Introduction
With internal storage limited to 32GB on the regular Nintendo Switch and 64GB on the Switch OLED , an SD memory card is essential to fully enjoy the console. In 2025, games are getting bigger and bigger , incorporating updates, DLC, and improved graphics. A fast, powerful SD card not only allows you to store more games , but also speeds up loading times and optimizes the gaming experience.
Some games even require more space than the Switch's internal storage , forcing players to regularly delete titles to install new ones. To avoid these constraints, investing in a high-capacity and fast Micro SD card has become a necessity .
In this article, we help you choose the best SD memory card for your Nintendo Switch , based on capacity, speed, and compatibility .
Why is an SD card essential for the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch does not allow games to be installed directly onto an external hard drive , unlike other consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Therefore, the only option to increase storage space is to use a Micro SD card .
The weight of games on Nintendo Switch in 2025
Here are some examples of the sizes of the most popular games:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom → 18.2 GB
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate → 16 GB
- Pokémon Scarlet & Purple → 10.2 GB
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe → 6.7 GB
- The Witcher 3: Complete Edition → 31.5 GB
If you have multiple games , the available space on the console fills up very quickly .
Benefits of an SD Memory Card for the Nintendo Switch
✔ Store more games without having to constantly uninstall them
✔ Speed up loading times with a fast map
✔ Make it easier to transfer games and saves between multiple consoles
✔ Install updates and DLC directly to SD card
✔ Play without interruption , even with a large digital game library
A good SD card therefore allows you to extend the life of your console and fully enjoy Nintendo Switch games .
What memory card capacity should I choose for the Nintendo Switch?
The choice of SD card capacity depends on the number of games you want to install and their average size .
128 GB to 256 GB: For occasional use
These abilities are suited to players who:
- Mostly buy their games in physical version and download few digital games
- Only play a few titles at a time
- Do not install large DLCs or updates
✔ Enough to store around ten large games
✔ Affordable price, good compromise for casual gamers
❌ Can quickly become limited if you buy multiple digital games
512 GB to 1 TB: The best compromise for regular gamers
Ideal for:
- Players who primarily purchase their games digitally
- Fans of DLC, updates and expansions
- Gamers who want to avoid having to uninstall games regularly
✔ Ideal capacity to store 30 to 50 AAA games
✔ Fast loading and performance optimization
✔ Good balance between space and price
❌ May be insufficient in the long run for digital game collectors
2TB: The ultimate capacity for enthusiasts
This option is ideal for those who:
- Never want to worry about storage
- Buy many digital games and expansions
- Want to optimize their experience over the long term
✔ Perfect for Switch game collectors
✔ Sufficient storage for future updates and DLC
✔ Optimal performance, no slowdowns
❌ Higher price
💡 Tip: It is better to invest directly in a large capacity card rather than buying several low capacity SD cards , as this avoids the need to transfer files frequently .
What SD card speed should I choose for the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch supports Micro SD cards up to 104 MB/s read , but it is recommended to opt for a UHS-I card with a minimum of 90-100 MB/s to ensure fast loading .
Recommended speed classes :
- U1 (10 MB/s min.) : Basic, but may slow down some games
- U3 / V30 (30 MB/s min.) : Recommended for fast and smooth loading
- V60 / V90 : Not necessary on Switch, but useful for 8K video
Why choose Xiaomi PRO Plus Micro SD Card for Switch?
The Xiaomi PRO Plus Micro SD Card is one of the best options for the Nintendo Switch , thanks to its high performance and capacity of up to 2TB .
📂 Storage up to 2TB to install hundreds of games
⚡ Read speeds up to 160 MB/s , far beyond the Switch's needs
🎮 Optimized for video games , ensuring fast and smooth loading times
🛡️ Reliability and durability , resistant to water, shocks and extreme temperatures
What is the best SD card for Switch in 2025?
| Model | Maximum capacity | Read/write speed | Class | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi PRO Plus | 2 TB | 160 MB/s - 120 MB/s | U3, V30, A2 | Gaming, long-term storage |
| SanDisk Extreme | 1 TB | 150 MB/s - 90 MB/s | U3, V30, A2 | Standard use |
| Samsung EVO Plus | 512 GB | 130 MB/s - 80 MB/s | U1, V10 | Casual games |
| Kingston Canvas React | 1 TB | 170 MB/s - 90 MB/s | U3, V30, A1 | Good compromise |
Conclusion: Which memory card should you choose for the Nintendo Switch in 2025?
If you're looking for a fast and durable SD card for the Nintendo Switch , here are our recommendations:
- 128 GB - 256 GB : For occasional use
- 512 GB - 1 TB : The best compromise for regular gamers
- 2 TB : For those who want to store everything without constraints
The Xiaomi PRO Plus Micro SD Card is an excellent option thanks to its large capacity, speed and full compatibility with the Switch .
Discover the Xiaomi PRO Plus Micro SD Card now on Retroxmania and improve your gaming experience!
