB microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card

• Key Features: 256GB storage capacity, UHS-I speed class, U3 speed rating, read speeds up to 100MB/s, write speeds up to 90MB/s, water-resistant, temperature-proof, X-ray-proof, magnetic-proof.
• Why We Like It: The Samsung EVO Select microSDXC card provides ample storage space for even the most avid gamers. Its U3 speed rating ensures smooth 4K UHD video recording, making it ideal for capturing gameplay footage. And with its robust protection features, you can rest assured that your data is safe from the elements. For those who need a lot of space and value durability, this is a great option.

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Pro-Tips / FAQ Section

Here are some pro-tips and frequently asked questions about using external storage with your Nintendo Switch:

• Can I use multiple microSD cards? No, the Nintendo Switch only supports one microSD card at a time. If you need more storage, you'll have to upgrade to a larger capacity card.
• What happens if I remove the microSD card while playing a game? If you remove the microSD card while playing a game that's stored on it, the game will stop working, and you'll be returned to the Home Menu. Make sure to save your progress before removing the card.
• Can I use a USB storage device instead of a microSD card? No, the Nintendo Switch only supports microSD cards for external storage. USB storage devices are not compatible.
• How do I back up my save data? Nintendo Switch Online members can back up their save data to the cloud. This is a great way to protect your progress in case your microSD card becomes corrupted or lost.
• What if my microSD card isn't being recognized? First, make sure the card is properly inserted into the slot. If it's still not being recognized, try formatting it using your computer and then reinserting it into the Switch. If that doesn't work, the card may be defective.
• Should I buy a branded Nintendo Switch microSD card? While Nintendo officially recommends SanDisk and Samsung cards, you don't necessarily need to buy a branded "Nintendo Switch" card. These cards are often more expensive and don't offer any significant performance advantages over standard microSD cards with the same specifications.

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Encouraging Conclusion

Adding external storage to your Nintendo Switch is a simple and affordable way to expand your gaming library and enjoy all your favorite titles without worrying about running out of space. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily add a microSD card to your Switch and start downloading more games today. Don't let limited storage hold you back – upgrade your Switch and unlock its full potential! You've got this!

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