Your Guide to Laptop Confidence.

How to Put Memory Card in Nintendo Switch: The Ultimate Guide

Quick summary

  • This blog post will guide you through the process of how to put a memory card in your Nintendo Switch, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite games without storage limitations.
  • Certain games may load faster from a microSD card compared to the internal storage, especially if you have a high-speed card.
  • Easily move games and data between your Switch and a computer using the microSD card.

The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic gaming console, but its internal storage can quickly fill up, especially if you’re a fan of downloading games. Luckily, expanding your storage is a breeze with a microSD card. This blog post will guide you through the process of how to put a memory card in your Nintendo Switch, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite games without storage limitations.

Why Use a Memory Card?

The Nintendo Switch comes with a limited amount of internal storage, typically around 32GB. While this might seem sufficient at first, it won’t take long to fill it up with games, save data, and updates. Installing a microSD card offers numerous advantages:

  • Expand Storage: Increase your storage capacity significantly, allowing you to download more games, save data, and even store screenshots and videos.
  • Game Library Expansion: Download more games and enjoy a wider variety of titles without worrying about running out of space.
  • Faster Loading Times: Certain games may load faster from a microSD card compared to the internal storage, especially if you have a high-speed card.
  • Convenient Data Transfer: Easily move games and data between your Switch and a computer using the microSD card.

Choosing the Right Memory Card

Before you start inserting the card, it’s crucial to select the right one. Consider these factors:

  • Storage Capacity: Choose a card with enough storage to meet your needs. 64GB or 128GB cards are popular choices, but you can opt for larger capacities depending on your gaming habits.
  • Speed Class: The speed class determines how fast data can be written to and read from the card. UHS-I (U3) or higher is recommended for optimal performance, especially for demanding games.
  • Brand Reputation: Stick to reputable brands known for quality and reliability, such as SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar.

Finding the microSD Card Slot

The microSD card slot is conveniently located on the side of your Nintendo Switch console. Here’s how to find it:
1. Locate the Kickstand: The kickstand is on the back of the Switch, near the top.
2. Find the Slot: The microSD card slot is located just below the kickstand, on the side of the console. It’s a small, rectangular opening.

Inserting the microSD Card

Once you’ve chosen your card and located the slot, follow these steps:
1. Turn Off Your Switch: Ensure your Nintendo Switch is completely powered off.
2. Open the Slot: Gently push the microSD card into the slot until it clicks into place.
3. Confirm Installation: The card should be securely inserted. You’ll feel a slight resistance when it’s properly in place.

Formatting the Memory Card

After inserting the card, your Nintendo Switch will automatically detect it. However, it’s essential to format the card before you start using it. This ensures proper functionality and compatibility with your console.
1. Access System Settings: From the Home menu, navigate to “System Settings.”
2. Select Data Management: Choose “Data Management” from the options.
3. Format microSD Card: Select “Format microSD Card” and confirm your choice.
4. Wait for Formatting: The formatting process may take a few minutes. Do not interrupt the process.

Using Your microSD Card

Once the formatting is complete, you can start using your expanded storage. Here’s how:
1. Download Games: You can now download games directly to your microSD card. Select the “Save Data” option during the download process and choose the microSD card as the destination.
2. Move Existing Data: You can also move data from your internal storage to the microSD card. Go to “Data Management” in System Settings and choose “Move Save Data.”
3. Manage Storage: Keep an eye on your storage space to ensure you have enough room for your games and save data.

A Word of Caution: Removing the microSD Card

While it’s easy to insert and remove the microSD card, it’s crucial to do so safely to prevent data loss. Always follow these steps:
1. Safely Eject: Before removing the card, ensure you have safely ejected it from the console. Go to “System Settings” > “Data Management” > “Remove microSD Card.”
2. Wait for Confirmation: Wait for the “Removal Complete” message before physically removing the card.
3. Handle with Care: Keep the microSD card clean and avoid bending or scratching it.

Tips for Optimal Performance

  • Use a High-Speed Card: A faster microSD card will improve loading times and overall performance, especially for demanding games.
  • Format Regularly: Format your microSD card periodically to keep it running smoothly and prevent data corruption.
  • Backup Important Data: Regularly back up your save data to prevent loss in case of accidental deletion or card damage.

Maximizing Your Gaming Experience

Expanding your Nintendo Switch’s storage with a microSD card is a simple yet effective way to enhance your gaming experience. By following these steps and taking precautions, you can enjoy a wider game library, faster loading times, and peace of mind knowing your data is secure.

Q: Can I use any microSD card with my Nintendo Switch?
A: While most microSD cards work, Nintendo recommends using cards with a minimum speed class of UHS-I (U3) for optimal performance.
Q: How much storage do I need?
A: The amount of storage you need depends on your gaming habits. If you download a lot of games, consider a larger capacity card (128GB or more).
Q: Can I use a microSD card to play games directly from it?
A: Yes, you can download games directly to your microSD card. However, some games may require installation on the internal storage.
Q: Can I transfer save data from my old microSD card to a new one?
A: Yes, you can move your save data to a new microSD card using the “Move Save Data” option in System Settings.
Q: What happens if I remove the microSD card while the Switch is on?
A: It’s highly recommended to safely eject the card before removing it physically. Removing it while the Switch is on could lead to data corruption or loss.

Was this page helpful?No
D
About the Author
Davidson is the founder of Techlogie, a leading tech troubleshooting resource. With 15+ years in IT support, he created Techlogie to easily help users fix their own devices without appointments or repair costs. When not writing new tutorials, Davidson enjoys exploring the latest gadgets and their inner workings. He holds...